Things to do in Blue Ridge in October

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Overview

October is a great time to visit Blue Ridge. The weather is usually mildly cool and humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 50—73°F (10—23°C).

Blue Ridge has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Blue Ridge. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Blue Ridge in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Blue Ridge in October

Top experiences in October
We couldn't find any experiences in October
Holidays in Blue Ridge in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Blue Ridge in October

Temperatures on an average day in Blue Ridge in October

The average temperature in Blue Ridge in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 73°F (23°C) to a low of 50°F (10°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. humid but cool

For comparison, the hottest month in Blue Ridge, July, has days with highs of 90°F (32°C) and lows of 67°F (20°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 29°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Blue Ridge in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
73°F
highs
50°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
21%
Chance of rain
0.123 in
Amount
9.8 mph
Wind speed
70%
Humidity
11.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:42 AM
Sunrise
7:02 PM
Sunset
64%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 50°F (10°C), it generally feels mildly cool and humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Blue Ridge in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Blue Ridge has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Blue Ridge that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Blue Ridge for October.
Mercier Orchards
1. Mercier Orchards
4.7
(8896)
Orchard
Sights & Landmarks
Picturesque, 300-acre orchard started in 1943 & with a variety of pick-your-own seasonal fruits.
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Mercier Orchards is truly an apple wonderland! You’ll find countless varieties of apples, each fresh and delicious. They also sell the most amazing apple donuts — soft, and absolutely irresistible. The store is full of delightful local products like sauces, jams, and charming souvenirs to take home. During apple season, you can even pick your own apples — a beautiful and fun experience to share with your family. With plenty of parking, gorgeous scenery, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, Mercier Orchards is the perfect place to spend the day. Definitely a must-visit spot! 🍏✨
Absolutely loved Mercier Orchards! It’s a beautiful and wonderful family friendly Orchard. The store was stocked with so many things and it included their bakery! The baked goods and apple cider were amazing! I also loved the option to pick your own apples! Such a neat experience!
Mercier Orchards is a beautiful place. It is apple festival time of year in October so it was extremely busy and crowded, but it didn't stop me from getting their apple cider donuts, apple butter, and apple taffy. It was all worth it! Those donuts are delicious with some apple butter on top. It's a must stop to enjoy the scenery!
My husband and I visited Mericer Orchard for the first time and it is a must do in the area! We explored the shop which is very neat with lots to offer. We then got some goodies from the bakery including some of their hand pies, muffin, and apple fritter. All of these were delicious and if you visit you absolutely need to check out the bakery. We then went on a tractor tour and our tour guide was super kind and knowledgeable. You can get some really neat views from this tour. We ended our visit with some wine and cider tasting. If you enjoy hard cider, this is another thing you shouldn't miss! They offer and sell many delicious ciders. We will be back when in the area again.
Very crowded orchard! The parking situation was kind of a mess. We paid $30 for 2 of us to go apple picking which I didn’t think was bad. We went to an orchard last year in Elijay and it was way more expensive so we didn’t end up going apple picking. I will say the orchard was pretty heavily picked through but we still left with so many apples! The experience was fun and we enjoyed some apples as we walked through the trees. We stopped in the store and got a donut and a fried pie before hand. Total chaos in the store. I feel like they need a better set up for getting people through the store. The line for the bakery was so long and was kind of frustrating when we couldn’t pay there. My husband enjoyed his fried pie and my donut was pretty good but I felt lacked the apple cider flavor. The apple cider itself was really good! My husband got a sparkling cider too which was really good! Overall I would come back to this orchard.
Beautiful orchards & fun experience picking apples. The store is huge with lots of variety, but we went during (apparently) peak season and it was PACKED. Would have loved to have been able to walk around the store and shop but the crowd was intense. Lines moved decently fast but wrapped into multiple rooms. Definitely a beautiful spot and would love to visit again in the spring!
🍎 A must-stop gem in Blue Ridge! Mercier Orchards is the perfect blend of charm, flavor, and fun. From the dining area, there’s a large viewing window where you can peek into the warehouse and watch the behind-the-scenes action—such a cool touch that adds to the experience. The small candy shop is nostalgic and sweet, while the bakery serves up piping hot apple pie with a scoop of ice cream that’s absolutely worth the trip alone. The main store is impressively stocked with local ciders, jams, wines, toys, and—of course—plenty of fresh-picked apples by the bag. Whether you’re shopping, snacking, or just soaking in the mountain vibes, Mercier Orchard delivers a wholesome, family-friendly outing.
