The North Georgia mountains, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful and inviting scenery in the Southeast, offer winding roads, fantastic opportunities for adventure, and plenty of mountain towns full of personality and charm. These Georgia mountain towns are more than just pretty end points on a map, though. They each bring something special to the region, from historic squares and thriving arts scenes to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and waterfall-filled state parks. Regardless of what brings you here, these Georgia towns promise a rich and varied experience filled with shopping, culture, wine tasting, adventure, and plenty of views.
Some of the best mountain towns in Georgia are within easy reach of each other, making it simple to turn your getaway into a weekend road trip through North Georgia. Clarkesville, where Glen-Ella Springs Inn is located, is at the heart of it all, offering excellent restaurants, art galleries, and access to the Soque River. Nearby, you can explore the Alpine charm of Helen, hike to waterfalls in Tallulah Falls, tour the vineyards in Dahlonega, or visit the laid-back shops and restaurants of Clayton, and so much more. These North Georgia towns are full of personality, and no two feel quite the same.
Wherever you go, you’ll find new things to do in North Georgia and plenty of reasons to keep coming back. To make your time in the North Georgia mountains even more endearing, a stay at Glen-Ella Springs Inn offers a refined and relaxing retreat in the countryside. Just minutes from Clarkesville, this award-winning North Georgia bed and breakfast is ideal for romantic getaways or a peaceful basecamp for adventure. Guests enjoy stylish accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, and an onsite restaurant that’s a favorite with locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer mountain vacation, you’ll love everything about our historic property. Book your North Georgia getaway today!
The Best North Georgia Mountain Towns
Exploring the North Georgia mountains through its small towns is one of the best ways to experience the heart and soul of this beautiful region. Each of these Georgia mountain towns offers its own unique character, local flavor, and attractions. From the historic streets of Clarkesville to the Bavarian-inspired village of Helen, and from the artsy community of Sautee Nacoochee to the natural beauty of Toccoa and the vibrant local scene in Clayton, these five North Georgia mountain towns invite you to explore at your own pace.
They’re close enough to visit in a single trip, but distinct enough to each feel like a destination of their own. It’s a laid-back and rewarding way to experience the best of North Georgia.
Clarkesville
One of the most charming North Georgia mountain towns to explore is Clarkesville, located in the heart of Habersham County. This historic town was founded in 1821 and named for Revolutionary War veteran John C. Clarke. Today, it’s a quiet and inviting destination known for its small-town warmth and easy access to some of the region’s top outdoor spots. It’s also where you’ll find our elevated North Georgia Bed and Breakfast.
From hiking and fishing to horseback riding, there are plenty of things to do in Clarkesville, including visiting the famed Tallulah Gorge State Park, which just so happens to be one of the top things to do in North Georgia. Downtown Clarkesville is filled with antique shops, historic architecture, and a growing food scene, making it a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Clayton
Travel a little farther north and you’ll reach Clayton, a Rabun County town surrounded by the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Clayton’s charming downtown is lined with galleries, boutique shops, and a handful of standout restaurants that highlight the region’s farm-to-table flavors. You’ll even find a nostalgic soda fountain inside the Clayton Pharmacy, a favorite stop for visitors.
This is also one of the best Georgia mountain towns for outdoor lovers, as it offers easy access to the Chattahoochee National Forest, where hiking, fly fishing, and scenic drives are all on the itinerary. Clayton is the gateway to one of the area’s most popular state parks, Black Rock Mountain State Park, which is the highest state park in Georgia.Â
Helen
Helen is one of the most popular mountain towns in Georgia, thanks to its Bavarian-style architecture and festive vibe. Known for its six-week-long Oktoberfest, Helen offers something unique in the North Georgia mountains with specialty shops, biergartens, and a mix of quirky attractions that make it a favorite for both first-timers and returning visitors.
Helen, Georgia, is also where you’ll find some of our favorite waterfall hikes, including Anna Ruby Falls. And, during warmer weather, it is a popular destination for river tubing on the Chattahoochee River. There are seemingly endless things to do in Helen, Georgia, which is what keeps it ranked as one of the best Georgia mountain towns every year.Â
Toccoa
A little off the main highway but worth the trip, Toccoa is a small mountain town in North Georgia that blends natural beauty with rich history. Toccoa is known for its waterfalls, including the impressive 186-foot Toccoa Falls and the more tucked-away Henderson Falls. Toccoa is also home to the Currahee Military Museum, housed in the same train station where World War II paratroopers arrived before heading to Camp Toccoa, as depicted in HBO’s Band of Brothers.
Sautee Nacoochee
Finally, one of the hidden gems among Georgia mountain towns is Sautee-Nachoochee, which offers a completely different experience. Known for its artsy, laid-back feel and cultural attractions, it’s a must-visit destination while a guest at our North Georgia Inn. The Sautee Nacoochee Center hosts music and dance performances, workshops, and visual arts events, and the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia offers a glimpse into the area’s traditional craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, the nearby Hardman Farm Historic Site features the iconic Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, a striking reminder of the region’s past. Nearby, you’ll also find other historic sites that showcase the area’s deep Appalachian roots for a truly immersive and unforgettable journey through this unique region.Â
Unwind at Our Clarkesville, Georgia Bed and Breakfast
After spending your days exploring the best mountain towns in Georgia, there’s nothing better than coming back to a place that feels both relaxed and refined. Whether you’re sipping wine after a day of hiking, browsing shops in Helen, or taking in the views from Tallulah Gorge, you’ll want a home base that matches the charm of the towns you’ve discovered. Glen-Ella Springs Bed and Breakfast in Clarkesville is one of the most exceptional places to stay in North Georgia.
This North Georgia bed and breakfast offers rustically elegant guest rooms and suites that combine comfort with style, making it ideal for couples or anyone in need of a quiet retreat. The grounds are beautiful, the atmosphere relaxed yet thoughtfully curated, and the inn’s location near Clarkesville puts you within easy reach of all your favorite North Georgia mountain towns. Guests love spending time on the property as much as they enjoy exploring the area, whether relaxing by the pool, wandering through the gardens, or reading on the porch with the mountain air all around.
With unmatched hospitality, you can expect nothing but the best during your stay, an experience that’s enhanced by our onsite restaurant. Known as one of the best dining destinations in the region, the Glen-Ella Springs Restaurant in Clarkesville serves creative, seasonal dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients. Dinner here feels special, but never fussy. In short, our Bed and Breakfast has everything you need for an unforgettable getaway in the North Georgia mountains. Book your North Georgia adventure today!
