Activities near Blue Ridge.

An alpine coaster through the woods on the edge of downtown Helen. Carts seat one or two, and each rider controls the speed with hand brakes.

• $18 adults
• you control the speed
• walk from downtown

Hours: Mon to Thu 10 AM to 6 PM, Fri and Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 10 AM to 7 PM

• Monday10 AM to 7 PM
• Tuesday10 AM to 7 PM
• Wednesday10 AM to 7 PM
• Thursday10 AM to 7 PM
• Friday10 AM to 9 PM
• Saturday10 AM to 9 PM
• Sunday10 AM to 7 PM

Get: Ride in daylight to see the fall color through the trees. Kids 7 to 12 are $14 and ages 3 to 6 are $10.

Open every day but weather can close it. Drivers must be 54 inches tall; riding with an adult requires 38 inches and age 3.

• Google 4.6 from 3,315 reviews
• TikTok 1.6M views across 7 videos: Alpine coaster ride through the woods in Helen

A drive-in theater that has been showing movies in Blue Ridge since 1955, with a diner serving burgers, popcorn, funnel cake and floats brought to your car.

• drive-in movies
• $10 adults
• diner with carhops

Hours: Thu to Sun only. During your stay: Sun Nov 1, Thu Nov 5 and Fri Nov 6

Get: Arrive when the gates and diner open, about 5 PM in the cooler months, order dinner from the carhop, and watch from your car at dark.

Closed Mon to Wed. Adults $10, kids 3 to 11 $5. Bring blankets; the car gets cold in November.

• Google 4.8 from 1,430 reviews
• TikTok 105K views across 2 videos: Retro drive-in movie and diner in Blue Ridge, spooky-season movie nights

Guided rides off Hells Hollow Road that climb about 1,000 feet through the forest to a mountaintop and finish with a creek crossing. No riding experience needed.

• horseback
• book ahead
• 90 minutes

Hours: Daily 8:45 AM to 6 PM

• Monday8:45 AM to 6 PM
• Tuesday8:45 AM to 6 PM
• Wednesday8:45 AM to 6 PM
• Thursday8:45 AM to 6 PM
• Friday8:45 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday8:45 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday8:45 AM to 6 PM

Get: The 90 minute trail ride.

Reservations required. Cell service is weak near the stable, so save the directions before you leave.

• Google 4.7 from 636 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.7 from 220 reviews, #5 of 29 Outdoor Activities in Blue Ridge
• TikTok 43K views across 1 video: Horseback trail rides

Pedal powered rail bikes on an old rail line through the Valley River farmland outside Andrews, North Carolina. It holds a 4.9 from more than 4,000 Google reviews.

• rail bikes
• book ahead
• about 2 hours

Hours: Fall tours daily at 11 AM and 1:30 PM

Get: The 11 AM tour so you have the afternoon for Murphy on the way back.

Book online ahead. Confirm early November dates on the site.

• Google 4.9 from 4,264 reviews

Guided trail rides on Cutcane Road, a few minutes from Mineral Bluff. Trails follow creeks and climb to mountain views, and the longer ride has a stretch where you can trot.

• horseback
• book ahead
• 1 or 2 hours

Hours: Daily 8 AM to 8 PM

• Monday8 AM to 8 PM
• Tuesday8 AM to 8 PM
• Wednesday8 AM to 8 PM
• Thursday8 AM to 8 PM
• Friday8 AM to 8 PM
• Saturday8 AM to 8 PM
• Sunday8 AM to 8 PM

Get: The 2 hour ride, or a private ride if you want the guide to yourselves.

Reservations required; call for same day openings.

• Google 5 from 2,461 reviews

Resort golf course in Mineral Bluff with big elevation changes, large sloped greens and mountain views. Range use is included with greens fees, and the tavern restaurant is on site.

• golf
• 18 holes
• tee time needed

Hours: Tee times by reservation; call the pro shop

Get: A weekday tee time, with time on the practice green first.

Rounds can run close to 5 hours, and carts are needed on the hills.

• Google 4.7 from 284 reviews
• TikTok 94K views across 1 video: Golf-club tavern in Mineral Bluff (address-only promo)

Smoke-free casino and hotel just outside Murphy, the main nightlife option in the area, with table games, slots and several restaurants including a Ramsay's Kitchen.

