Overview
The Northeast High Country is a sub-region of Georgia's Historic High Country region. The Northeast region of the Georgia High Country consists of the counties that are in the most northeast corner of Georgia. They share borders with Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There are many artisan and tourist driven communities in this region including Helen, Blue Ridge, and Clayton.
16 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Northeast High Country
Appalachian Trail
The most famous trail within the state of Georgia runs 75.2 miles from Springer Mountain to the North Carolina Border near Hiawassee
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Rock Mountain State Park has the highest elevation in the state park system. The park features spectacular roadside overlooks, hiking trails, a campground, and cottages.
Blood Mountain
One of the more scenic mountains in Georgia can be accessed via the Appalachian Trail from Neels Gap or from trails starting in Vogel State Park and Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
Brasstown Bald
At 4,784' Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state of Georgia. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from April through November. A .6 mile paved trail leads from the parking lot to the visitor center and look…
Coosa Backcountry Tail
This 12.9 mile loop trail begins within Vogel State Park and crosses into the Chattahoochie-Oconee National Forest. A permit is required and can be picked up for free at the state park visitors center. Backcountry campin…
Cowrock Mountain
Located inside the Raven Cliffs Wilderness, Cowrock Mountain offers views of White County and nearby Wildcat Mountain. Hike on the Appalachian Trail to reach the summit.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Wettest: Jan and Mar. (climate data from nearby Historic High Country)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 74 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AVL Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville — 74 mi away. Directions
Sample 3-day trip
- Day 1: Helen — Anna Ruby Falls, Babyland General Hospital - Cabbage Patch Kids, Charlemagne's Kingdom.
- Day 2: Blue Ridge — Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
- Day 3: Blairsville — Lake Nottely, Brasstown Bald, Vogel State Park.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Photos
Places in Northeast High Country
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Cities
- Blairsville
- Blue Ridge
- Clayton
- Cleveland — Home of the Cabbage Patch Kids.
- Helen — Created to resemble an Alpine Village.
- McCaysville
- Mineral Bluff
- Morganton
- Rabun Gap
- Toccoa
Other destinations
- Lake Chatuge
- Nacoochee Valley Historic District
- Sautee Valley Historic District - A few miles south of Helen
- Sky Valley - home to Sky Valley Resort
- Unicoi State Park - A few miles north of Helen
Do
Hikes
Do Blood Mountain
One of the more scenic mountains in Georgia can be accessed via the Appalachian Trail from Neels Gap or from trails starting in Vogel State Park and Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
Do Coosa Backcountry Tail
This 12.9 mile loop trail begins within Vogel State Park and crosses into the Chattahoochie-Oconee National Forest. A permit is required and can be picked up for free at the state park visitors center. Backcountry camping is allowed along the trail. Hikers should be aware that the trail is rated as very strenuous and make preparations accordingly.
Lakes
Do Lake Rabun
Described as Georgia's Lake Como by the lake's boat association, Lake Rabun is located in the southern part of Rabun County. Most of the shoreline is occupied by private homes. However, one can take a look of the lake homes in a tour boat operated by the Lake Rabun Association.
Do Lake Winfield Scott
Located near Vogel State Park and Suches, Lake Winfield Scott is an 18-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Recreational activities include fishing, boating and swimming in designated areas. Slaughter Mountain can be viewed from the lake. The 1-mile Jarrard Gap Trail and 2.7-mile Slaughter Creek Trail connects the recreational area to the Appalachian trail.
Go next
Nearby
Lake Chatuge
Rural area · 2 listings · 19 mi away
Dahlonega
City / town · 15 listings · 28 mi away
Highlands
City / town · 1 listings · 29 mi away
Franklin
City / town · 2 listings · 30 mi away
Walhalla
City / town · 12 listings · 30 mi away
Andrews
City / town · 32 mi away
Murphy
City / town · 2 listings · 32 mi away
Cashiers
City / town · 1 listings · 36 mi away
My experience
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