Had a wonderful time here. Fried pies were yummy and their ciders were delicious. I didn’t even like ciders. Wish we would’ve been able to bring more home on our flight. Employees were nice and helpful and we were able to do the apple picking tour which was new to us.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
2. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
4.5
(5414)
Railroad company
Tours
Restored train offering a 4-hr., 26-mi. round-trip ride, plus themed trips, on a heritage railway.
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What an incredible experience and great way to make beautiful memories with your family. Spent the day in Blue Ridge and enjoyed the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway immensely with my parents and wife. Located about 2 hours away metro Atlanta this is a gem of Georgia with small city old rustic charm and beauty. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway had a 2 hour ride and 4 hour ride (which I believe is the 2 hour ride with a 2 hour town exploration component added on). We opted for the 2 hour scenic railway and chose the indoor cabin but found that both the outdoor seating area and indoor cabins were full on a Tuesday afternoon so I can't say which one is more popular and/or better. The ride from the indoor cabin itself was peaceful, beautiful, and scenic. Riders get views of both the mountain side and river side (Toccoa River) as the guide asks guests to switch sides once the half way point destination is reached so you can enjoy the other side of train on the way back to Blue Ridge. There is a nice concession stand as well as a bar that serves mimosas. We enjoyed the concession stand area and bought a few souvenirs to remember the trip by. 5 solid stars for Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and two huge thumbs up! Adventure is out there! Thank you to the staff and crew!
Loved this adventure today in car 114! It was beautiful scenery. Our tour guide was cool, he properly introduced himself, but of course I can’t recall his name (I’m sorry.) I was able to sit next to some good peeps and ‘Hawk Eye Betty’ was even quick enough to spot us a deer! I will say they properly say to arrive 45min early to pick up your ticket and it was spot on! Even thought the line was long, it didn’t take long to get the ticket from the prepaid ticket window. I deducted a star due to web link to see parking was “not found.” Thankfully I found a lot to park in nearby, but the info is not marked well. They caution you to be careful because some parking is limited to 3 hrs, so I could not tell if I was fixing to waste $10 to park. I was fortunate enough to have a couple walk up that used the lot yesterday and was able to confirm it was all day parking. I have tried to save the parking info, so maybe I can request that the web link be fixed to show you parking options and to put a sign on/near the parking kiosk that it is day parking, but I am going to include info in pics. The lot I used which was great is right by tracks and stores: Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company and M. Main Farmhouse market. The train ride is worth it in the open car! It was cold today and it was very tolerable with appropriate attire.
We and others were a bit disappointed to learn that the train does not go up the mountain or through any valleys. In fact, for the majority of the ride, one side of the train has nothing to look at because there is a berm right up to the rail. The other side has a view of a small river the majority of the ride. It is a very pretty view, but a lot of it is more about seeing nice homes along the river than seeing fall foliage. Also, for what it's worth, the train only goes 10 mph. It's a 26-mile round trip ride on flat ground. No hills. We rode the Premier car, and it was comfortable. The attendant was nice. The town surrounding the train station is very charming. A strip full of restaurants and shops. I will be back to experience all of that. All in all, the train experience was a little underwhelming for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway was absolutely incredible! We booked Coach Car C for the 2-hour ride, and it was such a perfect choice. Sitting in the open cart added a whole new level to the experience—the crisp fall air, the colorful leaves, and the peaceful sounds of the train made it unforgettable. The views along the route were stunning, and stopping at the Georgia/Tennessee border was such a neat highlight! It’s the perfect outing for anyone wanting to soak in some fall beauty and small-town charm. Highly recommend! 🚂🍁
I visited the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway with my service dog Toothless. He has never experienced a train, so it was a training day for him. Lots of new sounds (many of them scary), steep stairs to board (handicap lift available), so many new smells, and crowed with lots of new people! He did a fantastic job learning and listening. The staff from check in to helping me find my lost key fob was fantastic! Jeff was our guide for the Express Ride and had some good "dad jokes" and a fish story!. The weather was crisp and the fall colors on full display! Such an amazing experience and history of this rail line! We will definitely be back!
We opted for the 2 hr open coach tour...short & a relaxing afternoon ride. Bit early for foliage, prefer the ride out this time of year, not much to see on return. Note you change seats on return so you experience both sides. Narrator Chip did a wonderful job. Arrive early for good seats as train is popular.
My Husband and I got to mark an experience off of our bucket list! We went on the 4 hour ride on Halloween 🎃 day! All the workers were dressed up. The leaves and scenery was so beautiful. The only downside was that Cooper Hill Tenn and MaCaysville Ga were extremely crowded and the map we received was hard to navigate!