• casino
• nightlife
• dining

Hours: Casino floor open 24 hours

Get: Table games or slots, then dinner on site. Check the events schedule for concerts.

Must be 21 to gamble. Some concerts are held outdoors, so check the venue and dress warmly.

• Google 4.2 from 9,959 reviews

Guided tour through an underground gold mine in Dahlonega, followed by gold panning where most visitors find a few flakes to keep. A good day trip pairing with Dahlonega's town square.

• mine tour
• about $25
• bring a jacket

Hours: Mon to Fri 10 AM to 4 PM; Sat and Sun 10 AM to 5 PM

• Monday10 AM to 4 PM
• Tuesday10 AM to 4 PM
• Wednesday10 AM to 4 PM
• Thursday10 AM to 4 PM
• Friday10 AM to 4 PM
• Saturday10 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday10 AM to 5 PM

Get: The underground mine tour with gold panning; add a gem bucket if you have kids.

The mine stays cool year round, so bring a light jacket.

• Google 4.9 from 1,653 reviews

Family run stable in Cashes Valley with rides sorted by skill. Intermediate rides include trotting, the 1.5 hour ride climbs to a viewpoint, and the longer river ride lets experienced riders canter.

• horseback
• book ahead
• 1 to 3 hours

Hours: Mon to Sat 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM; Sun closed

• Monday8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Tuesday8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Wednesday8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Thursday8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Friday8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Saturday8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• SundayClosed

Get: The 1.5 hour intermediate ride, or the 1 hour novice ride for beginners and young kids.

Closed Sunday.

No refunds once a ride is paid; pick the pay later option when booking if your plans may change.

• Google 4.9 from 1,452 reviews
• Reddit recommended in 2 threads: Guided horseback trail rides, good for beginners

Guided canopy tour in the woods west of downtown Blue Ridge. The 1 hour tour covers 7 lines and finishes on the fastest one; the 2 hour tour adds more lines.

• zip line
• book ahead
• 1 or 2 hours

Hours: Daily 9 AM to 8 PM

• Monday9 AM to 8 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 8 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 8 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 8 PM
• Friday9 AM to 8 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 8 PM
• Sunday9 AM to 8 PM

Get: The 2 hour tour if you have the time; the 1 hour tour for first timers or younger kids.

Reservations required. Riders must meet a minimum weight, so check it before booking a young child.

• Google 4.8 from 1,548 reviews

Pontoon rentals on Lake Blue Ridge. Boat Dock Bar & Grill is on site.

• pontoon rental
• lake
• bar and grill

Hours: Pontoon rentals 9 AM to 4 PM

• MondayClosed
• Tuesday9 AM to 4 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 4 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 4 PM
• Friday9 AM to 4 PM
• SaturdayClosed
• SundayClosed

Get: A half day pontoon on a dry day

Closed Tuesday, Wednesday.

• Google 4.7 from 808 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.9 from 447 reviews, #1 of 29 Outdoor Activities in Blue Ridge

Zip line park outside Helen where staff drive you to the lines, so there is little climbing. The Big Bear Canyon tour has longer, faster lines, and the Big Zip add on runs half a mile.

• zip line
• book ahead
• fri to sun only

Hours: Mon to Thu closed; Fri to Sun 10 AM to 6 PM

• MondayClosed
• TuesdayClosed
• WednesdayClosed
• ThursdayClosed
• Friday10 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday10 AM to 6 PM

Get: The Big Bear Canyon tour with the Big Zip add on.

Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Open only Friday through Sunday, so Friday, Nov 6 is the one day that works this week.

• Google 4.9 from 905 reviews

Working family gold mine outside Dahlonega where you pan for gold and sluice buckets for gems under a covered trough. Staff walk you through panning.

• gold panning
• walk in
• 1 to 2 hours

Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM

• Monday10 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday10 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday10 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday10 AM to 5 PM
• Friday10 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday10 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday10 AM to 5 PM

Get: A bucket of gold ore to pan. Pair it with Consolidated Gold Mine's underground tour the same day.

