North Georgia is speckled with cities across a blanket of beautiful mountains, but the most charming city is Blairsville. On the surface it looks like a sleepy little town, but beneath the surface it’s an area that’s full of exhilarating fun. Plan a weekend getaway and check out these 10 thrilling things to do in Blairsville, Georgia with kids.
Whether it’s the quaint city square of downtown Blairsville or the highest mountaintops in the state, there’s an adventure just waiting to be found.
Located in Union County, Blairsville attracts nature lovers year round – with plenty of lakes, hiking trails and waterfalls. Even the famous Appalachian trail winds through the area!
If you’re raising little explorers, they’re going to love adding these destinations to your Blairsville itinerary. It’s the perfect mountain getaway for a weekend and a few days is enough time to complete all of these adventures!
Looking for even more fun things to do in North Georgia with kids? Check out these other nearby destinations that our family loves too:
10 Things To Do In Blairsville Georgia With Kids
We explored Blairsville Georgia with kids, all in one weekend. It’s the perfect weekend getaway – located only a few hours from the Atlanta area. There are many different Blairsville lodging options, at different price points, but a mountainside family vacation home rental – Twin Creeks Mountain Getaway – offers all of the comforts of home.
Unless you’re exploring the downtown Blairsville area, be prepared for a bit of driving between destinations, with steep elevation changes at times. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s best to plan ahead and be prepared – especially when traveling with kids. I highly recommend an outdoor jogging stroller for little ones!
Climb Brasstown Bald
I’ll use the term “climb” very loosely, because you’ve got options. Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state of Georgia, towering at 4,784 feet above the Chattahoochee National Forest. Have no fear though, because families can pick their level of adventure!
Take the short (but extremely steep) hiking path to the top of the mountain or hop aboard one of the continuous shuttle buses for a shortcut to the top. The path is not stroller-friendly.
At the top of the mountain, look out, in awe, at the view of 4 different states (Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina). Plus, the visitors center is home to a small museum with hands-on exhibits to educate about the area’s history. Kids can pick up a scavenger hunt at the museum, complete it, and turn it in for a little souvenir.
Many visitors clamor to the top, during October, for a view of peak leaf season. However, the 360º panorama views are gorgeous anytime you visit!
Hike Helton Creek Falls
There’s a hike for every skill level in North Georgia, and I highly recommend Helton Creek Falls for beginners. It’s a short .25-mile hike to the falls and easy enough for kids to complete.
The trail accesses the lower falls at both the bottom and top of the falls and ends at the bottom of the upper falls. There are several spots to catch your breath and take some photos, along with a few benches.
Fair warning though, this hike is off the beaten path. It’s only a two mile drive to the trailhead, but you’ll be driving through winding and narrow single-lane dirt roads that pass through creeks. In my opinion, the drive is harder than the hike (which is great news for kids).
Downtown Blairsville Georgia With Kids
On the less adventurous side, families can find plenty of fun things to do in downtown Blairsville Georgia with kids. The downtown city square was founded around it’s iconic Historic Union County Courthouse, which was built in 1899.
Today, that building is home to the Union County Historical Society, which oversees several museums dedicated to the town’s history. The building is a central navigational point as you explore the downtown area on foot.
Walk around and enjoy the city’s cute shops and restaurants that pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. I highly recommend popping into Cabin Coffee Co. for an afternoon hot cocoa and Lucky’s Taqueria for as a family-friendly dinner spot.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see downtown Blairsville during the holiday season, when the square looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie!
Family-Friendly Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co.
I never hesitate to add a distillery on our family vacation itineraries and Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. welcomed us with open arms. The front of the Grandaddy Mimm’s is a store-front and casual bar area with tables to relax at, while the back is dedicated to the distilling process and bottling.
Moonshine is a huge part of Georgia history (but illegal). These days, moonshine is a celebrated craft distillery and Grandaddy Mimm’s has perfected the art.
It’s owned by country musician Tommy Townsend, who uses family recipes passed down by his grandfather Jack McClure, a notorious bootlegger in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Stop in for tastings of their crafted moonshine, vodka, rum and Georgia whiskey. Pick 8 samples for $5 and sign up for a 30-minute tour of the distillery. Kids can sample the best of their water and are welcome to come in with parents. Be on the lookout for seasonal limited edition flavors.
Hike To Trahlyta Falls
Located inside of Vogel State Park, Trahlyta Falls is another family-friendly hike that kids can do. The hike is an easy, 0.8-mile trail that begins at the Visitor Center. It circles around the picturesque Trahlyta Lake and offers clear views of Blood Mountain along the way.
After a short descent to reach a set of wooden stairs, the observation platform at the bottom gets you right up close to the 110-foot-tall waterfall.
If you’re looking for a slightly less adventurous way to see Trahlyta Falls, check out the view from Gainesville Highway. Pull over, just before the main entrance to Vogel State Park, and admire the falls from just outside your car.
More To Do At Vogel State Park
If you want to extend your Trahlyta Falls hike, families will find even more outdoor fun at Vogel State Park. It’s the second oldest state park in Georgia, with many buildings constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
In total, there are 17 miles of hiking trails (but Trahlyta Falls is the most recommend for families traveling with kids). During the summer there are designated swimming areas, biking paths, and guests can rent kayaks.
The park also offers 90 tent, trailer, and RV campsites; walk-in and pioneer campsites; and 35 cabins ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. Cabins will fill quickly during peak leaf season in the fall.
Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap
Mountain Crossings was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps who started construction on the stone building in 1934 and finished in 1937. Coincidentally, the same year the Appalachian Trail was completed. Since 1983 it’s been an outfitter and gift shop along the Appalachian Trail.
The coolest part of Mountain Crossings, is it’s the only spot where the Appalachian Trail passes through a building. Hikers venture through this local tourism destination on their way to Maine.
It’s an interesting place to learn about hiking and check out the Appalachian Trail. Families can venture to Mountain Crossings for the spectacular views, listen to cool stories and maybe find a unique souvenir.
Seasonal Festivals at Meeks Park
One of the biggest and most beautiful recreational areas in North Georgia, Meeks Park is perfect for families to enjoy. The park is home to a 18-hole disc golf course, dog parks, a kayak/canoe launchpad area, hiking trails and fishing spots.
Throughout the year, Meeks Park is home to seasonal festivals and becomes a gathering spot for celebrations. Most notable are the Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Butternut Creek Festival, and the Blairsville Sorghum Festival.
Richard B Russell Scenic Highway
If your dreamy North Georgia adventure is more on the tame side, check out the beautiful Richard B Russell Scenic Highway. Also known as Hwy 348, the road stretches 23 miles from Helen to Blairsville.
Drive along and admire the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. We love this drive and enjoyed it while our toddler napped between hikes. Don’t miss the three roadside scenic overlooks along the highway, which offer picture-perfect views (especially during fall foliage season).
Educational, adventurous and a beautiful haven for nature – visiting Blairsville Georgia with kids is a must-do. Make your family getaway over-the-top thrilling or just sit back to enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. Either way, there’s plenty of ways to fill your vacation itinerary.
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