I thought the ride was going to be too cold in the open car, but the train didn’t go fast and the weather was perfect. Our car guide, Jeff, was super informative and even funny at times😃. He was full of knowledge in both history and local stories. I also loved that passengers changed sides on the return trip so everyone could experience all of the views.
Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River
3. Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River
Sights & Landmarks
Bridges
Long Branch Trail
4. Long Branch Trail
4.8
(18)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
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This trail is a loop about 2mi long. It's easy enough for families with kids and pets (we saw a few during our hike). It's also fine for people who want to ride their bikes around the loop, as the path is pretty smooth. We went on the day after a rainy day and there was no mud, which we appreciated. The parking area was fine for a weekday visit, but I think it can become limited during weekends and holidays, so be aware. Overall, it's a nice, chill hike and I would recommend it!
2.2 mile loop circle. We did not see the chimney my guess it was on the other path that forks off the main loop. Pretty hike. Kid friendly
Awesome trail, great workout. More than 300ft of elevation gain. Smooth most of the way, though I wouldn't' call some segments stroller-friendly as mentioned in some reviews. Not terribly hot in the middle of the day in the summer, thanks to the majestic tree canopies. The driveway to the parking lot is rough but short.
Very nice trail, somewhat deceiving hahaha. We were from out of state and this trail was recommended to us but with no detail. We started out and came to a y and to the left was level and the right downhill. We chose the downhill walk not knowing that the return was the highest hike up in he mountain. It was good exercise and saw many new fauna that we had not observed before. There is a very nice stream at the bottom that you cross more than once. Very nice canopy to keep you cool and many new plants to observe so take your time. I was interested in some of the roads? Mining tracks/haulage ways perhaps? I found little info of any mining there yet the rocks turn from limestone to quartz and even some iron ore it appeared. My wife is into plants and I am into rocks. We are used to drift mines from back home so that is what I saw. Again for a more than easy hike, this is perfect. 2.1 mile hike and longer if you want. Interesting to see the old home site and it’s foundation and chimney about 1/3 the way on the left branch from the fork. Keep looking up and to the right after the creek stop.
Nice easy to moderate 2.3 mile loop. Brood X was in full chorus throughout the hike. Stumbled upon the remnants of a very old cabin fireplace. Eerie to say the least with the rock cairn garden in full bloom. Can you say Blair witch?
Really nice, well-maintained trail. Not too steep or challenging. We did it with our 4 and 5 year olds and they were able to keep up.
Easy, wide trail, quiet walk through the shade.
Well, this trail was mostly a dud... We did the 2 mile loop, which is about 1/4 mile in from the parking area. We took the left at the fork, which made the long decent manageable, as it would have been a trek coming back up this route. The trail is well maintained and was mostly, although not completely, mud-free 36 hours after the last rain. A pop up shower caught us on the ascent, though, turning the trail into puddles and mud. While it was a nice walk through the woods, and accomplished getting our two Boston Terriers' energy out, there really was not much to see on the trail. We did cross the creek once using the bridge pictured below, and we did see the stone wall. However, unless we were completely blind, the old chimney was not seen, which is the main reason we did this hike. A recent storm had done quite a bit of damage, so the chimney may have been affected by that. The area near the bridge and stone wall was pretty overgrown and dark, not the open clearing pictured below. Unless the old homesite or some other attraction is off a side trail, I would skip this hike. I do think it would be an awesome mountain bike ride, though!
Morganton Point Recreation Area
5. Morganton Point Recreation Area
4.5
(940)
Park
Nature & Parks
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Really nice experience and a great beach access with restrooms and a gift shop with rentals if needed. We rented a double kayak for half day at $45 it was a great experience. Recommend to wear shoes there are sharp rocks walking into the lake.
A great spot for a picnic or just to sit by the water. I would recommend going around the sunset time, absolutely spectacular views. You have to pay to park here.
Went a few years ago and still as beautiful as i remember the water so clean and fresh. We even rented a kayak which was not bad we paid $45 for three hours for a two person kayack. So much fun!
Great place to swim. There are rocks leading into lake bring old Keds or good water sandels to walk in to start swimming, otherwise you can hurt your feet. I have crocs sandels and they float so if they come off you can get them back in the water. Beach is not big but offers kayaks, paddle boarding and canoes to rent. $5 to park car. Lovely lake with mountain views.
We are staying in a cabin nearby and this beach as a popular choice for our family. Our teenage son loved coming late afternoon for a swim. It’s a bit of a pain the way you pay for parking, fine when shop is open as you can pay on there. Week days out of summer holidays you need to remember to bring a pen to fill in the fee box envelope.