• Google 4.8 from 689 reviews

Wooded paintball fields north of Blue Ridge, a few minutes from Mineral Bluff. It holds a perfect 5.0 from more than 400 Google reviews.

• paintball
• book ahead
• 2 hours

Hours: Mon 11 AM to 5 PM; Tue and Wed closed; Thu to Sun 11 AM to 5 PM

• Monday11 AM to 5 PM
• TuesdayClosed
• WednesdayClosed
• Thursday11 AM to 5 PM
• Friday11 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday11 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday11 AM to 5 PM

Get: A 2 hour session with rental gear.

Closed Tuesday, Wednesday.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Call or book ahead so staff are on the field.

• Google 5 from 421 reviews

Fairgrounds on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee. Friday Nov 6 it hosts the Rats, Rods & Horse Power hot rod and classic car show.

• event
• car show
• Lake Chatuge

Hours: Rats, Rods & Horse Power car show: Fri Nov 6 and Sat Nov 7, 9 AM to 4 PM

Get: The car show Friday morning, then lunch in Hiawassee or Young Harris.

Event dates come from the Blue Ridge Highlander calendar. Check georgiamountainfairgrounds.com before going.

• Google 4.5 from 1,280 reviews

Day spa off McKinney Road known for couples massages, with plush robes, a sauna, and chocolate covered strawberries served before your treatment.

• spa
• couples massage
• book ahead

Hours: Mon and Tue 9 AM to 5 PM; Wed to Sat 9 AM to 6 PM; Sun closed

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 6 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 6 PM
• Friday9 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 6 PM
• SundayClosed

Get: The 85 minute couples massage.

Closed Sunday.

Appointments required.

• Google 4.7 from 717 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.5 from 167 reviews, #1 of 6 Spas & Wellness in Blue Ridge

Guided side by side tours in Polaris RZRs on trails near Blairsville, with mud, creek crossings and rocky climbs. You drive and a guide leads the group.

• utv tour
• book ahead
• 2 or 4 hours

Hours: Mon to Thu 8 AM to 5 PM; Fri 7 AM to 6 PM; Sat 8 AM to 5 PM; Sun 1 to 3 PM

• Monday8 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday8 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday8 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday8 AM to 5 PM
• Friday7 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday8 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday1 to 3 PM

Get: The 2 hour guided tour; the 4 hour tour adds a longer scenic route.

Waivers and driver's license uploads are done online before you arrive. Expect to get muddy and wet.

• Google 4.9 from 464 reviews

Family stop south of Blue Ridge with gem mining at heated, covered flumes, 9 holes of shaded mini golf in the woods, and a fishing pond.

• gem mining
• mini golf
• good for kids

Hours: Daily 11 AM to 4 PM

• Monday11 AM to 4 PM
• Tuesday11 AM to 4 PM
• Wednesday11 AM to 4 PM
• Thursday11 AM to 4 PM
• Friday11 AM to 4 PM
• Saturday11 AM to 4 PM
• Sunday11 AM to 4 PM

Get: The smallest gem mining bucket, which still fills several bags, plus a round of mini golf.

• Google 4.5 from 780 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.5 from 290 reviews, #2 of 16 Fun & Games in Blue Ridge

Horse ranch just over the Tennessee line from Mineral Bluff, with trail views across Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina and creek crossings. Guides let confident riders trot and canter.

• horseback
• book ahead
• 1.5 hours

Hours: Rides by reservation; call for early November times

Get: The 1.5 hour trail ride, or a 2 hour private ride for two.

Reservations required.

• Google 4.9 from 431 reviews

Zip line park on Highway 356 outside Helen with three levels you can combine. Level 3 has lines over water, and trip photos are included and emailed to you.

• zip line
• book ahead
• photos included

Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday9 AM to 5 PM

Get: All three levels if you have the afternoon; Level 1 alone takes about an hour.

Book ahead and sign the waiver online before you arrive.

• Google 4.8 from 487 reviews

Outdoor 18 hole mini golf with newly redone greens and holes laid out more like a small golf course, plus gem mining bags. A round for four takes about 2 hours.

