North Georgia Area Attractions
Explore the many sites and attractions throughout the Chatsworth and Ellijay region.
The North Georgia Wine Trail
The wineries of the North Georgia mountains are gaining national recognition with several award-winning wines – establishing the area as a prominent wine region.
The Overlook Inn makes an excellent base camp while setting out on a North Georgia wine tour.
Georgia Apple Houses
There are more than 10 different apples houses located in nearby Ellijay and Blue Ridge, Georgia – great for a day of exploring and eating.
Many of these orchards feature U-Pick and specialty foods and crafts. Be sure to visit during the month of October which features the Georgia Apple Festival.
Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA
gastateparks.org/fortmountain/
Only 5 min from The Overlook Inn, Fort Mountain State Park rests on the most prominent peak of the Cohutta Mountain Range at the terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The elevation is approximately 3000 feet.
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the 3520-acre park offers beautiful vistas, hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, picnicking, and a small lake and beach.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railways
241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA
brscenic.com
Venture through the Chattahoochee National Forest on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Passengers choose to ride in an open-air car, closed coach, or upgrade to the premier car for their 4 hour, 26-mile roundtrip along the Toccoa River.
The relaxing journey begins at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, then stops for a layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN – one town with two names because it is located directly on the GA/TN state line. Here, visitors have a 2hr layover with plenty of time to eat, shop, have an ice cream, or take a stroll across the towns’ historic bridge.
Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway
The Overlook Inn is the “trailhead” for the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway – 54 miles of natural beauty and history in the area surrounding Dalton and Chatsworth, Georgia.
Built into the very fabric and heritage of North Georgia are scenic, cultural, recreational, archeological, historic, and natural treasures often missed on the routes most visitors travel. The Byway is highly recommended.
Cohutta Wilderness Area
Cisco, GA
cohuttawildernesshiking.com
fs.usda.gov/cohutta/
With more than 40,000 acres, the Cohuttas comprise the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi, is filled with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers and some of the most remote hiking and biking trails in Georgia – providing the outdoor enthusiast with miles and miles of adventure.
Prater’s Mill Historic Site
5845 GA-2, Dalton, GA
pratersmill.org
First constructed in 1855 by John Pitner, Prater’s Mill operated from a single water-powered turbine, offering a bit of modern industry in a wilderness that had only recently been part of the Cherokee Nation.
During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate soldiers passed through the area, and nearby skirmishes could be heard from the property by slaves attending the mill. Freed shortly after, several of these men and women settled near the mill and are buried on the property.
The Mill remains in remarkable good shape thanks to the Prater’s Mill Foundation. Grounds are open daily.
Chief Vann House
82 Highway 225 N, Chatsworth, GA 30705
gastateparks.org/chiefvannhouse
During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee leader and wealthy businessman. He established the most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation, and in 1804 he completed construction this beautiful 2½-story brick home.
After Vann was murdered in 1809, his son inherited the mansion and plantation, but in the 1830s almost the entire Cherokee Nation was forced west on the infamous Trail of Tears – the Vann family lost their elegant home.
Today the Vann House survives as Georgia’s best-preserved Cherokee Indian home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the house which features beautiful hand carvings, a “floating” staircase, a 12-foot mantle, and fine antiques.
Carters Lake
Carters Lake is the deepest man-made lake east of the Mississippi. It offers over 67 miles of uninhabited shoreline and a marina along with a resort. The lake offers opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing.
Approximate driving time is 40 min.