Nice lake. Good for swimming or picnics. Family and dog friendly. $5/person
We had an amazing time here!! Gorgeous lake, friendly staff. Peaceful
Beautiful pebble beach with blue green water on Blue Ridge Lake. Kayak and paddleboard rentals Small store with chips, ice cream and drinks, a few t shirts. Not too crowded, a great place to enjoy the water.
Grumpy Old Men Brewing
6. Grumpy Old Men Brewing
4.8
(676)
Brewery
Food & Drink
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This is one of the perfect places to go to with your family, friends, even big groups. They have an inside area to sit and an outside area. There is a cigar truck and a hot dog truck that even has chili cheese fries, great bar food!! They also have outside games like corn hole, the Large Jenga, and other fun stuff going on! Restrooms are very clean. A big plus for me. Large selection of beers. We are locals from Murphy, NC and brought our daughter and best friend who were in town from Florida. It is one of their favorite places.
Cute place with good beer variety. Tons of seating and parking. They have a food truck that comes periodically, but just pretzels besides that. Dog friendly. Staff are very friendly.
Grumpy Old Men Brewing is a great spot! The beers were really good — lots of flavor and a nice variety to choose from. The food was just okay and portions were on the smaller side, but the overall atmosphere and drinks made it worth the visit. Definitely a fun place to hang out and try some great local brews! Atmosphere 5/5 Beer 5/5 Food 3/5
A great, relaxed vibe with good beer options. Dogs are allowed, so it's fun to see the pups. There is a shaded outdoor space where we drank. We stated with a flight of 4 beers, and settled on a Choco Blanco wheat ale which they also have in 6-pack cans to go. Fun signs and merch; restrooms; free parking. The food truck was closed for the day, but it looked like a good menu when open.
Wonderful visit to Grumpy! The owners/managers were accommodating and welcoming to our group. Their merchandise and souvenirs are always trendy and fun... And, their beer is pretty good too! 😉
Pleasantly surprised! They have great indoor and outdoor space. Will definitely come back again.
Great atmosphere and the staff is super kind! The IPAs are a bit different than most. They have a hot dog stand outside. Only a 4 because not my type of beers i’m kind of heavy for what I’m used to. I wish they had more food options for being remote …so check them out yourself!
Bethany is extremely good at her job. Her kindness and willing to help is above and beyond but not over the top. By FAR the BEST BREWER IN BLUE RIDGE. I drink a lot of beer but this is my personal favorite. She is the best. Much appreciated 👏
Blue Ridge Canopy Adventure
7. Blue Ridge Canopy Adventure
4.8
(11)
Permanently Closed
Recreation center
Water & Amusement Parks
Year-round, guided zip line tours of the 125-acre tree canopy, plus ravines & suspension bridges.
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Surprise my husband for his birthday weekend the staff was amazing there was never a dull moment from the zip line to the horseback riding it was breathtaking. Thank you Jason and Andrea and the rest of the staff we will be seeing you guys again soon.
I had an awesome time ziplining at Blue Ridge mountain canopy adventure! All the guides are so friendly and personable, and all the staff are very nice! 😀 I highly recommend it for everyone! If you're looking for something fun to do in Blue Ridge Georgia, this is it!
My first time zip lining!!! Amazing!! Great staff and loved the lines..felt safe and secure with everything!! Will definitely go again!!!
Family of 5, We went horseback riding and zip lining. Debbie and Jeremy were friendly and funny, we would definitely do this again.
Such a great time..... Romeo is a wild boy..
Staff was fun and accommodating
Blue Ridge Community Theater
8. Blue Ridge Community Theater
4.7
(302)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
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Incredible performers, amazing atmosphere, it was like we were transported to another place. There was passion and craft, and we were all inspired and left thinking about the show for days, coming to one another at different times to talk about different aspects.
This venue, the people that work there and the citizens of this town are top notch! We played this venue on Saturday evening with The Fine Columbians and the hospitality that was extended to us was very kind, warming and welcoming! Thank you for such a beautiful place and we hope to be back! (Fiance of the alto sax)
Visiting this weekend from Atlanta. Instead of sitting in the hotel tonight we decided to catch the The Mousetrap play. It was well done for sure, very comfortable facility. My daughter wants to come back for tik tik boom.
What a wonderful little theater! Great performances, nice people in the concession stand and easy online ticketing!
BRCT is always a nice evening out. The performances are usually entertaining, and they have a nice array of snacks (get yourself some red wine and raisenettes at intermission). The effort and passion on everyones part is always evident.
Really great place. Local theater isn't my normal fare, but by the end I was really glad I came. A nice night out with family. The Elf story was nice and really came together by the end. The cast and crew certainly put their hearts into it and you could see it. Thank you guys for the wonderful show!