• mini golf
• gem mining
• dogs welcome

Hours: Mon to Thu 12 to 6 PM; Fri 12 to 8 PM; Sat 10 AM to 8 PM; Sun 12 to 6 PM

• Monday12 to 6 PM
• Tuesday12 to 6 PM
• Wednesday12 to 6 PM
• Thursday12 to 6 PM
• Friday12 to 8 PM
• Saturday10 AM to 8 PM
• Sunday12 to 6 PM

Get: A round of mini golf and a gem mining bag.

• Google 4.7 from 400 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.6 from 75 reviews, #3 of 16 Fun & Games in Blue Ridge

A family gem mine on Appalachian Highway where you buy a bag or bucket of gem rough and sift it for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethyst and topaz. You can also crack open your own geode.

• gem mining
• geode cracking
• good for kids

Hours: Most days 10 or 11 AM to 4 PM; call ahead, listed days vary

• Monday11 AM to 4 PM
• Tuesday11 AM to 4 PM
• Wednesday11 AM to 4 PM
• Thursday11 AM to 4 PM
• Friday11 AM to 4 PM
• SaturdayClosed
• Sunday11 AM to 4 PM

Get: Pick a bag or bucket size, sift it for stones, and crack a geode before you leave.

Published hours differ on which day it is closed, so call (706) 946-6463 before driving over.

• Google 4.9 from 271 reviews

Head spa near downtown Blue Ridge built around scalp treatments and head massage, plus foot treatments. A different choice from a standard facial or body massage.

• head spa
• foot treatments
• book ahead

Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM; Sat 9 AM to 3 PM; Sun closed

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 3 PM
• SundayClosed

Get: The Ultimate experience.

Closed Sunday.

Appointments required.

• Google 5 from 209 reviews

Massage spa on East First Street in Blue Ridge with couples rooms, deep tissue Ashiatsu massage, and foot massage you can add to any session.

• massage
• couples massage
• book online

Hours: Mon to Sat 9:30 AM to 6 PM; Sun closed

• Monday9:30 AM to 6 PM
• Tuesday9:30 AM to 6 PM
• Wednesday9:30 AM to 6 PM
• Thursday9:30 AM to 6 PM
• Friday9:30 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday9:30 AM to 6 PM
• SundayClosed

Get: The 80 minute couples massage, or Ashiatsu if you want deep pressure.

Closed Sunday.

Arrive early; late arrivals lose time from the session and are still charged.

• Google 4.7 from 381 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.5 from 76 reviews, #2 of 6 Spas & Wellness in Blue Ridge
• Reddit recommended in 2 threads: Relaxing massage

Main stage theater on East First Street in Blue Ridge. This week it runs The Humans, the Tony winning family drama set over one Thanksgiving dinner.

• live theater
• book ahead
• evening

Hours: The Humans: Thu Nov 5 and Fri Nov 6 at 7 PM

Get: Seats for Thursday or Friday at 7 PM.

Buy tickets on blueridgecommunitytheater.com. Reseller sites list inflated prices.

• Google 4.7 from 318 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.8 from 99 reviews, #1 of 1 Theater & Concerts in Blue Ridge

Stables, cabins and a campground east of Blairsville, with guided trail rides from 1.5 to 4 hours and lessons for new riders.

• horseback
• call ahead
• 1.5 to 4 hours

Hours: No posted hours; call to set a ride time

Get: The 1.5 hour guided trail ride.

Rides are arranged by phone; call ahead to book.

• Google 4.9 from 240 reviews

Farm south of Blue Ridge with guided fly fishing on private trout water, a sporting clays course and an on site restaurant. Guides get beginners casting in about half an hour.

• fly fishing
• sporting clays
• book ahead

Hours: Mon to Sat 9 AM to 5 PM; Sun 1 to 4 PM

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday1 to 4 PM

Get: The 4 hour guided wade trip, or a round of sporting clays with lunch on site.

Fishing trips and clays are booked in advance.

• Google 4.9 from 235 reviews

Marina on Lake Chatuge near Hiawassee that rents pontoons, kayaks and paddleboards. The lake sits on the Georgia and North Carolina line with mountains on every side.

