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!

Northeast Georgia Top Outdoor Activities

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Here are the top outdoor activities within about 30 miles of Blue Ridge, GA, offering something for every adventurer:

1. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

A 26-mile round-trip journey through scenic valleys and along the Toccoa River aboard a restored vintage train [Blue Ridge]

2. Boat or Paddle on Lake Blue Ridge

Rent kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats or just swim in the crystal-clear lake surrounded by forest. [Blue Ridge]

4. Hike Waterfall Trails

Visit nearby waterfalls like Fall Branch, Long Creek, Horsetrough Falls, Anna Ruby, and more—most easy to moderate hikes [AllTrails]

5. Hiking & Backpacking on the Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trails

Several trailheads nearby, including Aska, Springer Mountain, Benton MacKaye—offer everything from day hikes to multi-day treks [AllTrails]

6. Mountain Biking in Aska Trails Area

Over 17 miles of varied terrain through rhododendron forests and ridge views—great for all skill levels. [MTB Project]

7. Whitewater Rafting & Tubing on Toccoa/Ocoee River

Thrilling guided rafting trips (e.g., Ocoee) or relaxing tubing down the Toccoa River 

8. Horseback Riding & Zip‑Line Canopy Tours

Enjoy scenic trail rides through forest and creek crossings, or soar above the canopy on zip-lines at Blue Ridge Adventure Park 

9. Visit Scenic Overlooks & State Parks

– Brasstown Bald: Georgia’s highest point with panoramic views across 4 states 

– Black Rock Mountain State Park: Offers 80 mi ridgeline vistas and rugged trails 

– Unicoi State Park/Anna Ruby Falls: Lake swimming, hikes, zip‑lining, and stunning falls 

Featured Northeast Georgia Vacation Rental:

Lake Nottely Vacation Rental

[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]!!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Things to Do!

1. Explore Tallulah Gorge State Park 

Hike across the suspension bridge and along the rim trails for jaw‑dropping views of the gorge’s dramatic waterfalls and canyon walls. You can even obtain a permit to descend to the gorge floor for an up‑close experience

Pro tip: Save the early part of the day for this outdoor trek to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

 

2. Tackle Raven Cliff Falls Trail

This moderately easy 5‑mile round‑trip trail features multiple scenic cascades, including a striking 80‑ft central cliff drop through granite fissures . Immerse yourself in lush rhododendron and mountain laurel—a perfect midweek escape amid summer humidity.

 

3. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway 

Operating Fridays through Mondays this summer, this charming heritage train runs along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville/Copperhill

 Enjoy picturesque landscapes, riverside views, and the opportunity to explore quaint mountain towns at your own pace.

 

4. Family Fun at Unicoi State Park & Lodge (Helen)

Just outside Helen, this 1,050‑acre park boasts zip‑lining, hiking, paddle boats, freshwater beach swimming, live music, and artist series events running through September

With varied indoor and outdoor options, it's ideal even on humid or partly stormy afternoons.

Featured Vacation Rental In Helen! 

Alpine B&B- A Charming B&B in Downtown Helen, GA!

Weekly Tips & Planning

Morning hours are best for outdoor activities—afternoon storms roll in almost daily through Thursday.

Friday and Saturday offer clearer skies—perfect for scenic drives, hikes, or a river train ride.

Stay flexible! Combine a morning waterfall trek with an afternoon in the park or train ride.

Top things to do in Northeast Georgia!

Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

1. Chase Waterfalls & Hike

Long Creek Falls: A scenic 2-mile hike through Three Forks leading to a beautiful waterfall—perfect for a half-day excursion 

Also explore Fall Branch Falls, Horsetrough Falls (70 ft cascade nearby), and several others in the area 

[Learn More]

2. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway 

Climb aboard this heritage train from downtown Blue Ridge along the Toccoa River to McCaysville & Copperhill. It’s a relaxing, four-hour round trip with both indoor and open-air cars – ideal for family or scenic rides 

[Learn More]

3. Paddle & Play on Water

Lake Blue Ridge: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, or pontoon boats at Lake Blue Ridge Marina

[Learn More]

4. Zipline & Aerial Adventure

Blue Ridge Adventure Park and Zipline Canopy Tours: swing through treetop obstacle courses and ziplines at varying heights (15–75 ft), with options for all skill levels 

[Learn More]

5. Horseback Riding

Ride through forested trails of the Cohutta Mountains or Hell’s Hollow with Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides, complete with creek crossings and guided options 

[Learn More]