Area Attractions
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River
The Ocoee River is Dam controlled. Recreational Water Release Schedules for both Dam # 2 (which controls the middle river used for most rafting) and Dam #3 (which controls water in the upper Ocoee including the 1996 Olympic course and the Whitewater Center) are available at the Ocoee Whitewater Center or by calling (423) 496 -0100. For info on escorted rafting trips please see our Rafting Page. Availability is limited, particularly on the upper Olympic course. Please check & make sure that your rafting plans match the water release schedule. (Note – TN law requires that children rafting the middle & upper Ocoee River be 12 years of age or older. For younger children we suggest tubing on the Toccoa or Hiawassee Rivers instead)
Ocoee Whitewater Center
The Ocoee Whitewater Center is the site of the 1996 Olympic rafting events & is located on Route 64 approximately 3 miles from the eastern boundary of the Cherokee National Forest. (Less than a 10 minute drive from our cabins.) They offer a staffed welcome & information center, a gift shop, picnic areas, and a number of hiking & biking trails for your enjoyment. On days when water is not released in this section, we suggest you dress the kids in their swimsuits, pack a picnic lunch & everybody go splash in the pools & tiny waterfalls left in the bed of the Ocoee River. (There is a $3 per car daily parking fee which goes to support the upkeep of the Cherokee National Forest)
Historic Train Rides
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Reminiscent scenic excursions for those old enough to remember and a totally new experience for those too young. Weekends – March thru December, Daily in October. Trains depart from the original Blue Ridge, Ga Train Depot and travel to Copperhill/McCaysville, where they stop for two hours, allowing you time to explore, shop or enjoy a leisurely lunch before the return leg of the trip. 26 mile trip takes aprox. 4 hours total. Reservations are recommended. Call (877) 413-8724 or (706) 632-8724.
Hiwassee River Rail Adventures
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum operates the regions newest rail excursion. Railroad Buffs will love this trip thru the scenic Hiwassee Gorge to the Historic Bald Mountain Loop. Most excursions start at Gee Creek State Park in Delano, TN and travel to the loop, then return to the starting point. Special trips travel to Copperhill for an hour and a half layover. Plans call for a number of special trips this year, including a trip from Gee Creek all the way to Blue Ridge, Ga. Reservations are required. Check the Tennessee Valley Railroad Website, or call 423-894-8028 for schedules more information.
Horseback Riding
Blanche Manor
181 Deal Hollow Road
Copperhill, TN
Blanche Manor is located just up the road, less than five minutes from our cabins). They offer an hour and a quarter or a two hour trail ride. Both wind up the mountains to a spectacular view of Big Frog Mountain & the Ocoee River below. They specialize in young riders & offer tandem saddles if desired.
Cohutta Stables
Are you an experienced rider looking for half or whole day trail trips? Cohutta Stables offers both half and full day trail rides in the beautiful mountains just minutes from Blue Ridge, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. They provide everything you need to enjoy a relaxing ride through nature’s beauty in these magnificent mountains. If adventure and adrenaline are for you, their expertly trained horses can move through many of the trails at several different gaits that will keep you comfortable while exciting your senses with speed and agility.
Mountain Biking
- The Ocoee Adventure Center offers guided & escorted mountain biking tours. Reservations required.
Highway 64
3 miles West of Ducktown
(888) 723-8622. - Blue Mountain Bikes
3716 East First Street
Blue Ridge, GA
706-714-2453 - Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters Bike Shop
500 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA
706-258-3232
Hiking
Hike The Ridge
Blue Ridge, GA
706-455-2496
Owner guide Eric Chastain offers guided hiking trips to Big Frog, Panther Creek Falls, Rocky Mountain, Conasauga River, Jack River Falls, Turtletown Creek Falls & Benton Mackaye. He also can arrange custom & overnight trips. All trips booked in advance. Offering easy to difficult hikes from 2 miles to 18 miles.
Drive-in Movies
Swan Drive-in
651 Summit Street
Blue Ridge, GA
Old Fashioned Drive-In theater, open year round, with first run movies. Usually offers double (& sometimes triple!) features on Friday nights. Movies are not always PG rated, so please check the listings (call (888) 469-1955 for movie info) if you’re bringing younger children. Grab the pillows & blankets, dress the younger ones in their PJ’s and let them discover the fun of a night “out” at the movies the way Mom & Dad (or Grandma & Grandpa) used to do. If you don’t mind powdered sugar all over your car seats – try the funnel cakes! This is one of the favorite activities for our guests ages 6-12.
