| Hiking Benton MacKaye Trail Less tame path than the Appalachian Trail, steep in places, rough in spots, a mixture of occasional road walks and single-track footpaths treading along ridgelines and streams. Many sections have permanently fixed routes, while other sections are still being rerouted. The trail's namesake, Benton MacKaye, was the man who actually conceived the idea of an "Appalachian Trail." The Benton MacKaye Trail starts at the same place as the Appalachian Trial, Springer Mountain in Georgia. It heads north through the Chattahoochee National Forest and crosses The Appalachian Trail a few times during the early part of the 93-mile journey to its current terminus at the Ocoee River in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. Find information on other trails at: Georgia Trails Golf - Whitepath Golf Course, Ellijay, GA. For reservations call: 706-276-3080 Within a few feet of the golf course is a wonderful lodge that provides a gorgeous view of the mountains, right on the 10th tee! Call Whitepath Lodge for reservations. Bicycling - Great mountain biking! There are dedicated cycling lanes on GA Hwy. 52 E. Whitewater Rafting Day trips are available through Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Company. The oldest whitewater rafting company in the area, providing rafting adventures for over 32 years. Tennis in Ellijay A picturesque recreation complex on the banks of the Coosawattee River, the park offers picnic areas, tennis courts, and a walking trail. Old Highway 5 South, along the Coosawattee River. South of the Dairy Queen. Lighted tennis courts. No charge. One hour time limit if someone is waiting. Lakes/Boating/Fishing Located near Ellijay off GA Hwy. 136. Carters Lake is more than 450 feet deep with 3,200 surface acres. The dam is the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River. The scenery if spectacular with mountain and valley views of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Its sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of recreational opportunities which include fishing, picnicking, boating, mountain biking and hunting. Launch ramps by fee. Carter’s Lake is stocked with Walleye, Hybrid Bass and Striped Bass. Nearby State Parks Fort Mountain State Park 18 miles North of Ellijay on GA Hwy. 52 W - Eighteen miles North of Ellijay on Hwy 52W; Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hikes wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. Great picnic area. Amicalola Falls 20 miles Southeast of Ellijay on GA Hwy. 52 East - Its easy to see why this is one of Georgia's most popular state parks. Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning tumbling waters, is an appropriate name for these 729-foot falls the tallest east of the Mississippi River. An eight-mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,150-mile Appalachian Trail. However, numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys. Wildlife Rehab Sanctuaries and Other Farms: Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary 5 miles East of Ellijay. A 50-acre facility that medically cares for all species of orphaned and injured wildlife indigenous to Georgia and the Southeast. The sanctuary is a state and federally licensed facility. Several years ago, the sanctuary began to offer outdoor education and summer camp programs to serve the people of the community. It is open to the public, Sunday through Friday for tours by appointment only. Fishing in Ellijay - There is great fishing in Ellijay on Old Hwy. 5 in the park area, from the banks of the Coosawattee River. Take your fishing pole and enjoy. There is also a 1 mile walking tract along the river with a great picnic and playground area. Pearson Pond Ranch & Llama Co. The ranch is located down an old logging road and up a holler known as Pleasant Valley on 98 acres, surrounded by mountains once roamed by Cherokee Indians. Started here in 1981 there is a sizable herd that represents the finest bloodlines available, including Argentine, Chilean, Bolivian, Australian, Canadian and North American. Visitors by appointment. Burt's Pumpkin Farm Burt’s has pumpkins that range from an eye popping 150 lbs. to a modest 1 lb. in every variety imaginable. Burt's also offer hayrides and fieldtrips that take you through a winding trail filled with nature and beauty. Hillcrest Orchard Petting Zoo One of the most popular Apple Orchards is Hillcrest Orchard, perfect for a fun fall trip to the North Georgia Mountains. Museums The Heritage Museum of Gilmer County is located in the Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association Facility at 207 Dalton Street (also known as 52 West). Located two blocks west of the roundabout, the museum is open from 9am through 5pm, Monday through Friday. It covers the history of Gilmer, including prehistoric relics, the Trail of Tears, early pioneer days, gold rush early tourism and the large hotels of the 1800's, the War Between the States, and much more. House wares through the ages is the current rotating exhibit. Ellijay Historic Sites Call Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce for information, 706-635-7400. Visit my Real Estate Website and Search the Ellijay, MLS for Free! http://www.EllijayRealEstate.net |
| Attractions and Activities in Ellijay, GA! |
 | |  | |  | |  |
