A Black Traveler's Guide to the North Georgia Mountains
Black Americans are no strangers to the North Georgia mountains, the state's picturesque range of Appalachian foothills, which offer some of the state’s most rejuvenating travel experiences, particularly for those who adore The Great Outdoors. A short drive from Atlanta puts you in towns accentuated by beautiful rolling mountain ranges where the air is crisp, the sights are far and wide, and the sheer expanse of nature offers both the sanctuary of seclusion and liberation.
That said, you don’t just ride up into the North Georgia mountains without an intentional idea of where you’re headed, why, and what you intend to experience during your getaway. If you’re a first-time North Georgia traveler, it’s important to know that you are far from the first Black traveler to spend recreational time in the region, and no matter when you make your visit or what’s your purpose, you’re certainly not alone.
Don’t let the demographics create a sense of apprehension — this land is indeed your land. You did know that the banjo was created by African Americans, right? The culture influences everything, and once you’ve made it to your North Georgia destination, whether it’s with family, friends or a romantic retreat, you’ll realize that you and yours are as entitled to this peaceful and scenic wonderland as any and everybody else.
Now that we’re clear, let’s get you up to the North Georgia town that fits your traveling purpose.
Jump to:
- Solo-Dolo Day Trip: Helen
- Family Reunion: Ellijay
- Girls' Getaway: Dahlonega
- Bros(/Bruhs) Trip: Clayton
Solo-Dolo Day Trip: Helen
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a total escape from anywhere in the South, hit the amazing Helen, where colorful Germantown village vibes are all around, offering a true getaway from the mundane and a chance to get in touch with your inner Bavarian. Just two hours northeast of Atlanta, Helen is a great place to unplug, hang outside, and take in the abundance of nature that surrounds — so check the weather before your trip since this is a great place for active nature-lovers.
There are several options if you’re going waterfall gazing, such as Anna Ruby Falls at the ends of Curtis and York Creeks, and the 300-foot falls visible on Dukes Creek Trail. There’s also horseback riding, guided four-wheeler tours and more available at Sunburst Adventures, the spiraling Georgia Mountain Coaster ride for thrill-seeking fans of roller coasters, and tubing rides up to two-and-a-half hours along the Chattahoochee River via Cool River Tubing.
If you end up making it a day and night trip, Adventure Lodges of Georgia at Unicoi State Park offers great accommodations for one, particularly in their eccentric one-bedroom barrel cabins nestled on hillsides, which offer easy access to hiking and biking trails. At Unicoi, you can also kayak, take fly fishing classes, zip line through the tree tops, learn paddle-boarding, and perfect your aim at the archery and gun range.
You’re in luck if you came to eat, as there’s more German food in Helen than you could shake a schnitzel at. Sign up for the signature Taste of Germany experience from Helen and Back Food Tours, during which you can sample five Alpine Village restaurants. It won’t hurt to have an imported German beer (and why not add a warm buttery pretzel while you’re at it) at the locally famous Troll Tavern pub, and be sure to make a special stop at Hofer’s of Helen for German bread, cookies and more to take back home.
Family Reunion: Ellijay
Beginning in late summer and continuing through fall, you’ll see families of all colors filling baskets of apples and purchasing all the apple pies, cider and other products they can fit in vehicles as they stop in for a day or weekend trip. Ellijay is known for apple orchards where families pick their own fruit when in season, including B.J. Reece Orchards, R&A Orchards, and Red Apple Barn, where a Family Fun Barn offers games and picnic areas. Be sure to check their calendars to make sure they’re open for u-pick.
The North Georgia mountain town is also great for family gatherings, as there are plenty of places to accommodate groups of relatives small and large. Blue Sky Cabin Rentals offers large cabins like Mountain Top Lodge, which can sleep 14 guests in its seven bedrooms, has a wraparound covered patio, a gourmet kitchen, outdoor grill and areas for playing basketball, ping pong and other games.
While you’re visiting, take the kids to Expedition: Bigfoot!, a fun museum dedicated to the mythical creature with plenty of photos, sketches, sighting maps and artifacts related to the legendary Sasquatch. When summer’s in full effect, rent a pontoon from Carters Lake Marina — they have a 30-foot Tritoon that carries up to 10 family members, complete with a slide from the upper deck the kids will love. Another aquatic option is the lazy river at Cartecay River Experience, where you and the fam can casually float together in separate tubes or kayaks for up to 90 minutes.
Pick up Neapolitan and New York-style pizza for the family at Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza, and stop by Engelheim Vineyards or Reece's Cider Co. on your way back to your cabin to pick up beverages for the adults.
Girls' Getaway: Dahlonega
The wineries of Dahlonega, known as “Heart of Georgia Wine Country,” have wine tasting rooms aplenty for ladies looking for a well-earned weekend escape from the everyday grind.
A great option for your stay is the Unole cottage at Kaya Vineyard & Winery, one of Dahlonega’s first wineries and still the town’s largest, whose 1,600-foot elevation makes it great for staring out into the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unole can sleep up to eight guests in its three bedrooms and media room, and the staff will stock the cottage with cheese plates, meat plates, picnic baskets and wines by request.
Kaya is part of Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard, where you can sip and shop bottles of their Twisted malbec, merlot, Chardonnay and more. The resort also offers spa treatments, weekly yoga classes, and a fantastic brunch with options from chicken and waffles to balsamic-glazed avocado toast.
More vino sampling is available at Three Sisters Vineyards, an appropriate choice for Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, rosé ranging from dry to sweet, and bubbly for whatever reason you and your girls have decided to celebrate. For dinner, there’s the Louisianan cuisine of Bourbon Street Grille, which offers decadent dishes such as the sinfully saucy redfish Ponchartrain with sautéed shrimp in Cajun cream. They also have weekend-only brunch featuring standouts like New Orleans–style French toast with fruit compote and fresh whipped cream, and a variety of martinis, including chocolate peppermint and black cherry.
Be sure to get out and experience the natural wonders of Dahlonega together, whether tubing or canoeing on the Etowah and Chestatee rivers, or hiking trails to see the glistening turquoise waterfall at Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. Talk about #squadgoals…
Bros(/Bruhs) Trip: Clayton
Just two hours north of Atlanta, Clayton is more than ready to host your band of brothers, particularly those who swear they’re down for a day of fishing but tend to be all rod, no tackle, if you will. Apply online for your fishing license if you don’t already have one. Then, challenge your guys to do the same before inviting them on a fly fishing getaway on the Chattooga River — one of the most spectacular free-flowing mountain rivers in the Southeast, offering some of the best trout fishing in the region.
Book a guided fly fishing trip with local outfitters like Shady Creek Expeditions, which offers a customized trip based on your crew’s expertise and goals. Or travel just a short drive outside of Clayton to Lake Rabun for an unguided fishing experience with the guys and enjoy other watersports like jet skiing.
If your crew’s fishing rods don’t exactly reel in dinner, there’s always Fortify Kitchen & Bar, where you can find locally sourced menu items from local farms like Hillside Orchard Farms. While in the area, check out Wander North Georgia to re-up on all of your outdoor rec needs. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Nanatahala Outdoor Center for whitewater rafting on the Ocoee, or plan a hike through Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy and hit North Georgia landmarks like Pinnacle Knob, Martin Creek Falls, or Warwoman Dell.
Be sure to save time for a round of beers at Curahee Brewing Company in downtown Clayton before calling it a night. Make yourself at home at the Beechwood Inn Bed & Breakfast, which offers seven guestrooms and suites in the main building and two additional cabins on property – a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom cabin. Rent out the entire place for a true guy’s trip.
