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North Georgia is a mountainous region in the state of Georgia.

Regions

Regions in Historic High Country
  Northwest High Country
The northwest corner of the state borders Alabama and Tennessee. The nearest large city is Chattanooga, Tennessee and accordingly Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and Rock City. The largest city, Dalton is well known for its carpet industry. Other attractions include Cloudland Canyon State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, Chief Vann House Historic Site, and the Chattahoochee National Forest.
  West High Country
The West High Country region of Georgia is comprised of 6 counties located near the western border of the state with Alabama. Attractions include the Etowah Indian Mounds, the Booth Western Art Museum, and the Silver Comet bike trail.
  Central High Country
The Central High Country consists of 7 counties north of Atlanta. The southern most counties are quickly growing as the metro Atlanta area expands while the northern counties are well suited for outdoor activities and tourism. Several of the towns hold a variety of annual festivals. Lake Lanier and Lake Altoona also provide amply opportunity for water sports and recreation. The largest city in this region is Gainesville while Ellijay and Dahlonega offer many opportunities for tourists.
  Northeast High Country
The Northeast region of the Georgia High Country consists of the counties that are in the most northeast corner of Georgia. They share borders with Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There are many artistan and tourist driven communities in this region including Helen, Blue Ridge, and Clayton.
  East High Country
The East region of the Georgia Historic High Country shares a border with South Carolina, the Metro Atlanta area, and Classic Heartland of Georgia. Athens and Clemson are notable college towns that are near this area.

Cities

Other destinations

Amicalola Falls
  • Amacalola Falls State Park
  • 1 Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway Mountain City, GA 30562 (3 miles north of Clayton), +1 706 746-2141. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Rock Mountain State Park has the highest elevation in the state park system. The park features spectacular roadside overlooks, hiking trails, a campground, and cottages. $5 per vehicle.
  • Fort Mountain State Park
  • 2 Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yam Dr. Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, +1 706 754-7981. A state park centered around a canyon 1000' deep and 2 miles long. The park features hiking trails, visitors center, and a campground. $5 per vehicle.
  • Unicoi State Park
  • Vogel State Park

Understand

Climate

Although the climate and weather is usually mild with warm to hot summers and tolerably winters there is the possibility of severe weather. Although the chances of such weather are rare it is important for travelers to understand what to do in severe weather especially in cases where events are unfamiliar.

  • Flooding- In recent years this area suffered from severe drought and more recently increased amounts of rainfall. In 2009 the increased rainfall caused flooding. In the case of a flood find high ground and do not try to cross water flowing over a roadway.
  • Thunderstorms- Are large rain storms that contain high winds, rain, lighting, thunder, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms can quickly develop into tornadoes. During a thunderstorm stay inside also be prepared for power outages caused by falling trees. More people are killed or injured in the United States by thunderstorms than by hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
  • Tornadoes- A tornado is a spinning column of very low-pressure air, which sucks the surrounding air inward and upward. See Tornado safety for more information.
  • Winter Weather- In this area of Georgia winter weather can cause lots of problems. There is a variance as to how much and what type of winter weather a specific area in this region will receive because of the differences in elevation caused by mountainous areas. Winter weather can be expected 2-3 times a year. Northerners often scoff at the locals fear of winter weather but caution should be observed. During such occasions the temperature usually hovers near freezing causing a wild mix of weather and conditions. A mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet is usually expected. Local drivers are not accustomed to driving in this type of weather. Black ice can occur on roadways especially bridges. Ice storms are more common than blizzards.

Talk

Get in

Get around

See

  • 1 Brasstown Bald (18 miles from Blairsville by road.), +1 706 896-4137. 10AM-5PM. At 4,784' Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state of Georgia. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from April through November. A .6 mile paved trail leads from the parking lot to the visitor center and lookout tower. $5 per person.

Itineraries

Do

Hikes

  • Appalachian Trail - The most famous trail within the state of Georgia runs 75.2 miles from Springer Mountain to the North Carolina Border near Hiawassee
  • 1 Blood Mountain. One of the more scenic mountains in Georgia can be accessed via the Appalachian Trail from Neels Gap or from trails starting in Vogel State Park and Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
  • 2 Coosa Backcountry Tail, 405 Vogel State Park Road Blairsville, GA 30512 (11 miles south of Blairsville), +1 706 745-2628. This 12.9 mile loop trail begins within Vogel State Park and crosses into the Chattahoochie-Oconee National Forest. A permit is required and can be picked up for free at the state park visitors center. Backcountry camping is allowed along the trail. Hikers should be aware that the trail is rated as very strenuous and make preparations accordingly. $5 per vehicle.
  • Duncan Ridge Trail, +1 706 745-6928. The Duncan Ridge Trail is a 30.1 mile trail that connects the Appalachian Trail at Neels Gap to the Benton MacKaye Trail in Fannin County. The more adventurous can combine all three trails into a loop just over 60 miles long.
  • White Twister Trail (Stonewall Falls) (5 miles south of Clayton). The White Twister Trail is a 7.8 mile loop open to foot and mountain bike traffic. The trail meanders along Stonewall Creek and provides access to Stonewall Falls.
  • 3 Yonah Mountain (4 miles northeast of Cleveland). A 2.1 mile trail provides access to the summit of this mountain which is popular with rock climbers. Primitive camping is allowed near the summit.

Lakes

  • 4 Lake Allatoona (Allatoona Lake), . This U.S. Corp of Engineers Lake is one of the busiest in the nation. Its popularity is likely due to factors that include: its proximity to Atlanta, the large number of campgrounds campgrounds and the ease of public access to the lake from many points along its banks.
  • Lake Burton
  • Lake Chatuge
  • Lake Hartwell
  • Lake Lanier
  • Lake Rabun
  • Lake Seed
  • Lake Tugalo

Eat

Drink

Stay safe

Go next

This region travel guide to Historic High Country is an outline and may need more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Please plunge forward and help it grow!

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