Blairsville is a small, peaceful city in northern Georgia and the county seat of Union County. The first American settlers arrived in the area during the 1830s, and in 1835, the new town was designated as the county seat by the Georgia General Assembly. The community was named after a Revolutionary War veteran named James Blair. At one time, Blairsville was known for having the purest gold in the region of northern Georgia. The city has been a quaint community throughout its entire history, not receiving modern electricity until the 1930s.
As of 2023, Blairsville has a population of approximately 600 and is primarily known as Brasstown Bald, which is the tallest mountain in the state. In fact, the Blairsville area is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. For example, there's Lake Nottely, where visitors can partake in wildlife viewing, fishing, picnicking, and camping. Alternatively, you could head to Meeks Park to enjoy the beautiful setting, play some basketball, and explore the lovely nature trails. If you're looking to do something more leisurely, you could check out the Odom Springs Vineyards or pick up some fresh produce at the Union County Farmers Market.
If you want to learn about the history of the Blairsville area, you should spend an afternoon navigating the Union County History Trail. The trail will take you to many of the city's most interesting and significant historical landmarks. You should also stop by the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center, where you can explore a tranquil nature area and learn about the environment.
There are several excellent eateries worth checking out while you're in the Blairsville area. For example, there's The Sawmill Place, where they use exclusively fresh ingredients and make lots of delicious food. You could also sample the authentic Cuban cuisine at Dan's Grill. And if you're up for a couple of drinks, head to Old Men Brewing to try a variety of quality beers.
Campgrounds Near Blairsville, Georgia
While you're in the Blairsville area, one great place to camp is the Foothills RV Park & Cabins. You can rent one of the 33 full-hookup RV campsites for $40 per night, and while you're there, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Plus, you'll be provided with numerous amenities, including a heated pool, picnic tables, cable television, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
You could also stay at Camp Riverslanding, which is a family-friendly campground located near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The campground offers RV campsites and a variety of amenities, such as laundry facilities, a camp store, a game room, a dog park, fire rings, picnic tables, and more.
Another top-tier campground worth visiting is the Pine Mountain RV Park, which boasts 60 full-hookup RV campsites available for $35 per night. The park is known for its peaceful atmosphere as well as its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Additionally, guests at the campground have access to a camp store, cable, and Wi-FI. There are also nearby opportunities for activities like fishing, horseback riding, and hiking.
State Parks Near Blairsville, Georgia
Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel State Park is a lush natural haven known for its gorgeous foliage during autumn. The park is also revered as an exceptional destination for outdoor fun. While you're there, you can hike the serene nature trails, go swimming, fishing, or paddling in the nearby lake, and check out the on-site museum to learn about the park's history. As you explore the park, you'll encounter picturesque waterfalls, mountains, lakes, woodlands, and breathtaking vistas.
Moccasin Creek State Park is situated in northeastern Georgia and comprises only 32 acres, making it Georgia's smallest state park. Although it's tiny, the park is a popular camping destination and a great spot for recreation. For example, the park lies on the shores of Lake Burton, which is revered as one of the state's premier fishing lakes. Additionally, the park features a scenic hiking trail that leads to a majestic waterfall.
Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park is a fantastic destination for fishing, boating, and enjoying watersports. The lake also boasts a lovely swimming beach that's very popular during the hot summer months. Additionally, Don Carter State Park contains unique features like outdoor exercise equipment, a gift shop, and a playground. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you'll find several miles of scenic trails to explore throughout the area.
National Sites Near Blairsville, Georgia
The Appalachian Trail is perhaps the most famous hiking trail in the United States. The trail spans a total of 2,190 miles, starting in Springer Mountain, Georgia and ending in Katahdin, ME. Of course, you don't have to hike the entire length of the trail all at once. Along the popular route, there are many smaller trails to explore as well as other opportunities for outdoor recreation. For example, you may want to navigate popular trails like the Benton MacKaye Trail, the Winding Stair Gap Trail, and the Camp Smith Trail.
The Foothills Parkway is a scenic route that runs along the northern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although the road remains unfinished, visitors will come across unique mineral deposits, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views. While you're there, you can drive across sections of the highway and enjoy the wonderful scenery. There are numerous recreational opportunities along the route, including many trails that are great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Additionally, there are quite a few bodies of water where you can go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or even whitewater rafting.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a gorgeous national site offering lovely scenery and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Located only a short drive from downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the recreation area is home to the mighty Chattahoochee River and miles of lush forests. During your visit, you can take advantage of the exceptional fishing opportunities provided by the river. You can also explore excellent nearby hiking trails, such as the Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop and the Bowmans Island Trails.
National Forests Near Blairsville, Georgia
Located in northern Georgia, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a sizable nature area consisting of two separate forests. The forests, which combine to cover 886,468 acres, provide great opportunities for activities like hiking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, and geocaching. If you're a skilled hiker, there are several peaks in the area offering rugged, challenging trails. There are also some wonderful hiking routes that aren't as difficult, like the Long Branch Loop Trail and the Dukes Creek Trail.
Nantahala National Forest encompasses approximately 530,000 acres in southwestern North Carolina. The tranquil forest is revered as a top-notch hiking destination, featuring over 600 miles of scenic trails to explore. With many lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers, the forest also offers opportunities for water-based recreation, including fishing, paddling, and whitewater rafting. While exploring the area, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife, including mountain lions, white-tailed deer, beavers, and a variety of avian species. Camping, geocaching, and stargazing are common activities for visitors as well.
Pisgah National Forest is a 500,000-acre stretch of lush woodlands known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Located near Asheville, NC, the forest is home to majestic mountain peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and many peaceful nature trails. A few of the most popular hiking routes to check out are the Catawba Falls Trail, the Looking Glass Rock Trail, and the Brassy Ridge Bald via Appalachian Trail. The forest also boasts several types of campgrounds, including special equestrian camping areas. If you enjoy birdwatching or wildlife viewing, you'll want to watch for eastern spotted skunks, black bears, foxes, bobcats, peregrine falcons, hellbender great salamanders, and other unique creatures.
