Are you thinking about visiting Blue Ridge, Georgia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Blue Ridge worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for two to five days. During our first trip to Blue Ridge in 2014, we fell in love with its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural setting. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. Blue Ridge is a quaint mountain town in northern Georgia. It's filled with art galleries and local breweries and the surrounding area is crisscrossed by hiking trails including the starting point for the famed Appalachian Trail. Visitors enjoy the area's rustic cabins as well as the famed Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Reasons to Visit Blue Ridge
Food
You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.
Hiking
There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.
Shopping
You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.
Nightlife
Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.
Authenticity
Blue Ridge has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Blue Ridge worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the low season for travel in Blue Ridge. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Blue Ridge is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (81°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (91°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the hiking, and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Blue Ridge
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| August | 27°C (80°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| September | 24°C (74°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Blue Ridge worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Blue Ridge, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Blue Ridge is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, get out into nature, and take in the local charm.
Autumn Weather in Blue Ridge
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| November | 12°C (53°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| December | 7°C (44°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
Is Blue Ridge worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Blue Ridge, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The weather in Blue Ridge can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to enjoy a meal at a restaurant and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Blue Ridge
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| February | 7°C (44°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| March | 12°C (53°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
Is Blue Ridge worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Blue Ridge. Even though Blue Ridge is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 17°C (62°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the gorgeous scenery, and the small town charm. Also, you can dance the night away.
Spring Weather in Blue Ridge
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 17°C (62°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| June | 25°C (78°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Blue Ridge
Museums: Blue Ridge isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Blue Ridge might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Blue Ridge here or see if Blue Ridge is expensive here.
Related
What is Blue Ridge most famous for?
Blue Ridge is most famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. People visit this impressive town for its great food, hiking, and shopping. It is also known for its great nightlife. It is often described as historic, quaint, charming, and outdoorsy.
What is the most famous sight in Blue Ridge?
The most popular sight in Blue Ridge is Chattahoochee National Forest. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Blue Ridge on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Chattahoochee National Forest and other attractions here.
How touristy is Blue Ridge? Is it a popular town to visit?
Blue Ridge is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
- 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
How long should I spend in Blue Ridge?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Blue Ridge is two to five days. Since Blue Ridge has activities such as dining, hiking, and shopping, many visit for up to five days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Blue Ridge?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Blue Ridge?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Blue Ridge?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.