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Blairsville Georgia
is considered one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Situated on the northeast border of Georgia in the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville is a natural scenic wonder. Awe- inspiring mountains, peaceful green valleys, crystal clear lakes and beautiful waterfalls surround this small town. Blairsville is located within Union County and has a population of approximately 700 (the whole county’s population is only around 19,000.) It is one of the oldest towns in Georgia, founded in 1835 and named for Francis Preston Blair, Sr., the editor of the Washington Globe. Blairsville is the only incorporated community in Union County and its’ historic courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby recreational areas offer camping, hiking, hunting, and even gold panning. Fish for trout in a cool mountain stream, or visit the area’s many antique and craft shops. The town of Blairsville moves at a slow pace and the residents are friendly. This is one place where you can definitely take time to relax and appreciate all that nature has to offer.
Blairsville is a four-season vacation area where seasons change from the snows of winter to the colorful wildflowers of spring, to the endless shades of green in summer to the brilliant shades of red and gold in fall. Just a five-minute drive from Blairsville takes you to the Richard Russell Scenic Highway, which crosses the Appalachian Trail. The highway is set up with many scenic overlooks along the way, so don’t forget your camera. Just a few of the other points of interest near Blairsville includes Cooper’s Creek Scenic & Recreation Area, DeSoto Falls Scenic Area, and Vogel State Park, Georgia’s oldest state park. Two archaeological sites are located near Blairsville; Trackrock Archaeological Area which has preserved petroglyph of ancient Indian origin, and the Blood Mountain Archaeological Area, the site of a Cherokee and Creek Indian Battle before the arrival of white man. Byron Herbert Reece, the famous author, lived in Blairsville and his home place is now a museum. Blairsville is also the site of the Scottish Festival and Highland Games, several annual festivals and special events, and summer music events and ongoing community theater plays and more. Although rural in nature, you will never run out of things to see and do in the Blairsville area. A visitor information center is located atop Georgia’s highest mountain approximately 20 miles from Blairsville. From the center’s observation deck, you get a 360-degree vista of four states. The center also offers slide presentations, interpretive programs, exhibits, hiking trails and picnic areas. Within the village of Blairsville, you’ll find a variety of charming accommodations such as bed & breakfasts, mountain cabins, inns and lodges, as well as national hotel chains. Restaurants in Blairsville include fast food, pizza, steakhouses, Mexican, Chinese and “home cooking” country style family restaurants.
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