Outdoor Adventures
Fannin County’s southernmost border is a gateway to some of the nation’s most cherished outdoor adventures. Here, you’ll find the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the beginning of the Benton MacKaye Trail, both originating near Springer Mountain. The AT, a renowned trek, spans over 2,000 miles from Maine to Springer Mountain. On the other hand, the Benton MacKaye, a hidden gem, meanders approximately 250 miles, hugging the Appalachian Mountain’s western slopes before merging with the AT in Virginia.
The Benton MacKaye Trail offers some of Fannin County’s most breathtaking vistas. A notable highlight is its passage over the Toccoa River through the “Swinging Bridge,” one of the nation’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges. If you crave an unspoiled, picturesque hike, Benton MacKaye beckons!
However, if you’re less into hiking and more into water activities like tubing, canoeing, kayaking, or fly fishing, the Toccoa River — Fannin County’s crown jewel — awaits. Originating from the heart of the vast 700,000-acre Chattahoochee National Forest, this river starts as a mere trickle. As it winds through diverse terrains, the Toccoa grows into a majestic mountain river. Unique in its journey that heads due north, this river flows from Georgia to Tennessee, ultimately meeting the Gulf of Mexico. Adventurers often embark from the Deep Hole Forest Service Campground, traversing the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, passing the Aska Adventure Trails Area, and culminating at Lake Blue Ridge’s entrance.
Beginning at Deep Hole Forest Service Campground, paddlers journey the upper Toccoa via the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, make their way through the Aska Adventure Trails Area, and soon find their way to the mouth of Lake Blue Ridge.
Lake Blue Ridge, a TVA reservoir, spans 3,200 acres and boasts pristine waters with 80% of its shoreline untouched by development. A mere 20% features discreet homes, ensuring a tranquil ambiance for boaters and sunbathers alike. Visit the Lake Blue Ridge Marina for an unforgettable pontoon boat experience. Alternatively, let me personally guide you on a serene boat tour, showcasing the lake’s splendors, the enveloping National Forest, and available properties and homes. As the Toccoa River departs from Lake Blue Ridge, it ventures towards Tennessee, adopting the name Ocoee. This segment, the tail-waters, stands as Georgia’s premier trout fishing spot, attracting anglers as it has since the days of the Cherokee.