Fun, Recreation & Adventure in the Fannin County Georgia Area

When it comes to river sports some like it mild, while others like it wild, such as white water adventure rafters and kayakers. Fannin County is on the edge of one of the most dynamic sources for white water rafting in the eastern United States, the legendary Ocoee River. Though the Toccoa River is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and tubing, it is it's twin-sister river the Ocoee that offers some of the wildest and adventurous white water experience in the Blue Ridge Mountain Province. When the high mountain headwaters of the Toccoa River reach the county's northern end at the state line where the towns of McCaysville Georgia merges with the town of Copperhill Tennessee, Georgia's Toccoa River miraculously becomes Tennessee's Ocoee River…same river, different state and name.

White Water Rafting & Kayaking on the Ocoee River

Just northeast of the towns of McCaysville and Copperhill the Ocoee River enters the Ocoee River Gorge in the Cohutta Wilderness and that's where all the adventure begins. Though the Ocoee River has always been legendary to rafters that know about its world-class rapids, it was in the latter days of the 20th century that the Ocoee River became known to the world during the 1996 Olympics.

The Ocoee River has three distinct characters the Upper, Middle and Lower. It was the Upper Ocoee that got the thumbs up for the 1996 Olympic Kayaking Challenge, which was held at the newly constructed Ocoee White Water Center.

This Upper section of the river was once considered a dead river due to its waters being diverted away from where the White Water Center is today. The river's natural course in front of the center was reformed to create a world-class Olympic course before the river's waters were reintroduce to the ancient river bed.

The Ocoee White Water Center is a beautiful place to visit and watch rafters and kayakers take on the course while onlookers picnic, stroll or lounge along the river's refreshing banks or swim in the Blue Hole just up the river from the White Water Center.

Even though the Upper Ocoee has all of today's white water fame, most rafting guides and kayakers agree it's the wild Middle Ocoee that's the most exciting and beautiful section of the river. The Lower Ocoee section is located just beyond the take out port for commercial rafters, leaving the gentler Lower Ocoee River more appropriate for canoe trips along a journey to the Ocoee Lake below.

When it comes to the Ocoee River, if you want to raft, you'll have to buy a seat, only commercial rafting companies can use the river as regulated by Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest, overcrowding by private rafters can create congestion and danger for the river and its world-class rapids. Also, all rafters must wear helmets on the Ocoee River. When it comes to kayakers there's no restricted access, the river is open to the public use.

For those looking for a gentler white water river to raft on, be it privately or commercially, helmet or no helmet, the Nantahala River is about an hour plus drive northeast of Fannin County into North Carolina along Highway 64 going east.

You can purchase passage along either river through Great Mountain Adventure.

The Ocoee River Gorge was originally used as access to the lower Tennessee Valley to the west. Before the railroad arrived, copper from the Copper Basin was hauled by wagon along crudely hand cut roads through the gorge from above to the railways in the valley below.

Today you can follow this historical path through the Ocoee River Gorge along Highway 64 where the river's every mile offers views of the gorge that are as grand and as thunderous as the river rapids themselves. Along the way sight-seers can pull off the roadway at widen shoulders and watch the river rafters and kayakers paddling, all the while yelling and waving their oars with excitement. This drive along the Ocoee River Gorge Scenic Byway is highly recommended as one of the Blue Ridge Highlander's favorite driving tours.

If a short moderate hike in the gorge is your desire, I recommend taking a stroll along the Old Copper Road Historic Trail that leads north along the southern riverbank. Here you can see and experience the old road in its original form and imagine its rough and bumpy rides from heavy loads of ore that traveled this ancient roadway. There are several trails across the river from the Ocoee White Water Center; all these trails are popular with hikers, backpackers and adventurous mountain bikers.

To know more about these two outstanding rivers the Blue Ridge Highlander offers several online stories for your reading enjoyment.

Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding

Some like to ride the trails rough like the daredevil mountain bikers, enjoying the experiences, thrills and challenges along some of the forestry's finest trials throughout the county. One region that is especially designed for that purpose is the Aska Adventure Trail Area accessible off Aska Road in the southern mountainous region of Fannin County. Another mountain biking area is just across the Tennessee border in the Ocoee River Gorge. These great mountain biking trails can be accessed across the Liberty Bridge in front of the Ocoee White Water Center. For a shorter and more level trail that is good for mountain bike beginners the Old Copper Road Historic Trail is located just west of the Ocoee White Water Center.

Other outdoor enthusiast might prefer a more comfortable saddle than a narrow bike seat. Horseback riding is a very popular attraction in Fannin County with stables offering group rides along the rolling valley floors and foothills. If you are more adventurous, camp-out guided tours and rugged backcountry wilderness rides are also available. Maybe you would just like to cruise along in a horse drawn carriage, possibly take a romantic moonlit ride with your sweetheart or bounce along in a wagon hay ride with the whole family.  Whatever you are looking for, you can get your equestrian desires filled in the high country of Fannin County.

Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins

Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals offers many vacation rental cabins which allow you to experience a little piece of heaven every time you visit. Our private luxury cabins provide a getaway retreat for couples, families and friends who love nature and the outdoors. Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals manages these privately owned luxury cabin rentals, all of which are located within minutes of Blue Ridge, Georgia and the beautiful Ocoee River and Toccoa River.

224 Blue Ridge Dr  • McCaysville, GA  •  877.628.3353  •  www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com

Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts

When you are visiting the Blue Ridge - Smoky Mountains, a stop by the Highlander Gallery is well worth your time. The Highlander Gallery represents some of the finest artists in the mountains.  With a large assortment of Fine Art Photography and Fine Crafts as well.

Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Marla McCormicke • Don Milsaps • Don Blackwell • Juanita Greenspan • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Mike Lalone • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Ed Rose • Billy Reynolds • David Hobby • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole

Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
10079 Old Highway 64  •  Brasstown, NC  • 828.835.9982  • www.HighlanderGallery.com

BRMAA - Art Center Gallery

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is passionate about art. Our Art Center Team is devoted to bringing new exhibits, new events, and new programs to our community through art and culture. We endeavor to provide a haven for artists to flourish and grow. We measure success by the success of our artists and the many galleries that help to make up our Art Town in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. We boast the largest Gallery Experience in the North Georgia Mountains, come visit us and experience a true Art Town in the Mountains.

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 6:00 - Sunday 11:00 - 5:00 - Closed on Monday
420 West Main Street  •  Blue Ridge, GA 30513  •  706.632.2144  • www.BlueRidgeArts.net

The Art Station

The Art Station was created to provide economical pricing for supplies for artists and for our art classes for children and adults. We surveyed our artists to determine the supplies most needed and we are adding to that inventory every day with requests from our artist members.

We encourage you to visit, check out our supplies. "Art, We are it!"

Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 - Closed on Monday
420 West Main Street  •  Blue Ridge, GA 30513  •  706.632.2144  • www.BlueRidgeArts.net

Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips

Great mountain adventures is offering the "Best Fishing" available in the Mountains. We create a fishing trip, designed specifically towards your needs with a professional fishing guide to guide you to make the most of your fishing adventure on the Finest Lakes, Rivers and Streams in the Southern Appalachians!

So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMountainFishing.com

Rafting on the Ocoee River

The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest white water center in the world.

Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Rafting on the Nantahala River

Experience this unforgettable whitewater adventure through the gorge. The Nantahala is exciting, and a great time, but not as wild as the Ocoee.  This is a river that you can bring children on as young as seven years old.

Experience the excitement of Patton's Run, the fun and splash of Tumble Dry, the rush and roar of riding Class III Nantahala Falls. For a bigger thrill, try taking one of our Duckies down the river!

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River

Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.

All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers

White Water Rafting on the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers • Horseback Riding • High and Low Ropes Course • Giant Swing • Caving • Paint ball • Mountain Biking • Camping & Cabin Rental

Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.

 tara@greatmountainretreats.com  •  828.835.3275  •  GreatYouthRetreats.com

Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker

My name is Keri Conner, I have lived in these mountains all my life, and have been a successful Realtor since 2001.  I know from personal experience why you want your own special place in the mountains and I know how to help you find that special place.  Whether you are looking for a luxury mountain home, log cabin, a view property, river or creek property, a lake front home or property, or a large tract of mountain property, I will help you not only find the right real estate purchase, I will help you through the entire real estate process, including closing.  If you are looking to sell your mountain home, to downsize or are finally ready to buy your new bigger dream home or cabin, I am the Realtor/Broker you need.  Check out our Featured Listings....

224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA  • 706-964-6470  •  RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com

Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina

When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.

10950 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902  •  828.557.1009  •  GreatMtnRealEstate.com

Bill Banzhaf, Associate Broker  •  North Georgia, Western North Carolina & Tennessee

As an agent who's an expert in homes for sale in North Georgia, North Carolina & Tennessee, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate in this gorgeous part of the south. Buying a new home or a new piece of land is not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information.

Whether you're looking to purchase a year-round, luxury-style log home, buy a part-time residence for use during your getaway vacation, or prefer to use your property as a vacation rental, I am eager to serve you. Check out my Featured Listings...

11 Overview Drive, Suite 102  •  Blue Ridge, GA 30513  •  Mobile  706-851-5865
Office  706-946-1520  •  HomesinBlueRidge.com

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