The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry


So, I'd like to preface this with that we initially planned and prepared to spend this trip in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. However, the government shutdown has closed most of the national parks (State parks are unaffected), so we've had to pivot on accommodations.


That's disappointing, but such is Life.

A blue locomotive numbered 4631 passes beneath brilliant red autumn maple trees at a scenic station.
Passengers lean from open windows of a blue train winding through a lush green river gorge.

Heading to Blue ridge


We left on October 10th, and headed towards our stay in Blue Ridge, Georgia. It's an up and coming town and known for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (pictured above), the Toccoa River, and a really cute downtown area, full of restaurants, coffee shops, craft beer taverns, and tourist shops. It's a super great little town, and known to be very dog friendly (yes, we brought our furball). The railway really is a great trip to take. It goes from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, which is right on the border with Tennessee (half the town is McCaysville, the other half is Copper Basin, TN)

An oval Copper Basin sign marking the Georgia and Tennessee border mounted on a brick building wall.
Morning mist rises from a calm river beside sunlit trees in a peaceful autumn landscape.

Camp Location: Blue Ridge / Toccoa River KOA Holiday

📍67 Blackhawk Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

☎ +1 (706) 946-0355

🌐https://koa.com/campgrounds/toccoa-river/


This was a great place to stay. As such, we've stayed here multiple times and has also been an emergency fallback for other places. Quick 5-minute access to grocery stores as needed. Blue Ridge itself is about 10-15 minutes fron the tourist center of town. Very clean, staff was great and very helpful. If you're going to stay here, ask for spots along the river. It's a little more private and spacious, and the views are incredible. Access to the main road is very easy.


Blue Ridge, GA

Blue Ridge has alot of good restaurants for both bar fare and American, as well as healthy and vegan options. Be aware that it can be problematic for parking in town, as it's a very popular, and the parking lots are tight together. Pro tip: there's good parking on the northern end of main street away from the city center, around and just north of, Angry Hops Brewing (before the curve). It's a bit of a walk, but you should find parking easier (We parked a 21 foot van no problem).


The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is absolutely a must-do. It's a 26 mile roundtrip through the countryside and has options for regular train cars and open air, which is great for photographers. Your best bet is to do the 4-Hour Winter Extended Tour with State Line Layover. You'll get dropped off in McCaysville/Copperhill for a 2-hour layover. FYI there's a bunch of shops and little restaurants there and my wife and I have been numerous times.


Finishing off, there's a lot here to do. From winery's, to parks and waterfalls, to zipline and trails, there's more than enough to enjoy the area