| The Appalachian
Trail - A wilderness footpath
that winds over 2,100 miles along the crest of the Appalachian mountains. It runs through
14 states. The Appalachian
Trail in Georgia extends some 80 miles through the primitive area of Chattahoochee
National Forest. Although rising at times to elevations of over 4,400 feet, the Trail is
mostly along ridges at elevations around 3,000 feet. It offers unlimited hiking adventure
of exceptional challenge and variety. Ascents and descents are sometimes steep, but are
often rewarded by scenic vistas from rocky outcrops and open summits.
The Appalachian
Trail may be reached by way of: Woody Gap on Georgia Highway 60, 4 miles south of Suches;
Neel Gap on U.S. Highway 19/129, 14 miles south of Blairsville; and Testate Gap and Hog
Pen Gap on Georgia Highway 348 (Richard Russell Scenic Highway,) 15 miles southeast of
Blairsville.
Blood Mountain
Archaeological Area - Site of Cherokee
and Creek Indian Battle before arrival of the white man. For your convenience, there is a
Visitor Information Center located at Walasi-Yi Center where the Appalachian Trail crosses
U.S. Highway 19/129. The area is located 15 miles south of Blairsville at Neel Gap on US
Highway 19/129, via Appalachian Trail.
Blue Star Memorial
By-Way - First conceived in
1946 to honor veterans of World War II, Blue Star Memorials became a project of the
National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. Since that time, hundreds of
Memorials have been dedicated by Garden Clubs throughout the nation honoring our armed
forces, who have served, are serving, and will serve in the Armed Forces of the United
States. The name was taken from the Blue Star in the Service Flag. The
bronze marker, dedicated June 6, 1999, is located at Heritage Walk on the grounds of the
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, Highway 515 at Old Blue Ridge Highway,
Blairsville.
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.
Byron Herbert Reece
Homeplace - This farm homeplace
is where Reece completed his writings. Still standing are the house Reece built for his
parents, his study, the large barn and home of his sister. About three miles south beyond
the homeplace is the Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Park with hiking trails and picnic area.
Located nine miles south of Blairsville on US Highway 19 & 129.
Cooper's Creek
Scenic & Recreation Area - 1,240 acres
featuring camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and hunting. Cooper's Creek and tributaries
are teeming with trout. From Blairsville, go west on Blue Ridge Highway (Old Highway 76)
for three miles. Turn left onto Mulky Gap Road. Follow paved road until pavement ends and
turn to gravel. Go three miles and Cooper's Creek is on the left.
DeSoto Falls Scenic
Area
- Rugged mountainous country with exceptional views and five beautiful waterfalls - 650
acres with 2,000-4,000 feet elevations. Clear streams, camping, fishing, picnicking, and
hiking. Take US Highway 19/129 south of Blairsville for 15 miles or north from Cleveland
for 15 miles.
Dukes Creek Falls - Drops about 150
feet down a sheer granite canyon and into Dukes Creek. The area offers scenic beauty and
excellent gold panning opportunities. There is a slippery-rock water slide. An observation
deck affords an excellent view of the falls from the parking are. Travel on US Highway
19/129 south from Blairsville five miles. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 180 for 1/2 mile.
Turn right onto Georgia Highway 348 (Richard Russell Scenic Highway) for 12 miles.
Frank Gross
Recreation Area - Along beautiful
Rock Creek, near Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery. Camping and fishing. Take Georgia
Highway 60 north from Suches approximately 10 miles turn left onto Forest Service Road 69
for five miles.
Georgia Mountain
Experiment Station - A branch of the
University of Georgia established in 1930 to provide a diversified program in agricultural
research and demonstrations of fruits, vegetables, field and forage crops as well as
ornamentals and beef-cattle winter feeding trials. Gardens of the Arboretum project
is in progress and will center around the Jarrett "Apple" House, an historic
building on the grounds of the Experiment Station. Tours may be arranged by calling
(706) 745-2655. Self-guided tours Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Located
approximately three miles south of Blairsville on US Highway 19/129.
