5 Best Sights in Blue Ridge and Ellijay, Central and North Georgia

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Ride the rails on a four-hour, 26-mile round-trip excursion along the Toccoa River. The trip includes a stop in McCaysville, smack on the Georgia–Tennessee state line. Several restaurants, shops, and galleries are open during the two-hour layover. The train, which has open Pullman cars and is pulled by diesel engines, is staffed with friendly volunteer hosts. Premier class is available to those over 18 and includes snacks and a little extra TLC. The ticket office, on the National Register of Historic Places, dates from 1905 and was originally the depot of the L&N Railroad. Children of all ages enjoy the ride.

In summer you may want to consider the air-conditioned coaches.

Scenic Drive Family
241 Depot St., Blue Ridge, Georgia, 30513, USA
706-632–8724
www.brscenic.com
sights Details
Rate Includes: $45--$92, depending on season and ticket type, Mid-Mar.–late Dec. Call for hrs., No train Jan.–mid-Mar.

Hillcrest Orchards

Buy freshly picked apples (usually early September to late November) at this 80-acre farm. Homemade jellies, jams, breads, and doughnuts are available at the farm's market and bakery. On September and October weekends, the Apple Pickin' Jubilee features live music, wagon rides, apple picking, and other activities. There's also a petting zoo and a picnic area.

Family Farm/Ranch
9696 GA 52 E, Ellijay, Georgia, 30536, USA
706-273–3838
www.hillcrestorchards.net
sights Details
Rate Includes: $8–$12 for special events, including Apple Pickin\' Jubilee, Sept.–Oct., daily 9–6; Nov., daily 9–5, Closed Dec.–Aug.

Mercier Orchards

This family-owned apple orchard has been producing delicious apples and other fruits for more than 75 years. Apple season is typically from September to November, but even outside the season you can stop in at Mercier's huge farm market and bakery to pick up some of its famous fried apple pies and other homemade goodies. It's open every day of the week. You can also grab lunch in the deli and taste Mercier's own hard-pressed ciders in the farm winery. The orchard is especially buzzing with activity in the fall, when you can take a tractor ride and pick your own apples, and in the summer when blueberry season arrives. Call ahead to find out what fruits are in season and for the latest details on orchard events.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Swan Drive-In Theatre

Originally opened in 1955, this is one of only five drive-in movie theaters operating in Georgia. You can take in a movie under the stars and fill up on corn dogs, onion rings, funnel cakes, and popcorn from the concession stand.

Family
651 Summit St., Blue Ridge, Georgia, 30513, USA
706-632–5235
www.swan-drive-in.com
sights Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon.–Thurs.; call ahead in winter, Cash only

Toccoa River Swinging Bridge

Located on the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail, this 270-foot-long bridge spanning the Toccoa River is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River. A shaky stroll across the bridge offers breathtaking views of the river and mountain scenery. Best of all, it can be easily reached thanks to an unpaved Forest Service road. It's a bumpy 3-mile ride, but the road makes accessing the bridge an easy hike.