Wanted to see the play a long time. The set was very well in keeping with the time period, but the place is so small. Maybe that added to the actors lack of skill.
What a treasure! Such a great little theater and wonderful performance! You can tell the staff and performers put their heart and soul into this place❤️
Fannin Brewing Company
9. Fannin Brewing Company
4.5
(152)
Permanently Closed
Brewery
Food & Drink
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Fannin Brewing Company: Where Craft Beer Meets Hospitality Nestled in the charming town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Fannin Brewing Company stands out as a beacon of exceptional craft beer and warm hospitality. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was enveloped in a sense of genuine welcome, thanks to the owner, Tom, whose passion for brewing and dedication to creating a memorable experience for his patrons is truly remarkable. The first thing that struck me about Fannin Brewing Company was the impressive selection of craft beers. Tom has curated a lineup that caters to a wide range of tastes, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and everything in between. However, what truly stole the show for me was their 10-year anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Coconut Porter. This masterpiece of a beer was nothing short of outstanding. The delicate balance between sweetness and richness was a symphony on my taste buds, while the subtle hint of Bourbon added a layer of complexity that elevated the entire drinking experience. It was clear that every sip was crafted with care and expertise, showcasing the mastery of the brewing process at Fannin Brewing Company. What sets this brewery apart, beyond its exceptional beer, is the atmosphere created by Tom. The cozy ambiance made me feel right at home. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or a casual drinker looking to explore new flavors, Fannin Brewing Company offers an inviting space where you can relax, unwind, and savor some of the finest brews in Georgia. I cannot recommend Fannin Brewing Company enough. It's not just a place to enjoy great beer; it's an experience that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and the artistry of craft brewing. If you find yourself in Blue Ridge, make sure to make a beeline for this gem of a brewery. Your taste buds—and your soul—will thank you.
Nice little sitting area outside. They give you little "poker chips" as your tab. Kind of a cool idea. Nice sitting place, overall its worth a visit if you're near.
Good beer, friendly staff. The IPA was excellent and the Gose outstanding. I appreciated that the diverse selection of styles often ignored by today's craft breweries. Nice outdoor space, too.
Great vibe with some good local beer. The variety of beer provides great flavor profiles. Will definitely be back. PS.. photo taken during a rainy cold day So that is why not many folks around.
Great Beer Flight and Owner and Staff! We stayed as part of the Harvest Host Site. It is a great site, level and quiet night. Just a short walk to downtown.
We hosted our wedding welcome party at Fannin Brewing Company and it was amazing! Tom was so great to work with - flexible, responsive, and even willing to add more outdoor lighting for us! Our guests kept saying how great the night was. Thanks Tom and crew!
Excellent little taproom brewery that’s especially nice for an outdoor day trip. When we visited, they were leaning into the fall beers with some tasty German beer options (about 3 of their 8 total on tap). They had all the yard games you’d want, friendly staff, and a modest stage for some small shows in their biergarten outside.
Such a fun inviting environment. They've added sun sails over the tables outside which is great on hot days. I only wish they had sails over the games as well. We were able to take out kids and enjoy two hours while they played in the rocks and with the rope ladder game!
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
10. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
4.8
(24)
Art center
Shopping
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Visiting Blue Ridge for the first time. Brought family to the Arts center. Beautiful experience.... walked downtown then visited here. Free admission.
This place has some very cute crafts and arts. I fell in love with their baskets and a weaving stool. However, they were not for sale. Such a bummer. But my daughter was able to get a crochet bunny. They also have some beautiful glass work art and tiles. But I didn't purchased it due to I wouldn't know where to put it in my house. Definitely worth checking it out.
Great Art Center. The staff hosts great art events and has very talented artists working with different mediums. Additionally, the staff members are always very helpful and gracious!
Great variety of art! At supplies for sale! Friendly staff!
Waoh!!!! Amazing place! I went during the week when they had a lot of art from local schools in the area. It was so nice and refreshing to see that the future generation have such great talent coming along! The rest of the museum had other art that was for sell that looked AMAZING. We walked out with a few items!!!!! The lady in the front welcomed us and talked to us a great deal about all the different arties they had art from and the different things that get done in the city involving art. I really felt that southern hospitality there, it was amazing!!! Great people and a bunch of Amazing art all around!
Lovely photography event.
They have excellent art exhibits. Right now there is a photography exhibit with varied entries. Much nature if you like that. Also is possible to take classes. They have an art supply store in the same building.
LOVE love love this place! If you have not seen this place it is a must see!! Add this location as a favorite and get there ASAP! The most organized displays and the most talented and beautiful art in the area. The building is absolutely amazing and the people there love art and the artists they represent. I am so glad they saved the old court house and made such an awe inspiring place to visit there. I cannot give more stars or I would!! Will visit this place very often.
Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery, Inc.
11. Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery, Inc.
4.6
(815)
Winery
Food & Drink
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From the moment we arrived, the experience was incredible! My wife booked us a tour, and we were greeted with beautifully prepared boxes of fruit, cheese, and meats, along with elegant wine glasses that set the tone for the day. Our tour guide was amazing—warm, engaging, and genuinely passionate about her work. She took the time to share her journey with us, which made the experience feel personal and memorable. We laughed, sipped fantastic wines, laughed some more, and even made a few new friends along the way. If you’re ever in Blue Ridge, this winery is a must-visit. The experience was well worth it, and we’ll definitely be back!
We came down this weekend for a girl’s trip get away and the winery was one of our top “things to do” on our list. The atmosphere was wonderful and everyone was very welcoming. The bartender was very sweet and we really enjoyed the musician Russ Steele. Thank you for a wonderful experience and your hospitality.
Visited on a Saturday around 3PM. It was very close to our cabin near downtown Blue Ridge. However, It wasn’t what we were expecting. It’s more like a bar where you can order a flight to taste various wines while there. There are a few different options for wine flights. We didn’t see a wine tasting room or designated area where we could try each pour individually. I would come back for the music and atmosphere. We took some amazing photos while walking around the vineyard. Note it’s a covered patio and uncovered outdoor seating. Not sure how that fares in the winter.
We are not wine drinkers at all but the wine was tasty. The creek in the back was great for the kids. They just kept running back and forth and made friends. We played board games while the kids ran around. There was live music which was cool. The service staff was very sweet and patient. We were there for hours and just had a great family day. There was a food truck selling nachos and hot dogs. Absolutely recommend and would come back again!
The GRIZZLY BEAR TASTING was a good deal to try their wine out. They have other options. They had a food truck out back and small snack options inside. Live music sometimes and overall a good place to hang, drink and take a walk outside. These pictures are from March 2025. 4/5 would recommend!
Bearable Winery is such a lovely spot! The scenery is beautiful, and they have fun games—perfect for both kids and adults. Live music adds to the relaxing vibe, and you can try a flight of reds or whites, which is a great way to sample their wines without committing to a full bottle. Even with a smaller selection, it was a wonderful experience to unwind, play some games, and enjoy the outdoors!
We did the full flight/tasting (grizzly), it was great. The staff is extremely helpful and nice. Left with a couple of bottles. Would definitely go back.
It was a perfect day with my family at Bear Claw Vineyards. The kids had a blast running around the vineyard while we relaxed, did some people and dog watching, and played Uno at the picnic table. The weather couldn’t have been better, and the staff was incredibly friendly. This is a must-stop spot when visiting Blue Ridge!
Jacks River Falls
12. Jacks River Falls
4.8
(94)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
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I would say this is a Medium/advanced hike takes about 2 hours each way going up and down mountains if you start at the beech bottom parking lot. There isn’t many signs to get to the waterfall either. But if you find it you best believe it’s worth it. And definitely going back for the long trail!!
All about pushing limits to get adrenaline and everything pumping! Hemp top to penitentiary for 6 mi is good but after that going to jack rivers falls and completing the loop from hemp top is an absolute battle😳 I read reviews before we went read about the fallen trees but dismissed it assuming people just not wanting to deal.. the 22 river crossings were a blessing even if got turned around for a min. The last 7.2 miles out are brutal if want to do the river crossings. My 12 yr old and I decided to not listen to reviews and hit it and was no turning back for us. Easily the hardest mental and physical battle I’ve had to have w myself and I’ve done some crazy shit & my 12 yr old daughter was step for step! The bottom portion would be unreal w out the downed trees but w that it’s not worth it for anyone.. experienced or not it’ll just wear your ass out for nothing! Going back to do a short walk in day trip to falls later this yr to play!! If you’re anything like me and love adventure seeking to push lines def pass on this one just not worth it right now.. maybe one day you’ll be able to play and enjoy this hike!!
I did the Jacks River Falls via Beech Bottom Trailhead. I would not suggest taking a car to get there since part of the road leading up to it has huge holes in the road. The trail itself was very clean. I think I only saw part of a cigarette the whole trail. All trails said it was 9.1 miles there and back but I ended up doing 10.28. The trail itself is moderate and not bad at all. Just beware of the falling acorns. Once I got to the falls, I climbed down to the bottom with the help of a log someone had thankfully carved grooves in to make it easier. It was around noon so the sun was directly overhead and it was beautiful. I only saw a few people there. I stayed maybe 10 minutes or so and then made my way back to my car. Saw more people on the way back. If you want this place to yourself for a bit, go early! I plan on going back again at some point.
