Top 5 Spots to Check Out when Traveling to North Georgia for the First Time

Bell Mountain

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy a beautiful view, check out Bell Mountain. This insanely gorgeous mountain knob offers 360 degree views of Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge, with some awesome local shops at its base in the town of Hiawassee. The history of Bell Mountain is an interesting one as well, and a few lessons for us as visitors to a place.

In the early 1960’s, three men nearby North Carolina decided they wanted to mine the top of Bell for minerals. But because of ignorance, a fair amount of ego and inexperience, they failed and only left a huge hole that can be seen from miles away. To preserve the mountain after that debacle, local Hiawassee resident Hal Herrin purchased the area to preserve it for future generations. It primarily became a home for sunset hikes for locals, and later on, a place for Jeeps and other off-road enthusiasts.

The mountain itself is covered in graffitti. As described beautifully by Wander North Georgia, “…the graffiti is literally a different a shade of the same thing that the three men from Murphy accomplished a half century ago. 50 years ago they gouged out a side of the mountain for their own gain. Today people spray paint their name for their own gain. In each situation people have decided that the mountains exist for their benefit instead of the benefit of the community. They care more about what they can get out of the mountains than what they can give back to them.

I don’t share this history to be a downer. The views from Bell Mountain are stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset. I share them because I think as visitors, we can all do better. If you decide the visit Bell Mountain, I’d encourage you to not glorify the graffitti in your photos (which is vandalism itself). Enjoy the view, and give more back to the mountain than you take from it.

Amicolola Falls

At the heart of the Amicolola State Park, Georgia’s tallest waterfall spills down a towering bluff, falling 720 feet into a beautifully green mossy, boulder-filled forest. Amicolola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall and is located within the 829-acre Amicolola Falls State Parkin Dawsonville, GA. The Park is accessible year-round during daylight hours and costs $5 per vehicle to enter. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Check out this trail for a beautiful view of the Falls.

Helton Creek Falls

If you’re traveling with kids, this hike is for you. It’s short, kid friendly, but still sure to please. Helton Creek Falls cascades down in a set of two waterfalls, sliding down in tendrils through a beautiful, hemlock-filled creek valley. The trail to these gorgeous waterfalls isn’t a long hike at all and instead is more of a stroll through the woods. The rocks are deceptively slippery around these falls, so exercise caution, especially with little ones. Entrance is free. View more info here.

Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest mountain at 4,784 feet above sea level and offers amazing views and time in Mother Nature. Make sure to check out the Brasstown Bald Visitors Center, where you can soak in breathtaking, 360-degree views. The unique circular building is also home to an 8,000-square-foot museum featuring interactive cultural and natural history exhibits, including a short film about the dramatic weather and changing seasons at Brasstown Bald. On clear days, you will be able to see four different states at the summit even without the help of the onsite telescopes! When the days aren’t as clear you’re still guaranteed a great time because of how beautiful the surrounding area is. The summit can be accessed from the parking lot by shuttle service or hiking the half-mile Summit Trail. More hiking trails are also available for your enjoyment, so bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Benton Falls

Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area of the Cherokee National Forest, access the 65-foot Benton Falls from the 3 mile roundtrip Benton Falls Trail. You can relax at the base of the falls and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There are also more hikes in the area if you want to make a day of it.

BONUS: Michalee’s Italian Life Caffe

After all that hiking and nature loving, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Check out one of our favorite spots, Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe, open Monday-Saturday after 4pm. Michaelee's Italian Life Caffe is a local establishment that opened in 2006. They import only the finest ingredients from Italy, including their olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pasta, and other ingredients that will surprise and delight you. You can truly taste the difference with the ingredients they use and you won’t be disappointed!