Attractions
& Recreation
A Trail for Every Hiker
Our area has become the stuff of legend for seasoned
hikers and day trippers alike. While Meeks Park offers
more than 4.5 miles of easy paved strolls and shorter
hikes, a whole world of beautiful and challenging hiking
trails is readily available — no matter your skill level.
The most famous trail in the area, of course, is the
Appalachian Trail (see below), which is accessible from
several locations within Union County. Not up for the full
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2,192 miles? Pick a starting place (like the Byron Herbert
Reece Trail) and follow the white rectangle “blazes.” For
help getting started, visit appalachiantrail.org.
Looking for an interesting day hike? We’ve got something
for every day of the year! The Nottely Reservoir
Trail is a 2.5-mile loop along the lakeshore. More challenging,
the Jacks Knob Trail stretches 4.5 miles from
Brasstown Bald to Wolfpen Ridge. You’ll find the trailhead
at the Brasstown Bald parking lot, along with the
5.5-mile Arkaquah Trail that leads to Track Rock Gap.
The Coosa Backcountry Trail loops 12.5 miles in the
rugged mountains near Vogel State Park. The trail is
moderately difficult and requires a permit that you can
get at the Vogel State Park Visitors Center. Inside Vogel
State Park, Trahlyta Lake Trail is an easy 1-mile loop
around the lake that crosses an earthen dam built by
the CCC in 1935. And 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail is a
great hike for bringing the dogs.
Head down GA 129 to Helton Creek Road, 2 miles
south of Vogel State Park, to access Helton Creek Falls.
The short, easy walk tapers down into a mountain cove
that leads to a multi-level cascading waterfall.
Visit www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com for more information
on hiking trails and waterfalls in the area.
Take in the Views on Horseback
With a full complement of knowledgeable local stables
and scenic trails that stretch for miles, horseback adventures
abound in North Georgia. For example, the Stables
at Brasstown Valley features 5 miles of guided mountain
trail rides, plus custom excursions, hayrides and catered
picnic rides. With more than 30 years’ experience, the
folks at Appalachian Trail Rides make the most of your
ride as you travel through pristine land that meanders
alongside lakes, creeks and breathtaking mountain views.
Located on 250 acres adjacent to the Chattahoochee
National Forest, Trackrock Stables offers horseback riding
adventures for both skilled and beginning riders.
Take a 1- or 2-hour guided trail ride through lush foliage
as you cross clear mountain streams and peaceful
meadows. Next door at Trackrock Campground, you can
rent a cabin, pitch a tent or bring your RV.
For something a little different, visit the Union County
Saddle Club arena, a lighted, enclosed showplace with
an outdoor practice area, concession stand and clubhouse.
In addition to rodeos, it hosts horse shows, barrel
racing, team roping, ranch sorting, exhibitions and clinics.
Hike on Through!
They say that a journey of a thousand miles starts with the
first step. And for many, the 2,192 miles of the Appalachian
Trail starts by lacing up their boots in North Georgia. Most
“thru-hikers” begin the trek at nearby Springer Mountain,
the AT’s southern terminus. On their way north, they hike
through approximately 40 miles of Union County, including
the trail’s highest Georgia peak (Blood Mountain) and the
only section of the trail that runs through a man-made
structure. This unique feature can be found at Walasi-Yi
Interpretive Center (get there by car on GA 19/129 at Neel
Gap), where hikers use the local outfitters, Mountain Crossings,
as a place to resupply, rest up and pick up mail.
An estimated 3 million people visit the AT each year, with
more than 3,000 attempting a full thru-hike. For those
wishing to make a shorter excursion, a variety of access
trails intersect the AT throughout the County.
Union is proud to be an “Appalachian Trail Community,”
which means we protect the AT and provide support to
those who hike it. For example, thru-hikers
can catch a shuttle to town and
enjoy special discounts on lodging,
dining and supplies from
the AT Community Sup -
porters in the area.
Unicoi Gap
/VisitBlairsvilleGA.com
/appalachiantrail.org
/www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com