John's Creek Road was an experience I will never forget. The beauty, peacefulness, and absolute awe took me by surprise and... Just wow! I must say, I will never go up this road again due to the Winding Stair Gap almost killed my car. Don't drive this road unless you are experienced and have a very high clearance jeep with big fat tire's 🤣. The creek is not really able to be camped on due to the steep mountain. There is one site on FS 42, but there is hardly any sunny spots to charge solar. It was beautiful though. Headed to FS Road 58 where the road was so much better and plenty of camping spots, big spots with sun and plenty of shade to. Camped on FS 58 for 2 weeks and had an absolute blast. Decided to leave because he nights were in the upper 30's and days reached a beautiful 58°. I would recommend FS road 58 over John's Creek Road any day.
The cutoff on the trail that actually goes down to the falls was hard to find, and ended up scaling down a steep incline towards the sound of the falls. Very beautiful after a good rain, lots of white water.
Plan the trip before proceeding. This is a wonderful trail for medium experience hikers and a nice challenge for those new to hiking. My son and I spent the day going up river to get to the falls and enjoy each second of it. The 22 river crossings provided a nice challenge and a chance to cool off from the July heat. We were able to find plenty of places for an eleven year old to cross without too much effort. We made the trip to the falls in about 4 hours. The falls were great and we had them mostly to our selves. I will say come prepared to get wet, prepared to stay over night, and for emergency situations. Will be back!
Some things we wished we had known before going, hopefully can help someone: 1. It is a very bumpy hour drive in with “nature’s potholes” that could really damage your car. Please only risk the drive if you have a high suspension - even with our truck we had much trouble. 2. If you are looking for the short hike: you have to climb down a very steep hill to even see the falls. If you follow the trail, you’ll reach a dead end. We accidentally hiked 9 miles in (the falls are at 4.7 miles). 3. We did not see a single person on our 5 hour hike, nor a single car for our 1.5hr drive up the mountain, including in the parking lot. Please bring your 10 essentials!!! 4. This trail is listed as a “Most Difficult” hike. Bringing dogs and kids may be complicated (but not impossible!) Fantastic hike overall, hope to camp here soon!❤️
Took 2 hrs each way from beech bottom trailhead. Bring plenty of water and food. Would classify this as intermediate hike. Help is far away and no cell signal for a long time getting to trailhead. It was well worth the hike to swim in that water!!
Blue Ridge Lake
13. Blue Ridge Lake
4.7
(131)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Surrounded by a national forest, this expansive lake features swimming areas, campsites & a marina.
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The lake is beautiful, clean, and deep in some locations; providing the habitat for a variety of large fish. You can also spot eagles living in the immediate area. The TVA supervises the lake and lowers the lake level during 'off season' preventing access thru some ramp locations.
Beautiful lake with great fishing and not too busy
Beautiful place to relax with the family. We rented kayaks for an hour and then we swam for a bit. Beautiful atmosphere. Clean. Designated tables for picnics. Clean restrooms also.
Wow, Now this I can write a review on. I have spent my entire life on blue ridge lake. 2 lake house and multiple friends around the lake. This is a very solid country community. Blue Ridge is one of the prettiest lakes in the USA. With most of the water coming out of nation parks, the water is some of the cleanest in the USA. I think at one point it was the cleanest east of the Mississippi. If you want to enjoy blue ridge try to come during the week. It's dead and glass smooth most days till after noon. However on the weekends if you don't get here early you will not launch your boat. The boat ramps are purposely small to keep the number of outside guest down, and keep it from over loading this beautiful lake. 4th of July fire works are amazing on this lake and its very unique to watch them float on water that reflects the light. The kids and all of our family loves it. Just do all of us a favor if you come to our beautiful lake. Pay attention, it can be isolating at times and feel like your the only boat. But the moment you are not, is the moment something will happen. Please don't be the careless boater thinking your the only person in the world. Also remember if your born after 2000 you must have a boaters license.
I love the lake at night.. went last night to watch the meteor shower. My husband did a little fishing and caught 2 catfish and a bass! All catch and release. They want them to get bigger so when we have visitors they can catch them also. I'll tell you though one of the little coves I saw a gigantic catfish I think we sat there for about an hour and a half but he wasn't having it so he swam away to be caught another day!
One of my favorite places to go and have fun. Water is so clean and nice to swim in.
You can't get out there and go fishing it's all houses all around it so what's so good about it
Beautiful, serene lake! Excellent place to kayak.
Blue Ridge Antique Mall & Consignment, Inc.
