Northeast Georgia Family Fun To Do list for August!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Special August Event: The Perseid Meteor Shower [Learn More!]

Here is your top things to do in August in Northeast Georgia:

1. Ascend Brasstown Bald

Georgia’s highest peak (~4,784 ft) offers panoramic views across four states from the observation deck. Hike via a scenic trail or take the shuttle to the summit. [Learn More]

2. Stroll Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens

This 33-acre botanical garden near Lake Chatuge features the Southeast’s largest collection of native rhododendron and azalea, lovely walking paths, and seasonal public events. [More Info]

3. Explore Lake Chatuge

Stretching over 100 miles of shoreline, Lake Chatuge is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, paddle sports, and lakeside picnics. [Lake Chatuge]

4. Hike to High Shoals Falls & Blue Hole Falls

Trails near Hiawassee lead to stunning waterfalls—High Shoals Falls offers multiple cascades over 300 ft; Blue Hole is a tranquil swimming spot. [AllTrails Info]

5. Attend the Georgia Mountain Fair

Each August (Aug 15–23), this long-running fair at Hiawassee’s fairgrounds features artisan crafts, concerts, classic fair rides, southern eats, and local pageants. [Fair Info]

6. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Departing Blue Ridge station, this vintage train ride travels through mountain woodlands along the Toccoa River, especially scenic during fall but enjoyable year-round. [Blue Ridge]

7. Pick fruit & relax at Mercier Orchards

In Blue Ridge, enjoy U‑pick apples, farm goods, cider tastings, baked treats, and panoramic orchard views—a Northern Georgia highlight. [Mercier Orchards]

8. Visit Unicoi State Park & Anna Ruby Falls

Near Helen, this state park offers hiking, zip-lining, swimming at Unicoi Lake, and the scenic twin cascades at Anna Ruby Falls via a shaded paved trail. [Park and Falls Info]

9. Drive the Richard B. Russell Scenic Parkway

This picturesque ~40‑mile byway north of Helen winds through forested ridges with pull-offs leading to waterfalls, hiking trails, and Appalachian Trail access. [Parkway Info]

10. Discover Vogel State Park & Blood Mountain

Outside Blairsville, Vogel offers lake swimming, hiking trails up Blood Mountain, mountain biking, and horse trails, all within Chattahoochee National Forest. [Vogel State Park]

11. Experience Blairsville’s local charm

Visit Rhatigan Farms (goats, goat‑yoga, farmers' market), Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co, Mountain Crossings (AT landmark & outfitter), and small local shops. [Blairsville]

12. Explore Dahlonega’s Gold Rush heritage

Tour the Dahlonega Gold Museum in the historic 1836 courthouse, walk the charming town square lined with shops and wineries, or catch a show at the vintage Holly Theatre.  [Dahlonega]

Featured Vacation Rental

Lake Front Cottage - Blairsville

Best Tips for Summer Visits

Plan for early mornings or late afternoons to enjoy waterfalls and hikes in cooler light and fewer crowds.

Fair time in August? Book early! Lodging fills up during the Georgia Mountain Fair.

Combine tastes and trails: Harvest apples, visit a distillery or vineyard, then hit a scenic waterfall hike.

Layer for the summer microclimate—mountain elevations keep temps pleasant year-round, but mornings can be cool.

Tour North Georgia - July To Do List!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Hike to Kilkenny Ridge via Bell Mountain Park – Hiawassee

A moderate trail with panoramic views over Lake Chatuge—perfect for a sunrise or sunset hike. Take a packed picnic to enjoy at the summit. [AllTrails]

Boat, Paddleboard or Kayak on Lake Chatuge – Hiawassee

With 132 miles of shoreline, Lake Chatuge offers ideal conditions for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. Public ramps and beach areas make it easy to spend the day on the water. [Hiawassee]

Explore Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens – Hiawassee

Stroll through 33 acres of stunning native rhododendrons and azaleas, peaceful woodland trails leading to overlooks over Lake Chatuge. [Hiawassee]