• boat rental
• lake
• call ahead

Hours: Call for off season rental hours

Get: A pontoon for a few hours on a warm afternoon.

Off season rental hours were not posted. Call before driving over.

• Google 4.7 from 360 reviews

Escape rooms on East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, with themes like a 1920s Prohibition room and a pirate brig. A good indoor option for a rainy afternoon.

• escape rooms
• rainy day
• book ahead

Hours: Mon to Thu 1 to 6:30 PM, Fri 1 to 7:30 PM, Sat 12 to 7:30 PM, Sun 1 to 6:30 PM

• Monday1 to 6:30 PM
• Tuesday1 to 6:30 PM
• Wednesday1 to 6:30 PM
• Thursday1 to 6:30 PM
• Friday1 to 7:30 PM
• Saturday12 to 7:30 PM
• Sunday1 to 6:30 PM

Get: Book a room online a few days ahead, then walk the rest of Main Street after.

Reservations needed; weekend slots fill first.

• Google 4.5 from 354 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.8 from 89 reviews, #4 of 16 Fun & Games in Blue Ridge

Vintage passenger trains out of Delano, Tennessee through the Hiwassee River Gorge and around the Hiwassee Loop, where the track circles a mountain and crosses over itself. The full day Copperhill Special runs on to Copperhill with a 90 minute layover in town.

• train ride
• book ahead
• half or full day

Hours: Mon to Wed closed; Thu 9 AM to 5 PM; Fri 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Sat 9 AM to 5 PM; Sun 12:30 to 5 PM

• MondayClosed
• TuesdayClosed
• WednesdayClosed
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 4:30 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday12:30 to 5 PM

Get: The Hiwassee Loop ride if you want the gorge without the full day. Fares start around $80 for the Copperhill Special.

Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

Trains run on select dates only. Check tvrail.com for Nov 2 to 6 departures before driving to Delano.

• Google 4.7 from 309 reviews

Riverside gem mining on Aska Road where you sift buckets for gems, fossils and shark teeth, then browse a shop full of stones and minerals.

• gem mining
• good for kids
• rock shop

Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday9 AM to 5 PM

Get: A mining bucket; ask the staff to identify what you find.

• Google 4.8 from 240 reviews

Fly shop on East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge that runs guided wade and float trips on the Toccoa River and on private water. Also the place to buy gear and get river advice.

• fly fishing
• fly shop
• half or full day

Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM; Sat 8 AM to 6 PM; Sun 9 AM to 4 PM

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday8 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday9 AM to 4 PM

Get: A half day guided wade trip; book a full day for a better shot at large trout.

Guided trips need a reservation.

• Google 4.9 from 201 reviews

Pinball arcade on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge with a long row of machines, food and craft beer. Locals on Reddit rank it among the best pinball rooms in Georgia.

• arcade
• rainy day
• walk in

Hours: Mon to Thu 11 AM to 8 PM; Fri and Sat 11 AM to 10 PM; Sun 12 to 8 PM

• Monday11 AM to 8 PM
• Tuesday11 AM to 8 PM
• Wednesday11 AM to 8 PM
• Thursday11 AM to 8 PM
• Friday11 AM to 10 PM
• Saturday11 AM to 10 PM
• Sunday12 to 8 PM

Get: A card loaded with $20 and a beer. Good for a rainy afternoon or after dinner downtown.

• Google 4.7 from 291 reviews

Mini golf course and gem mining sluice on US 64 just outside Murphy, North Carolina.

• mini golf
• gem mining
• walk in

Hours: Mon to Thu 11 AM to 7 PM; Fri and Sat 11 AM to 9 PM; Sun 11 AM to 7 PM

• Monday11 AM to 7 PM
• Tuesday11 AM to 7 PM
• Wednesday11 AM to 7 PM
• Thursday11 AM to 7 PM
• Friday11 AM to 9 PM
• Saturday11 AM to 9 PM
• Sunday11 AM to 7 PM

Get: A round of mini golf and a small gem bucket.

• Google 4.8 from 205 reviews

Indoor mini golf on East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, with each hole set in its own themed room. A good pick for a cold or rainy afternoon.

