Here in Union County, Ga.we have the best of everything; friendly people, beautiful mountains, streams, a climate that's close to perfect and over 97,000 acres of protected U.S. Forest Service land. 

Attractions in Blairsville Union County, GA include:

Vogel State Park
Visit this wonderful state park 11 miles south of Blairsville on U.S. Hwy 19-129. The 233 acres includes 85 tent, trailer, RV sites, 18 walk-in sites, 35 cottages and a fantastic 20-acre lake with a swimming beach, plus 4 picnic shelters, pioneer campground and primitive campsites. Recreational activities include hiking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, pedal boat and miniature golf. Special programs are offered throughout the year.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The Appalachian Trail winds through Union County at elevations up to 4,000 feet giving hikers an opportunity to view the Chattahoochee National Forest up close. There are many points where the trail can be accessed allowing hikers to enjoy the trail in any season. Lesser know paths such as Duncan Ridge and the Benton McKaye Trail (where a suspension bridge provides breathtaking view), provide a diversion from the Appalachian Trail.

LAKE NOTTELY
Lake Nottely, a 4,180-acre TVA lake near Blairsville, is popular with those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. There are two marinas and several public boat ramps that offer access at different points on Lake Nottely. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities.

BUTTERNUT CREEK GOLF COURSE
18-hole facility located within the Blairsville city limits. The picturesque hills and fairways are visible from almost any part of town. Golf lessons are available, and there are lighted tennis courts, picnic areas and a stocked pro shop.

RECREATION

Meeks Recreation Park provides recreation and leisure activities for all ages.   Olympic-sized pool, bathhouse, concession area, lighted ball fields, batting cages, fenced playground area, picnic facilities, scenic walking trails wind throughout the park alongside the Butternut Creek, plus the new lighted walking path and a path especially to walk your dog.

SORGHUM FESTIVAL
On the second, third, and fourth weekends in October, the annual Sorghum Festival is held in Blairsville at Fort Sorghum. Contests such as "Biskit Eatin'," "Pole Climbin',' and "Log Sawin' set the tone for a down-home good time for all ages. Celebrating the lost art of sorghum syrupmaking, the festival has live demonstrations showing how the cane is crushed and cooked. A parade, car show, and square dances round out the celebration.

HELTON CREEK FALLS
There are two falls on Helton Creek in the Chattahoochee National Forests. The upper falls which has an observation deck is about 50 yards above the lower falls. The total vertical drop is more than 100 feet. A 300 yard trail leads to the falls. (The rocks are deceptively slippery; please exercise caution). To reach these falls take US 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for about 11 miles. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, the first road past the entrance to Vogel State Park. Travel 2.2 miles to the parking area on the right. The trail begins on the right just before the parking area. The first mile of this road is paved, fairly narrow, and surrounded by summer homes. The rest of the road is gravel.

SOUTHERN TREE PLANTATION, INC.
A unique experience for all ages. Visiting the 60 acre plus farm which features 5,000 home grown pumpkins and 25,000 Christmas trees, plus hayrides, miniature train ride, farm animals, fun and tricky wooden barnyard maze, plenty of animals, is a delightful way to explore this enchanting farm world. Have your next birthday party or a group outing at this North Georgia plantation.

The North Georgia area is a center for artisans and crafters of all types. The John Campbell Folk School    http://www.folkschool.org/   is nearby and offers classes and programs in myriad art forms. Our schools are among the highest ranked in the state of Georgia and for those continuing their education we offer both  North Georgia Technical College and  Young Harris College. If you'd like to rediscover a sense of community and belonging in an area still abundant in peace and quiet, give me a call. I'd be happy to answer your questions and help you in every way possible.