Rivers, Waterways, Waterfalls and Fishing

Fannin County is a crisscross maze of waterways from babbling springs to rushing creeks to roaring rivers. The Toccoa River, Rock Creek, Coopers Creek and Noontoola Creek are considered regional waterways that hold the characteristics required for anglers to find big trout.

Toccoa River

The Toccoa River flows through the very heart and length of Fannin County. Above Lake Blue Ridge the Toccoa River is stocked with trout regularly. Below the dam the catching is usually plentiful. Many anglers like to float-fish from the dam downstream to McCaysville. Water levels can rise suddenly, you would be advised to check the dates and times for water releases from Blue Ridge Dam at 800-238-2264 before your trip.

The land along the many waterways in the county are either privately owned or under the National Forest's management and you'll need to understand which land is which if you intend to access the waterways.

National Forest System lands are open to camping, hiking, fishing, and picnic activities. However, you are responsible for removing all trash you create.

Fishing is allowed on segments of the Toccoa River where one or both sides are National Forest System Lands, provided anglers are legally licensed and comply with all state fishing regulations. Otherwise you must obtain permission from private property owners to access the river or even fish from a boat, should it be privately owned on both sides of the river.

The local forestry office can help you with that info, Toccoa Ranger District, 6050 Appalachian Highway, Blue Ridge, GA, 706-632-3031.

The Swinging Bridge over Toccoa River

This 265 foot long bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River. Just south of Skeenah Gap Road along GA 60 is a forestry road and trail crossing for the Benton MacKaye and Duncan Ridge Trail. The forestry road is located along the west side of GA 60. To reach the swinging bridge you can follow this rough and bumpy forestry road for three miles and park at the end of the road.

In 1976 the Forest Service, along with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club replaced a dangerous ford of the Toccoa River in this area. The bridge, built by a private contractor, was completed in 1977 and has become a landmark in Fannin County and a popular camping spot in the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area.

A hike from the parking area to the swinging bridge and Toccoa River takes about 5-minutes and is moderate in difficulty to hike.

Horseshoe Bend Park on the Toccoa River

Neighboring the town of Mineral Bluff is Horseshoe Bend Park located along the beautiful waters of the Toccoa River. This excellent riverside park is within a natural setting adding to the essence and wonder of this riverside experience.

A large pavilion filled with tables, grills located close by and a nearby playground make this setting perfect for group gatherings and reunions. Yet it's the river access that draw visitors along its banks whether they're fishing from dry land, wadding deep in its smooth flowing water or just gazing at the sunset glistening off its water.

This park is perfect for use as a launch or takeout for tubing, canoe adventures or small fishing boats.

Deep Hole Access to the Toccoa River

Located along the bank of the Toccoa River with 8 campsites for small trailers or tents, restrooms and drinking water. This is an ideal location for a canoe launch and has fishing access. A wooden deck along the riverbank overlooks a deep hole in the river giving this location its namesake.

Shallowford Bridge

Located along Aska Road in the small mountain community of Due in Fannin County, is the Shallowford Bridge. This section near the bridge is a popular river access for fishing, tubing and canoe takeout.

Doublehead Road Canoe Launch

This is one of the most scenic canoe launch areas along the upper Toccoa River and easily accessed just off GA 60 along Doublehead Road.

Doublehead is a paved roadway to the bridge and the river's edge, approximately and mile or so from GA 60

Jacks and Conasauga Rivers

Both the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers flow through the Cohutta Wilderness Area. Even though they are on public lands, they are fairly remote and only accessible by unpaved forestry roads. Other popular fishing areas are Shallowford Bridge, Tammen Park and Horseshoe Bend Park. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources publishes a comprehensive trout-fishing guide to Georgia, available at the Fannin County Welcome Center.

If you're a real fish lover, you can visit the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery located at the extreme southern end of the Fannin County and Union County border near the Deep Hole and Coopers Creek recreation areas.

This is a great experience for the whole family especially those young, future great fishing guys and gals. The hatchery is located between the towns of Morganton and Dahlonega along Highway 60.

Fall Branch Falls & other Fannin County Waterfalls

If you prefer hiking along waterways to fishing there are numerous waterway trails throughout the county that offer access to stunning waterfalls and cascading streams, great photo opportunities for hikers throughout the National Forest in Fannin County. The names of several of these popular waterfalls are Long Creek Falls, Fall Branch Falls, Sea Creek Falls and Jacks River Falls.

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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