Things to Do in Blairsville

Blairsville sits in the center of Union County, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and anchored by the Chattahoochee National Forest. The town is defined by its mountain lakes, forest corridors, and easy access to outdoor adventure. Yet beyond its natural setting, Blairsville maintains a strong cultural and agricultural identity with vineyards, local festivals, and preserved historic sites.

Exploring this part of North Georgia means stepping into a landscape where trails, lakes, and mountain roads converge with small-town landmarks and regional craftsmanship. This list of things to do in Blairsville captures the places, trails, and experiences that define its character, giving you a comprehensive sense of what makes the town and its surroundings distinctly Northern Georgian.

Vogel State Park lies just south of Blairsville in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park spans forest, lake, and trail ground. Features include Lake Trahlyta, multiple trails (including Bear Hair Gap Trail, Byron Herbert Reece Nature Trail, and the Coosa Backcountry Trail), cabins, campsites, picnic shelters, and a small museum focusing on Civilian Conservation Corps history.

Trails range in difficulty. The lake loop is less than a mile and offers relaxed walking. The more demanding Coosa Backcountry Trail covers double-digit miles with elevation shifts; segments approach Blood Mountain and connect to Appalachian Trail corridors. Hiking in Vogel directly links you to natural forest zones, making it among the foremost things to do in Blairsville if you want immersion in mountain terrain.

Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest natural elevation point, reachable by trail or shuttle. The visitor center stands at around 4,784 feet above sea level. You can take a paved path to the observation deck, or ride a shuttle if you prefer. The view from the top spans multiple states when conditions are clear. The site also includes interpretive displays about the region's geology, native plant life, and the history of the Appalachian highlands.

Access roads and parking accommodate moderate traffic, though spots may be limited during peak seasons. Weather shifts quickly at that altitude, so layering is wise. Brasstown Bald is one of the most distinct things to do in Blairsville because it offers altitude, sweeping views, and access to mountaintop ecosystems — something few nearby locales match.

Lake Nottely is north of Blairsville and partly controlled by U.S. Forest Service management. The lake covers thousands of acres and remains relatively undeveloped on many shorelines, preserving water access and natural edges. Boating, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding happen at designated ramps and marina points.

Shoreline stretches vary between gentle slopes and steeper banks. Quiet coves channel reflection and lower wind exposure. Because infrastructure is minimal, you’ll want to know in advance where public access ramps or boat rentals are located.

Helton Creek Falls is a short trail outing leading to twin cascades over rock shelves. It’s close to Blairsville but has a more secluded feel. The path involves modest elevation change and leads you through forest cover to the first and second falls, which drop into shallow pools.

Other waterfall options may lie deeper in forest corridors or state park boundaries. Chains of creeks and tributaries feed into Helton Creek, meaning you’ll sometimes find smaller hidden drops as you explore side paths. Adding waterfalls to your list of things to do in Blairsville enriches your itinerary with moisture, rock textures, and ambient sound shifts.

Sosebee Cove sits in the high ridges near Blairsville. It’s a north-facing cove forest often studied for its diversity of shade-tolerant trees, forest stratification, and understory growth. A loop trail passes through quiet glades, shrubby understory, rock outcrops, and older hardwoods. Because it leans north and retains moisture, plant life often appears lush even late in dry periods.

The trail length is moderate, long enough to feel removed yet short enough for recovery. The cove presents a different habitat contrast from ridgeline trails: cooler ambiance, deeper green, and layers of plant species not seen in direct sun zones.

Blairsville’s historic core includes the Old Union County Courthouse, built in 1899, with Romanesque-style stone trim and archways. It sits in a traffic circle in downtown Blairsville. Another site is the Old Union County Jail, constructed in 1934, now repurposed as municipal space or visitor-oriented exhibits.

You’ll also find the Union County History Trail, a mapped sequence of roughly 17 sites (businesses, landmarks, attractions) over the county. It invites you to pass through older storefronts, memorial markers, cultural buildings, and courthouse environs over walking and driving loops.

Odom Springs Vineyards is located near Blairsville. It produces wines from local varietals and offers tasting rooms. Visitors can walk vineyard rows, inspect production equipment, and sit on tasting patios overlooking hillside views. Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company offers craft spirits, guided tours of the distilling setup, and sampling.

Nearby farms, including vineyards, orchards, u-pick operations, and farm stands, operate as agritourism sites on the North Georgia Farm Trail. Touring farm grounds, sampling seasonal produce, and seeing animals or fiber crafts add an agrarian dimension to mountain visits.

Appalachian Trail segments pass near Blairsville and link to corridors such as the Neel Gap and Walasi-Yi (Mountain Crossings). You can hike sections, stop at interpretive centers, or cross over ridge crests of Forest Service routes. Walasi-Yi has the unique status of being the only manufactured structure along the whole Appalachian Trail corridor.

Scenic drives also count: roads such as Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway thread through mountain folds, passing forest rims, valleys, ridge lines, and elevation shifts. You’ll pass vistas, creek crossings, and forest transitions. Driving these backroads gives you occasional pullouts to pause, photograph, or walk a short spur.

If the mountain views, lakes, and trails of Blairsville have captured your attention, connect with The Lucretia Collins Team to learn more about making this landscape your home. Her deep knowledge of Union County and its surrounding communities helps buyers and sellers navigate the market precisely and confidently. Whether you’re exploring cabins near Lake Nottely or homes tucked into wooded ridges, The Lucretia Collins Team can help you find a property that fits seamlessly into the lifestyle that makes Blairsville special.

Interested in Blairsville real estate? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you find your dream Virginia home!