• indoor mini golf
• good for kids
• rainy day

Hours: Daily 12 to 8 PM

• Monday12 to 8 PM
• Tuesday12 to 8 PM
• Wednesday12 to 8 PM
• Thursday12 to 8 PM
• Friday12 to 8 PM
• Saturday12 to 8 PM
• Sunday12 to 8 PM

Get: A round of indoor mini golf.

• Google 4.8 from 173 reviews

Small alpaca farm and studio near Blairsville. The farm tour explains how alpacas are raised and lets you feed them, and the shop sells alpaca socks and handmade glass and fiber pieces.

• alpaca farm
• by appointment
• good for kids

Hours: By appointment only, on limited days

Get: The farm tour; book a felting class with a farm lunch for a longer visit.

Visits are by appointment only; call before you go.

• Google 4.8 from 107 reviews
• TripAdvisor 4.8 from 61 reviews, #7 of 32 things to do in Blairsville

Shared small bus wine tour of Blue Ridge area wineries that starts with a sit down lunch, then visits three wineries with a driver handling the roads.

• wine tour
• lunch included
• book ahead

Hours: Mon to Thu closed; Fri and Sat 11 AM to 6 PM; Sun closed

• MondayClosed
• TuesdayClosed
• WednesdayClosed
• ThursdayClosed
• Friday11 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday11 AM to 6 PM
• SundayClosed

Get: A seat on the Friday tour.

Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday.

This week only Friday, Nov 6 has a public tour; groups can ask about other days.

• Google 4.9 from 142 reviews

Guided zipline canopy tour through the woods on US 64 near the Ocoee River, about half an hour from Mineral Bluff. Guides walk first-timers and kids through every line.

• zipline
• adventure
• guided

Hours: Open daily 8 AM to 7 PM; tours by reservation

• Monday8 AM to 7 PM
• Tuesday8 AM to 7 PM
• Wednesday8 AM to 7 PM
• Thursday8 AM to 7 PM
• Friday8 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday8 AM to 7 PM
• Sunday8 AM to 7 PM

Get: Book the canopy tour ahead and pick a morning or early afternoon slot.

Tours were still running in late October. Book ahead and confirm tour times for early November; dress for cold mornings.

• Google 4.9 from 138 reviews

Small hometown bowling alley on East First Street with bumpers for kids, food, and an arcade where games cost 50 cents to $1.

• bowling
• arcade
• about $7 a game

Hours: Mon to Fri 2 to 10 PM; Sat and Sun 1 to 10 PM

• Monday2 to 10 PM
• Tuesday2 to 10 PM
• Wednesday2 to 10 PM
• Thursday2 to 10 PM
• Friday2 to 10 PM
• Saturday1 to 10 PM
• Sunday1 to 10 PM

Get: A couple of games in the evening after a day outside.

• Google 4.5 from 308 reviews

Tasting room on West Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge pouring house made moonshine and brandy, with a wide range to sample before you buy a bottle.

• distillery
• tastings
• downtown

Hours: Mon to Thu 12 to 6 PM; Fri and Sat 12 to 8 PM; Sun 12:30 to 6 PM

• Monday12 to 6 PM
• Tuesday12 to 6 PM
• Wednesday12 to 6 PM
• Thursday12 to 6 PM
• Friday12 to 8 PM
• Saturday12 to 8 PM
• Sunday12:30 to 6 PM

Get: A tasting at the bar, then a bottle of the brandy or moonshine you liked best.

• Google 4.6 from 249 reviews

Small guide service led by Captain Zach that takes beginners and families trout fishing in the mountains around Blue Ridge, with patient teaching for kids as young as 7.

• trout fishing
• book ahead
• good for kids

Hours: Daily Open 24 hours

• MondayOpen 24 hours
• TuesdayOpen 24 hours
• WednesdayOpen 24 hours
• ThursdayOpen 24 hours
• FridayOpen 24 hours
• SaturdayOpen 24 hours
• SundayOpen 24 hours

Get: A guided trout trip for the family.

No walk in shop; call ahead to book a trip.

• Google 5 from 71 reviews

Axe throwing lanes on South Main Street in Helen with a coach at each lane. The only axe throwing in the area.

