James July-August 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 11
BELL GRIST MILL IN RABUN COUNTY
ing up at the stars sitting around a
campfire, visitors can enjoy a wonderful view and a better perspective in
Rabun County. Nestled in the heart
of the southern Appalachians and
surrounded by stunning mountains,
streams, rivers, lakes and forest
lands, Rabun County is an outdoorsman's dream, just two hours north of
Atlanta. Rabun County includes the
charming mountain towns of Clayton,
Dillard and Sky Valley among others.
“Rabun County, with its charming
mountain towns, is an outdoor lover’s
paradise, just a short trip away, where
you can get in touch with the beauty of nature and the importance of
appreciating and enjoying it.” says CJ
Thompson, Rabun County’s Manager
of Marketing & Tourism.
Thompson says visitors can hike
to the top of Black Rock Mountain
State Park, Georgia’s highest state
park. Roadside and trail overlooks
provide spectacular 80-mile vistas.
On your way up the mountain, you
can also visit The Foxfire Museum,
where you can take a step back in
time and see what life was like for
our Appalachian settlers.
According to Thompson, Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-see
from the top of the mountains to the
depths of a gorge. Visitors can take
the Hurricane Falls Stairs down to
the unique suspension bridge that
sways 80 feet above the gorge floor
and amaze at the thundering falls
below you. Rabun County is home to
the largest collection of waterfalls in
the state of Georgia.
Visitors can book a thrilling
whitewater rafting trip down the
Chattooga River, officially designated
a National Wild and Scenic River.
But those who prefer things at a
slower pace can enjoy the mountain
views on a leisurely horseback ride
through pastures and cool streams,
spend a quiet afternoon paddleboarding on the lake, or savor a
delightful glass of wine at a beautiful
mountain winery while reflecting on
the pleasures of the day. As Georgia’s Farm-to-Table Capital, there are
also many fabulous dining establishments available to satisfy even the
most avid culinary adventurer.
Apple Capital & Outdoor Paradise
Gilmer County takes pride in
being known by many names: Georgia’s Apple Capital, the Mountain
Bike Capital of Georgia and now
Ellijay Wine Country.
“But we’re more than any single
title. We’re a destination where tradition and innovation grow side by
side,” said Kyle Ray, president and
CEO of the Gilmer Chamber. “Our
century-old apple heritage continues to thrive, drawing generations
to orchards that have shaped our
identity. Outdoor lovers discover
world-class mountain biking and
hiking trails that wind through the
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