North Georgia Area Information
Blairsville, Georgia:
Vogel State Park
Visit this wonderful state park 11 miles south of
Blairsville on U.S. Hwy 19-129. The 233 acres includes 85 tent,
trailer, RV sites, 18 walk-in sites, 35 cottages and a fantastic
20-acre lake with a swimming beach, plus 4 picnic shelters, pioneer
campground and primitive campsites. Recreational activities include
hiking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, pedal boat and miniature golf.
Special programs are offered throughout the year.
Meeks Recreation Park provides recreation and leisure activities for all ages. Olympic-sized pool, bathhouse, concession area, lighted ball fields, batting cages, fenced playground area, picnic facilities, scenic walking trails wind throughout the park alongside the Butternut Creek, plus the new lighted walking path and a path especially to walk your dog.
Brasstown Bald Mountain & Visitor Information Center - 360 degree vista of four states from the observation deck, atop Georgia's highest elevation of 4,784 feet. The Visitor Information Center offers interpretive programs, slide presentations and exhibits that explain the natural history of the mountain area and the changes that occur in flora and fauna throughout the seasons. Hiking trails and picnicking areas are available. Open Memorial Day through October and on weekends in early spring (as weather permits.) Facilities 1/4 mile below. Summit reached by trail or by shuttle bus for a small fee. An elevator was installed prior to the 1999 season to carry the handicapped visitors to the observation deck. Travel US Highway 19/129 south from Blairsville seven miles. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 180 for nine miles, then north on Georgia 66 for three miles.
Lake Nottely - A 4,180 acre body of water with a 106 mile shoreline. Recreation areas provide opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. For your convenience there are two marinas and public boat ramps along the lake. Travel nine miles north on US Highway 19/129, turn left onto Georgia Highway 325, two miles to view 184 foot dam.
SORGHUM FESTIVAL
On the second, third, and fourth
weekends in October, the annual Sorghum Festival is held in Blairsville
at Fort Sorghum. Contests such as "Biskit Eatin'," "Pole Climbin',' and
"Log Sawin' set the tone for a down-home good time for all ages.
Celebrating the lost art of sorghum syrupmaking, the festival has live
demonstrations showing how the cane is crushed and cooked. A parade,
car show, and square dances round out the celebration.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The Appalachian Trail winds through Union County at
elevations up to 4,000 feet giving hikers an opportunity to view the
Chattahoochee National Forest up close. There are many points where the
trail can be accessed allowing hikers to enjoy the trail in any season.
Lesser know paths such as Duncan Ridge and the Benton McKaye Trail
(where a suspension bridge provides breathtaking view), provide a
diversion from the Appalachian Trail.
