The North Georgia Mountains are a truly special place. The picturesque landscapes and the quaint towns full of friendly residents are alluring for obvious reasons. Georgia Mountain towns are something special on their own as well. With generations of traditions, outdoor attractions, charming shops, great dining, and more, there is a lot to look forward to when visiting a town in the North Georgia Mountains. Each town has its own personality and atmosphere, but these five Georgia Mountain towns are worth exploring!
Georgia Mountain Towns
Clarkesville
The city of Clarkesville is located in the center of Habersham County in Georgia. The population of Clarkesville is around 1,25o. Like many Georgia Mountain towns, Clarkesville has a long history. It was founded in 1821 as the seat of Habersham County. The city gets its name from John C. Clarke, who was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Popular things to do in Clarkesville include visiting historic sites, antiquing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor endeavors. Tallulah Gorge State Park and Black Rock Mountain State Park are nearby, and Moccasin Creek State Park is within city limits.
Clayton
Clayton, GA is located in and is the county seat of Rabun County. The population is about 2,000 people. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clayton is full of interesting things to do. Downtown Clayton is home to many small town attractions such as a soda fountain at the Clayton Pharmacy. Like a few of our other favorite Georgia Mountain towns, Clayton gives visitors access to the Chattahoochee National Forest, where they can enjoy all manner of outdoor activities.
Helen
Helen might be one of the most well-known of our favorite Georgia Mountain towns as it is a popular tourist town. The reason it is a destination for many people is because it was built to resemble a Bavarian alpine village. This was done as a way to resurrect the town after it’s logging industry declined. One of the most popular times to visit Helen is in the fall during Oktoberfest, where visitors and residents celebrate German food, drink, and culture for six weeks. There are also a number of specialty and import shops in the town.
Toccoa
The city of Toccoa is located in and is the seat of Stephens County. This is one of the Georgia Mountain towns that is well-known for its waterfalls. There are two waterfalls of note within city limits: Toccoa Falls and Henderson Falls. Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site is also located in town. Toccoa is also home to the Currahee Military Museum, which is housed in the original train station where the Paratroopers coming to train at Camp Toccoa arrived during World War II. The lives of these soldiers were documented in the HBO series “Band of Brothers.”
Sautee Nacoochee
Sautee Nacoochee is actually an unincorporated community located in White County. It is near Sautee Creek in the Appalachian foothills in the northeast portion of the state. Sautee Nacoochee is a great destination for those interested in local arts and culture. The Sautee Nacoochee Center hosts musical and dance performances as well as visual art programs. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is also located in Sautee Nacoochee.
Explore Gen-Ella Spring
While you’re making plans to visit these Georgia Mountain towns, be sure to book your stay at Glen-Ella Springs! With our rustically elegant yet supremely comfortable guest rooms and suites, you won’t find a better place to stay! Our property is ideal for relaxing and forgetting about the worries of day-to-day life. Plus our onsite restaurant is one of the best in the region. At the Glen-Ella Springs Restaurant, you’ll enjoy innovative recipes prepared with fresh local ingredients for a farm-to-table experience you won’t soon forget! At Glen-Ella Springs, we have everything you need for a memorable getaway to the North Georgia Mountains. We can’t wait to have you with us soon!
