If you've been searching for a Georgia family vacation that trades screen time for mountain time, Blue Ridge, Georgia is worth serious attention. This Appalachian mountain town sits about 90 miles north of Atlanta, where summer highs run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the city and the pace slows the moment you leave the interstate. There's enough here to fill several days, and enough variety that every age in your group stays busy.
Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals is a local property management company with nearly 20 years in North Georgia. We manage cabins, vacation homes and lake properties across Blue Ridge and the surrounding towns, and we know what brings families back every year. Book directly with us for the best rates.
Top Things To Do in Blue Ridge, GA With Kids
Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
A few things land the way a train does with kids. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway departs from downtown Blue Ridge and follows the Toccoa River for 26 miles. The round trip runs about three hours, with time in both river towns before heading back. Fall weekends sell out early, so buy tickets ahead of time.
Pick Apples at Mercier Orchards
A few miles from downtown, Mercier Orchards is one of Georgia's oldest family-run apple orchards and is open year-round. Fall is the time for picking apples, but the country store draws a crowd in any season. You'll find apple cider donuts, fresh pies and Georgia peach jam fill the shelves. Budget a full afternoon if you're bringing young kids.
Spend a Day at Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge is a reservoir about 6 miles east of town that stretches more than 11 miles inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat or kayak, cast a line at one of the boat ramps, or find a day-use area for a swim. The forested shoreline stays quiet even in summer, and the water is calm enough for younger kids.
Hike to a Waterfall
Several short trails around Blue Ridge end at falls worth the walk. For a strong day trip, Amicalola Falls State Park is about 45 minutes south of Blue Ridge. The falls drop more than 700 feet in a series of cascades, making them the tallest waterfall in Georgia. The park has paved and gravel approaches that work for most ages and fitness levels.
Tube or Raft the Toccoa River
About 20 miles north in McCaysville, local outfitters run tubing trips on calm sections of the Toccoa River, a good fit for families with younger kids. For older kids and teenagers, the Ocoee River crosses into Tennessee about 25 miles from Blue Ridge and runs serious whitewater. It hosted the 1996 Olympic kayak and canoe events, and local outfitters guide trips through most of the season.
Blue Ridge Is a Georgia Family Vacation for Every Age
Blue Ridge is one of Georgia's top vacation spots for families because nobody has to fake enthusiasm. Toddlers do well at Mercier Orchards and on the lake. School-age kids love the train and the tubing. Teenagers push for whitewater on the Ocoee. Adults get the mountain views and the quiet evenings on the porch.
Your Georgia Family Vacation Starts in Blue Ridge
Read our full North Georgia vacation guide for more ideas and local recommendations across the region. When you're ready to book, browse our available cabins and find the right setup for your group.
Book directly with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for the best rates on your Georgia family vacation. Give us a call at 706-258-3737 or email [email protected] to start planning your trip to Blue Ridge.
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