Ziplines
Ocoee River Basin Canopy Tours
Ocoee River Basin Canopy Tours is located one mile east of the Wildwater Limited Outpost on US Highway 64, less than ten minutes from The Cabins at Copperhill. Fly thru the treetops while learning the amazing history and recovery of our copper mining community. This treetop and deep woods canopy trip includes 9 zipline sections and three swinging sky bridges covering 14 acres. Open March thru November Reservations Required. Call 866-319-8870
Ocoee Ziplines and Canopy Tours
Ocoee Ziplines and Canopy Tour is operated by Raft One Whitewater, from its outpost at 4599 Highway 64 in Copperhill, less than 10 minutes from our cabins. Offering more than a mile of zipline cables, and breathtaking views of the Cherokee National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains. Soar like a bird at speeds as high as 40 miles an hour from tree-top sky towers Reservations Required. Call 888-723-8663
Ocoee Zipz
Ocoee Zipz is located on Highway 64 in Benton, across from the Ocoee Outdoors Rafting Outpost, a little over 30 minutes from The Cabins at Copperhill. Ocoee Zipz offers 7 Ziplines that total about one-mile and are spread out over approximately 40 acres. Four of the lines are in the tree line that runs along the Ocoee River. Two are in the open field between the river and the rafting outpost. Reservations Required. Call 877 794-7947 or 423 338-5678.
Casino Gambling
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino
777 Casino Parkway
Murphy, NC
(828) 422-7777
Our newest area attraction less than 30 minutes away. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, a brand-new destination with thrilling gaming, five food outlets, cool cocktails and hot entertainment. This North Carolina casino features 60,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slots and 70 traditional table games.
Play your favorite video and slot games at Harrah’s. Gamblers can choose from some of the hottest slot machines! You’ll find all your favorites, plus progressives and video poker in a wide range of denominations. Experience the thrills of video poker and there’s no casino fun like the table games offered at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. Try your hand at blackjack, craps, or roulette
Orchards
Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge Drive
Blue Ridge, GA
(800) 361-7731
(706) 632-3411
In operation since 1943 Mercier Orchards is a family run business that grows over 30 different varieties of apples on 75,000 trees. They have a wonderful large gift shop which sells a variety of fresh picked apples, home-made cider, jams & jellies of all kinds; as well as honey, muffin & pancake mixes & an assortment of gift baskets & boxes that can be shipped to friends & family. They also have a lunch room offering salads & sandwiches & an amazing bakery. (Their peach pie is to die for!)
Vineyards & Breweries
Serenberry Vineyards
450 Tipton Trail
Morganton, GA 30560
(706) 623-8463
Hours: Thursdays – Saturdays, 11 AM – 5 PM & Sundays, 1 – 5 PM
Wine tasting is a perfect way to try a variety of wines before buying the bottles you enjoy! Tastings are four for $4 or seven for $7. Have fun sipping on wines and learning about the history of the area in a relaxed setting
Ocoee Winery and Gift Shop
5365 Waterlevel Hwy
Cleveland, TN
(423) 614-5100
Open: Monday – Sunday 12 -8 pm
Winery tours available upon request and group tours may be scheduled ahead of time. Offers a variety of red and white table wine, plus many fruit wines. Ocoee Red, Blackberry, White Muscadine, Blueberry, apple, Merlot and Red Muscadine.
Odom Springs Winery 637 Odom Road
Blairsville, GA
(706) 745-3094
Open Fridays and Saturdays 11 am – 6 pm. Sundays 1 pm – 5 pm.
Copperhill Brewery
105 Ocoee Street
Copperhill, TN
37317
423-548-3030
Monday-Saturday Noon to 8pm
Sunday Noon to 5pm
Buck Bald Brewing
160 Ocoee Street
Copperhill, TN
706-431-7141
Born in the mountains of Blue Ridge, GA, Buck Bald Brewing is dedicated to brewing the highest quality beer. Our passion is your pleasure as we combine the best quality ingredients with careful attention to every detail. From our flagship Ragin’ Red Ale and Hollerin’ Man Pale Ale to styles from across the spectrum you’ll love every sip.
Area Tourist Boards
- TriCities Business Association
- Polk County – Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce (877) 790-2157 or (800) 633-7655
- Fannin County Chamber of Commerce(800) 899-MTNS or (706) 632 -5680
- Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association (877) 510-5765
- Cherokee National Forest (423) 338-3300
- Ocoee Whitewater Center (423) 496-0100
- Benton Mackaye Trail Association