14. Blue Ridge Antique Mall & Consignment, Inc.
4.4
(69)
Antique store
Shopping
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A lot of cool things to look at! Fun place to browse a great variety of antiques.
Pretty ok prices. Lots of antique booths and some modern booths.
Such a cool antique store with a wide variety of unique finds — definitely not a dull moment browsing through everything. There’s something interesting around every corner. Highly recommend stopping in if you’re in the area!
Lots of treasures in this store. Somethin for everyone to look at. Store is set up and organized well. Only took a few pics, but nice place to stop in during the train layover.
Fun place to look around and you never know what you will find. Take your time and look everywhere.
The junk in this place cost more than buying new. Was a waste of time going here.
Items are very overpriced, but it's fun to look at the odd assortment of trinkets and treasures.
Lovethis place. I always find something interesting when I visit. Ann is so helpful and a great person to ask advice! She is a go getter! I wish the place was a bit more organized but it's also kinda cool to go on the hunt the way it is. It's like a for real treasure hunt. Love to visit these dealers every trip to blue ridge!
Aska Trails Parking Lot (Long Branch Loop Trailhead)
15. Aska Trails Parking Lot (Long Branch Loop Trailhead)
4.6
(273)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
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Great hike. Hot the loop, ended up being about 2.5 mile loop. Some elevation, but a perfect outdoor track if you were looking for a trail to run on. Would definitely go back, but there are a top 50 more trails that vary I length and difficulty, so be sure to knock this one out and keep going.
Great 2.3 mile trail! We brought our seventh month old pup and he did great. Shady, moderate hills, and beautiful scenery.
We hiked the Long Branch loop only and this was a great trail. Beautiful trees and ferns everywhere, plus a few small creeks. The trail isn't overly rooted or muddy even immediately after a rain; just a little soggy in a few spots. The hills are gradual enough to call this an easy hike for most, just be aware if you are looking for flat trails. Check out the historical stone hearth and chimney located next to the trail, but be mindful of going off trail.
Easy hike. Terrific scenery. Great for biking and hiking. Plenty of information and good parking.
This has been my favorite hike in Blue Ridge so far. The trail is expertly maintained and the forest was beautiful. Will come back here again and again. Just over two miles and a loop hike. The parking lot was clearly labeled and easy to find.
We were looking for an easy hike with family and dog. We found what we were looking for. Easy walking trail on the main loop. We stopped a couple times to check things out and it took just about an hour. Terrain is not steep at all even when hiking up and down the hills. Appears to be great for mountain bikes too. One more thing to add, there is really no way to get lost as the trails are marked so stay on the main trail and you’ll be good to go. Picked up some litter along the way from previous hikers that have no respect for nature and the beautiful mountains.
Long branch loop was perfect for a family hike. Ages 4 and up. Took us a little over 1 hour at a nice leisurely pace with breaks for the littlest. Pretty views in the forest and of the creek. Trail keeps going farther for more seasoned hikers and those looking for a longer hike. Port-a-potty in the parking lot only. And parking was limited.
One of the better gravel parking lots out there. Watch out for the potholes though! I was told there would be an attendant on Friday and Saturdays for the “VIP” hikers in the area.. but nowadays they are just outsourcing the hiking I think. Great place to leave your car for an hour or two. My car said she felt safe the whole time.. but what is time really?
Deep Hole Recreation Area
16. Deep Hole Recreation Area
4.4
(115)
Campground
Nature & Parks
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Awesome little campground. We very much enjoyed our stay here. The only negative is the smell from the composting bathroom wafting through the campground. It was a clean bathroom, but it smelt horrendous and we smelled it randomly through out the day and night. Otherwise, it’s picture perfect and it was awesome to be completely disconnected from the world.
We stayed in campsite # 5 next to the creek. The store down the street is very helpful. Nice staff, and we'll help with local information. I loved this place. Pet, friendly, and we will return.
Great Place for fishing. Small but Clean campground. The restrooms were outhouse style but they were the cleanest “outhouse” I’ve ever used. There is a little boat launch for tubes. My sons enjoyed walking out into the creek. It was a beautiful spot. We hope to come back to camp here.
One of the best places with bathroom smells cleaning and is clean, I recomend these place for the family to bond more no internet and fire fits are awesome the Nature and birds is just magical. It was unique that has no price
Nice little camp ground. Does fill up so have multiple time frames to go.
Interesting place in the river bend. Looks deep. Good spots to fish from. Very basic looking campsites.
This campground is small, and right on the river! You can see a full campground tour showing each site on my YT channel outdoormary.
Vault toilet could use solar light. Bring lots of fuel for your fire. Site 5 is the best.

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