Between Atlanta and Asheville

Question

Driving from Asheville to Atlanta mid September

Looking for advise on where to stay for 2 nights, during the week, for a blue ridge mountain experience. Hiking, cute town, restaurants and activity suggestions very much welcome.

Should we expand to 3 nights?

thanks for any thoughts.

Answer

Driving from Asheville to Atlanta offers an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are several great towns along the way where you can enjoy hiking, scenic beauty, and local culture. Two nights should be enough to experience some of the highlights, but if you're looking for a more relaxed pace or want to explore a bit more, you might consider extending your stay to three nights.

Here are some suggestions for where to stay and things to do during your trip:

Hiawassee, GA: Located near the north end of the Georgia part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hiawassee offers a charming small-town vibe with access to hiking and stunning mountain views. It's also home to the beautiful Lake Chatuge. You can explore the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers excellent hiking trails like the Jack's Gap Trail and High Shoals Falls for a scenic waterfall experience.
Blairsville, GA: A little further south from Hiawassee, Blairsville is a peaceful mountain town with many outdoor opportunities. It’s great for hiking, with trails like Blood Mountain and Lake Winfield Scott for a more relaxed hike. Blairsville also has several great restaurants to enjoy after a day of outdoor activities, like The Beegum Bar & Grill.
Blue Ridge, GA: Known as the "Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains," this charming town offers a wonderful combination of nature and small-town charm. There are lots of hiking options nearby, including the Appalachian Trail and the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge. The town itself has great dining options, like Harvest on Main and Blue Ridge Brewery, and is known for its antique shops and galleries. The nearby Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a fun, historic train ride that takes you through the mountains.

If you’re considering extending your stay to three nights, it would give you more time to fully enjoy the beauty of the mountains and take in some of the area’s other attractions. Here are a few more activities you could add if you have extra time:

Explore Tallulah Gorge State Park: Just north of Clayton, GA, this park offers some of the most dramatic views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Gorge Floor Trail takes you down into the gorge, where you can see the famous Tallulah Falls. There’s also a suspension bridge with a thrilling view of the falls.
Visit Amicalola Falls State Park: Located in Dawsonville, this park is home to Georgia's tallest waterfall. The Amicalola Falls Trail offers a steep but rewarding hike to the top, where you'll be treated to amazing views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect stop if you're looking for a memorable hike.
Discover the local wineries: The Georgia Wine Highway is located in the northern part of the state, with vineyards offering wine tastings and tours. Some of the best ones near Blairsville and Blue Ridge include Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge and Paradise Hills Resort & Winery near Blairsville.

Overall, whether you opt for two or three nights, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of hiking, scenic views, charming towns, and activities to make your trip a memorable one. If you feel like you’re rushing, adding an extra day would definitely allow you to experience more of what the area has to offer and relax a bit more.