• axe throwing
• indoor
• 1 hour

Hours: Mon to Thu 12 to 7 PM; Fri and Sat 12 to 10 PM; Sun 1 to 7 PM

• Monday12 to 7 PM
• Tuesday12 to 7 PM
• Wednesday12 to 7 PM
• Thursday12 to 7 PM
• Friday12 to 10 PM
• Saturday12 to 10 PM
• Sunday1 to 7 PM

Get: An hour on a lane. Book online for Friday night.

• Google 4.6 from 152 reviews

Guide Joe runs boat float trips down the Toccoa River out of McCaysville, a short drive from Mineral Bluff. Suits beginners, kids and experienced anglers alike.

• trout fishing
• float trip
• book ahead

Hours: Daily Open 24 hours

• MondayOpen 24 hours
• TuesdayOpen 24 hours
• WednesdayOpen 24 hours
• ThursdayOpen 24 hours
• FridayOpen 24 hours
• SaturdayOpen 24 hours
• SundayOpen 24 hours

Get: A guided float trip on the Toccoa River.

Reservations required.

• Google 5 from 57 reviews

Fly shop and guide service on the Toccoa. Fall is a strong guided season.

• fly fishing
• guided trips

Hours: Open daily

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday10 AM to 4 PM

Get: A half day guided float

• Google 4.9 from 50 reviews

Electric-assist rail bikes for up to four riders that run the railroad line out of the Blue Ridge depot, past streams, vineyards and pines, with a photo stop at the halfway point.

• 11 mi round trip
• 90 minutes
• electric assist
• book ahead

Hours: Runs on train days through Nov 26; check the calendar for Nov 1 to 6

Get: Book a time online and check in at the depot at 241 Depot St about 45 minutes before your ride.

Rides depart from downtown Blue Ridge, not Cherry Log. Weather permitting, and only on days the train runs.

• Google 4.7 from 76 reviews

Hands on European cooking and baking classes with Chef Julia in downtown Blue Ridge. You cook the meal, eat it together, and take home recipe cards.

• cooking class
• book ahead
• downtown

Hours: Mon to Sat 9 AM to 5 PM; Sun closed

• Monday9 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday9 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday9 AM to 5 PM
• Friday9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday9 AM to 5 PM
• SundayClosed

Get: A scheduled group class, or a private class for two that ends with dinner.

Closed Sunday.

Classes run on set dates; book before your trip.

• Google 5 from 31 reviews

Gold panning and gem sluice on South Main Street in Helen, walking distance from the town center.

• gold panning
• gem mining
• walk in

Hours: Mon to Thu 10 AM to 5 PM; Fri and Sat 10 AM to 6 PM; Sun 10:30 AM to 5 PM

• Monday10 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday10 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday10 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday10 AM to 5 PM
• Friday10 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday10:30 AM to 5 PM

Get: A gem bucket while you are in Helen for the coaster or AxeBilly.

• Google 4.5 from 90 reviews

Fly fishing guides based in Mineral Bluff.

• fly fishing
• guided trips

Hours: Call ahead

• Monday7 AM to 7 PM
• Tuesday7 AM to 7 PM
• Wednesday7 AM to 7 PM
• Thursday7 AM to 7 PM
• Friday7 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday7 AM to 7 PM
• Sunday7 AM to 7 PM

Get: A guided trip on the Toccoa

• Google 5 from 28 reviews

Family farm south of Blairsville known for goat yoga, where friendly goats wander the mats, plus other animals to meet and a store of local crafts, soaps and ceramics.

• goat yoga
• farm store
• book ahead

Hours: Mon and Tue 11 AM to 5 PM; Wed closed; Thu and Fri 11 AM to 5 PM; Sat closed; Sun 12 to 4 PM

• Monday11 AM to 5 PM
• Tuesday11 AM to 5 PM
• WednesdayClosed
• Thursday11 AM to 5 PM
• Friday11 AM to 5 PM
• SaturdayClosed
• Sunday12 to 4 PM

Get: A goat yoga class, then time in the farm store.

Closed Wednesday, Saturday.

Goat yoga runs on a set schedule; confirm there is a class during your dates before driving out.

• Google 4.8 from 29 reviews