Mountain Biking & Zip-Lining – Blue Ridge

Try the treetop obstacle courses at Blue Ridge Adventure Park or join thrilling zip-lining tours. For two wheels, head to Bear Creek or Fort Mountain State Park for rugged trails. [Blue Ridge]

Lake Blue Ridge Discovery – Blue Ridge

Spend a day boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding around the 3,290‑acre lake. Hiking options and campground access at Morganton Point make it easy to extend your adventure. [Blue Ridge]

Lake Burton & Black Rock Mountain State Park – Clayton

Swim, sunbathe, or picnic at Timpson Cove Beach on Lake Burton. Then drive or hike through Georgia’s highest state park with sweeping mountain views. [Lake Burton]

“Crime & Punishment” Historic Walking Tour – Dahlonega

Join a ranger-led outdoor history hike to explore true tales of bank robberies, moonshine, jailbreaks, and old-time justice. Perfect for combining strolls with storytelling. [Dahlonega]

Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors:

Weekday mornings are best to avoid weekend crowds.

State park parking fees are usually around $5; guided events may have extra costs.

Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.

Featured North Georgia Vacation Rental:

High  Country Hideaway - Blue Ridge

Find Family Fun:

[NoEGA Events Calendar]

WebCams!

Be sure to catch the action at some of North Carolina's and North Georgia's top web cams - Visit [HighSouthAdventures - WebCams]!!

July 4th around Northeast Georgia!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge & McCaysville

Blue Ridge Freedom 5K & Old Timers’ Parade — July 4, 7:30 AM (5K), then parade downtown at 10 AM in the city park.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks — July 4 at ~9:30 PM, launched near the dam, prime viewing from Morganton Point, Dam access, marina, or on a boat.

Copper Basin / McCaysville Fireworks — July 5 at dusk, in downtown McCaysville/Copperhill; can also enjoy the Firecracker Special train trip July 5 evening.

Blairsville (Union County)

Red, White & Blairsville — July 4, 7:30 PM–10 PM at Meeks Park; free family-friendly event with bounce houses, food trucks, raffles, cornhole, and fireworks.

Dahlonega

4th of July Family Fun Day & Fireworks — July 4th, day starts with Firecracker 5K (8 AM), car show, parade, kids’ zone, live music and ends with fireworks at the UNG drill field just after dark.

Hiawassee (Lake Chatuge)

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Celebration — July 4 starting around 3 PM (family activities), live music 6–9 PM, fireworks at ~9:45 PM over Lake Chatuge .

Lake Chatuge Boat Parade + Dual Fireworks Options — July 4 boat parade in the morning; fireworks can also be viewed from Sand Bar & Grille or fairgrounds.

Lake Burton

Lake Burton Fireworks & Fun Run — Annual fireworks launched from Billy Goat Island on July 5 at ~9:30 PM (boat-viewing popular). Includes a fun run at Moccasin Creek State Park earlier in the day.

Quick Summary

Location              Date Highlights & Fireworks Time

Blue Ridge              July 4 Parade, 5K in morning; fireworks ~9:30 PM

McCaysville      July 5 Copper Basin fireworks; train ride July 5

Blairsville             July 4, 7:30 PM All-ages celebration with fireworks at night

Dahlonega             July 4 Day-to-night event, fireworks after dusk

Hiawassee             July 4 Boat parade, fairground concert + fireworks at ~9:45 PM

Lake Burton     July 5, ~9:30 PM Boat-view fireworks show, fun run earlier

Tips for Planning

Boat-viewing at Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Chatuge, and Lake Burton is highly recommended—bring watercraft or arrive early by shore.

Daytime events (5Ks, parades) are family-friendly—plan lodging nearby to enjoy the full-day celebrations.

Arrive early for parking and prime fireworks vantage spots at fairgrounds and lakesides.

Featured Northeast Georgia Vacation Rental

LAKEFRONT! Huge Screened Porch overlooking lake!