Tour North Georgia - July To Do List!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Hike to Kilkenny Ridge via Bell Mountain Park – Hiawassee

A moderate trail with panoramic views over Lake Chatuge—perfect for a sunrise or sunset hike. Take a packed picnic to enjoy at the summit. [AllTrails]

Boat, Paddleboard or Kayak on Lake Chatuge – Hiawassee

With 132 miles of shoreline, Lake Chatuge offers ideal conditions for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. Public ramps and beach areas make it easy to spend the day on the water. [Hiawassee]

Explore Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens – Hiawassee

Stroll through 33 acres of stunning native rhododendrons and azaleas, peaceful woodland trails leading to overlooks over Lake Chatuge. [Hiawassee]

Mountain Biking & Zip-Lining – Blue Ridge

Try the treetop obstacle courses at Blue Ridge Adventure Park or join thrilling zip-lining tours. For two wheels, head to Bear Creek or Fort Mountain State Park for rugged trails. [Blue Ridge]

Lake Blue Ridge Discovery – Blue Ridge

Spend a day boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding around the 3,290‑acre lake. Hiking options and campground access at Morganton Point make it easy to extend your adventure. [Blue Ridge]

Lake Burton & Black Rock Mountain State Park – Clayton

Swim, sunbathe, or picnic at Timpson Cove Beach on Lake Burton. Then drive or hike through Georgia’s highest state park with sweeping mountain views. [Lake Burton]

“Crime & Punishment” Historic Walking Tour – Dahlonega

Join a ranger-led outdoor history hike to explore true tales of bank robberies, moonshine, jailbreaks, and old-time justice. Perfect for combining strolls with storytelling. [Dahlonega]

Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors:

Weekday mornings are best to avoid weekend crowds.

State park parking fees are usually around $5; guided events may have extra costs.

Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.

Featured North Georgia Vacation Rental:

High  Country Hideaway - Blue Ridge

Find Family Fun:

[NoEGA Events Calendar]

WebCams!

Be sure to catch the action at some of North Carolina's and North Georgia's top web cams - Visit [HighSouthAdventures - WebCams]!!

July 4th around Northeast Georgia!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge & McCaysville

Blue Ridge Freedom 5K & Old Timers’ Parade — July 4, 7:30 AM (5K), then parade downtown at 10 AM in the city park.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks — July 4 at ~9:30 PM, launched near the dam, prime viewing from Morganton Point, Dam access, marina, or on a boat.

Copper Basin / McCaysville Fireworks — July 5 at dusk, in downtown McCaysville/Copperhill; can also enjoy the Firecracker Special train trip July 5 evening.

Blairsville (Union County)

Red, White & Blairsville — July 4, 7:30 PM–10 PM at Meeks Park; free family-friendly event with bounce houses, food trucks, raffles, cornhole, and fireworks.

Dahlonega

4th of July Family Fun Day & Fireworks — July 4th, day starts with Firecracker 5K (8 AM), car show, parade, kids’ zone, live music and ends with fireworks at the UNG drill field just after dark.

Hiawassee (Lake Chatuge)

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Celebration — July 4 starting around 3 PM (family activities), live music 6–9 PM, fireworks at ~9:45 PM over Lake Chatuge .

Lake Chatuge Boat Parade + Dual Fireworks Options — July 4 boat parade in the morning; fireworks can also be viewed from Sand Bar & Grille or fairgrounds.

Lake Burton

Lake Burton Fireworks & Fun Run — Annual fireworks launched from Billy Goat Island on July 5 at ~9:30 PM (boat-viewing popular). Includes a fun run at Moccasin Creek State Park earlier in the day.

Quick Summary

Location              Date Highlights & Fireworks Time

Blue Ridge              July 4 Parade, 5K in morning; fireworks ~9:30 PM

McCaysville      July 5 Copper Basin fireworks; train ride July 5

Blairsville             July 4, 7:30 PM All-ages celebration with fireworks at night

Dahlonega             July 4 Day-to-night event, fireworks after dusk

Hiawassee             July 4 Boat parade, fairground concert + fireworks at ~9:45 PM

Lake Burton     July 5, ~9:30 PM Boat-view fireworks show, fun run earlier

Tips for Planning

Boat-viewing at Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Chatuge, and Lake Burton is highly recommended—bring watercraft or arrive early by shore.

Daytime events (5Ks, parades) are family-friendly—plan lodging nearby to enjoy the full-day celebrations.

Arrive early for parking and prime fireworks vantage spots at fairgrounds and lakesides.

Featured Northeast Georgia Vacation Rental

LAKEFRONT! Huge Screened Porch overlooking lake!

Northeast Georgia Top Outdoor Activities

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Here are the top outdoor activities within about 30 miles of Blue Ridge, GA, offering something for every adventurer:

1. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

A 26-mile round-trip journey through scenic valleys and along the Toccoa River aboard a restored vintage train [Blue Ridge]

2. Boat or Paddle on Lake Blue Ridge

Rent kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats or just swim in the crystal-clear lake surrounded by forest. [Blue Ridge]

4. Hike Waterfall Trails

Visit nearby waterfalls like Fall Branch, Long Creek, Horsetrough Falls, Anna Ruby, and more—most easy to moderate hikes [AllTrails]

5. Hiking & Backpacking on the Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trails

Several trailheads nearby, including Aska, Springer Mountain, Benton MacKaye—offer everything from day hikes to multi-day treks [AllTrails]

6. Mountain Biking in Aska Trails Area

Over 17 miles of varied terrain through rhododendron forests and ridge views—great for all skill levels. [MTB Project]

7. Whitewater Rafting & Tubing on Toccoa/Ocoee River

Thrilling guided rafting trips (e.g., Ocoee) or relaxing tubing down the Toccoa River 

8. Horseback Riding & Zip‑Line Canopy Tours

Enjoy scenic trail rides through forest and creek crossings, or soar above the canopy on zip-lines at Blue Ridge Adventure Park 

9. Visit Scenic Overlooks & State Parks

– Brasstown Bald: Georgia’s highest point with panoramic views across 4 states 

– Black Rock Mountain State Park: Offers 80 mi ridgeline vistas and rugged trails 

– Unicoi State Park/Anna Ruby Falls: Lake swimming, hikes, zip‑lining, and stunning falls 

Featured Northeast Georgia Vacation Rental:

Lake Nottely Vacation Rental

[NoEGA Events Calendar]

WebCams!

Be sure to catch the action at some of North Carolina's and North Georgia's top web cams - Visit [HighSouthAdventures - WebCams]!!