Quiet Pleasures of Spring in Blue Ridge

As winter turns to spring in the North Georgia mountains, warmer temperatures move in and Spring Break gives way to a quieter time in Blue Ridge. May’s the time for a couples’ retreat, friends’ getaway, or a solo trip to recharge the senses and soothe the soul.

picturedSpring drive past Aska Farms on Mountains & Countryside driving tour

creditJerry Mucklow

Wildflower Wonders

April to May is the perfect time to see wildflowers like Lady’s Slipper, Trout Lily and Dwarf Crested Iris that are secluded near trails and waterfalls.
May-June is Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron season, when walls of colorful blooms can be seen almost everywhere you look. Read “When Do the Wildflowers Bloom?” to know what to watch for.

Picture of 4 lady slippers, 3 pink and one white surrounded by green leaves and trees

Lady Slippers along the Benton MacKaye Trail

Photogenic Hikes

Photo-ops are all around. Trek across the 270-foot-long Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, the longest east of the Mississippi. Hikes to five refreshing waterfalls range from just .1 mile to 9.5 miles. Two bucket-list hiking adventures, the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail begin in southern Fannin County at Springer Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, where vintage climate-controlled and open-air rail cars take passengers on a winding ride alongside the Toccoa River, with a stop in the intriguing twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Depending on the schedule, visitors have a layover with plenty of time to have lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques or snack on ice cream and other treats. The Riverwalk Shops offers riverfront restaurants and boutique shopping. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends, and Tennessee begins. Use our walking map to help you discover these quaint mountain towns.
The newest way to see the Blue Ridge countryside is aboard a custom-built, four-person electric Railbike. It’s a leisurely, motor-assisted pedal from the depot in historic downtown Blue Ridge on an 11-mile round-trip adventure meandering alongside streams and vineyards.

Sips, Suds and Tunes

Blue Ridge is also known for its appealing wineries, breweries, brewpubs, and taverns. Create your own wine trail or pub crawl using the route on their digital Blue Ridge Brews and Wineries map. Many have live music, as do restaurants serving local brews and vintages along with cocktails.

Couple enjoying a glass of wine at a vineyard in the spring.

Wine tasting at Serenberry Vineyards

Soothe the Senses

Decrease stress, relieve anxiety, increase flexibility, and build strength with classes and treatments carried out in beautiful settings amid lush green spaces and a peaceful lake with the Blue Ridge mountains as a backdrop. In town, find more spa options for treatments like a Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub or a French Rose Body Wrap. Explore more about the Best Spa, Wellness & Yoga Spots in Blue Ridge and then discover all of the centers for beauty, fitness and wellness, including day spas, salons, CrossFit, yoga, herbal therapy and more on our Things to Do, Spas & Wellness page.

Where to Sleep

Intown, stay in an 1890s B&B or a new, stylish hotel featuring balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant. Secluded overnight options include chic lofts with hidden balconies, fireplaces and sheltered outside lounge areas overlooking the town. Choices include lodging with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on Lake Blue Ridge and much more. Peruse them all! For those with furry companions, there are 8 Reasons to Book a Pet-Friendsy Cabin in Blue Ridge GA, and Pet-Friendly Blue Ridge gives you lots of ideas on how to spend your time here with your dog.

Plan Around Spring Events

Arts in the Park Festival, Southeastern Tourism Society Top 20 event, takes place May 25-26, 2024, and marks the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s 45th year of the Arts in the Park festival in the Downtown City Park. Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for more things to do during your visit to Blue Ridge.