Helton Creek Falls - Beautiful double
falls set in deep hardwood forest. The total vertical drop is more than 100 feet. A 300
yard trail leads to the falls. (The rocks are deceptively slippery; please exercise
caution.) Travel 13 miles south of Blairsville on 19/129. Turn left onto Helton Creek
Road, 2.3 miles to a parking area on the right.
Horse Trough Falls - Another lesser
known but no less spectacular waterfall awaits you in Union County within easy distance of
Helen. It's Horse rough Falls, a shimmering 70 foot falls on Little Horse Trough Creek. To
reach Horse Trough Falls, take Georgia 17/75 north from Helen (in White County) to FS44.
Then turn left onto FS44. At 9.3 mile you'll pass a waterfall on Spoilcane Creek. Then, at
about 3.4 miles you'll come to FS44F which turns off to the right. FS44F soon fords Henson
Creek. Once you're across Henson Creek stay to the left for 0.2 miles to a road-blocking
pile of debris and park your vehicle there. Now look for blue blazes marking a trail
leading upstream along the Chattahoochee River. Hike upstream. You'll soon ford the river.
Several hundred feet upriver Little Horse Trough Creek joins the river from the left;
follow the creek upstream for a tenth of a mile to the base of the falls. From three
hiking distance to Horse Trough Falls is about 0.3 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.
Lake Winfield Scott - Clear 18 acre lake
high in the mountains with picnicking, camping, swimming, fishing, boating and hiking.
Covered pavilion and bathhouse near swimming area. Take US Highway 19/129 south from
Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn west onto Georgia Highway 180 for seven miles.
Lake Woody - Named for Arthur
Woody, widely known for establishing rainbow trout in the cool mountain streams, and
bringing deer back to the mountains of north Georgia. Take US Highway 19/129 south of
Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn west onto Georgia Highway 180 for 12 miles to Suches near
the Georgia Highway 60 intersection.
Richard Russell
Scenic Highway - 14.1 miles of
scenic mountain drive, overlooks. The Highway crosses the Appalachian Trail. Elevations
range from 2,040 feet to 3,644 feet. Direct route from Blairsville to Helen. Travel south
of Blairsville on US Highway 19/129 for five miles. Turn left onto Georgia Highway 180,
1/2 mile to designated Georgia Highway 348.
Sosebee Cove Scenic
Area
- 175 acre tract of prize hardwoods set aside as a memorial to Arthur Woody, the
"Barefoot Ranger," who served as US Forest Ranger form 1911 to 1945. No
facilities, 1/2 mile trail. Abundant spring flowers. Take US Highway 19/129 south of
Blairsville for 10 miles. Turn west onto Georgia Highway 180 for two miles.
Trackrock
Archaeological Area - 52 acre area with
preserved petroglyph of ancient indian origin. Carvings resemble animal and bird tracks,
crosses, circles and human footprints. Historical marker locates the area. Travel US
Highway 19/129 south of Blairsville. Turn left onto Town Creek School Road. Turn left at
Harmony Grove Church onto Trackrock Gap Road, approximately three mile.
Union County
Historical Courthouse Museum - A Romanesque
style brick and granite structure built in 1899 unique in its Appalachian Georgia setting.
The Union County Historical Society was organized in 1976 to restore the Courthouse and
the old Courthouse clock which had been removed in the 1950's. The clock is proudly
displayed in the Courthouse lobby. Special collections feature the life and works of
beloved Georgia poet, Byron Herbert Reece, a native of Union County, and Margarita
Morgan's internationally known miniature doll house collection. Visit the Historical
Society's museum in the Courthouse, located in the center of Blairsville.
Vogel State Park - One of Georgia's oldest and
most popular state parks. Major facilities include 280 acres in the mountains, 110 tent
and trailer sites, 36 rental cottages, 20 acre lake, miniature golf, swimming beach, four
picnic shelters, pioneer camping, pedal boats, family group shelter. There are 17 miles of
hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiasts. Annual special events include the Wildflower
Program in April and the Mountain Music Festival in September.
Woody Gap
Recreational Area - Scenic view of
Yahoola Valley. The Appalachian Trail crosses Georgia Highway 60 at this point. Located
four miles south of Suches.
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