Phone:

706-632-4422

Toll Free:

888-566-4422

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706-633-6779

Fax:

706-632-4424

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, incorporated on October 24, 1887, is the county seat of Fannin County. The city is named for the southern reach of the Appalachian Mountain Range that stretches into Fannin County. A number of events are held in Blue Ridge, including the Arts in the Park Festival, a Labor Day Barbecue and a Mountain Harvest Sale at the Blue Ridge State Farmer's Market.

Blue Ridge is the starting point of the excursion train, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, at the Historic Train Depot and Red Caboose Visitors Center. More than 17,000 people visit Blue Ridge to ride the train and shop in all the antique and specialty stores.

Profile

Incorporated: October 24, 1887

Population: 1,210

Total Area: 2.17 square miles

Things To Do

Contact Information

Website:	N/A
Address:	3101 E. First Street Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Phone: Fax:	(706) 632-2091 (706) 632-3278
Email:	N/A

Fannin County

Fannin County was created in 1854 from parts of Gilmer and Union counties. Georgia's 106th county was named for Colonel James W. Fannin of Georgia, who, with approximately 350 volunteers, fought in Texas' War of Independence from Mexico. Fannin and his regiment were captured and massacred in 1836. Fannin's county seat, Blue Ridge, is named for the southern reach of the Appalachian Mountain Range which stretches into the county.

The last remnants of the Cherokee Nation found shelter in the mountains of Fannin County before their removal west along the "Trail of Tears" to Oklahoma in 1838.

County Profile

Incorporated: January 21, 1854

Population: 21,000

Total Area: 385.8 Square miles

Cities and Towns

• Blue Ridge (County Seat)

• McCaysville
• Morganton

Contact Information

Website:	N/A
Address:	171 Church St Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Phone: Fax:	(706) 632-2203 N/A
Email:	N/A

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a cold water fish hatchery in Fannin County. The Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery raises rainbow trout to stock streams, lakes, and reservoirs throughout North Georgia.

Parts of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta National Wilderness Area are in Fannin County. The Cohutta Wilderness Area is the largest national wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.

Outdoor recreational opportunities are also plentiful within Fannin County. Campers, hikers, nature lovers, and anglers enjoy the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness Area. In addition to these federal facilities, local parks include the Horseshoe Bend Park, the Blue Ridge City Park, and the McCaysville City Park.

Water resources are plentiful in Fannin County. Blue Ridge Lake in the center of the county impounds part of the Toccoa River, which flows into Tennessee and becomes the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Jacks River, Fightingtown Creek, and Rock Creek also flow through the county. The Blue Ridge Railway is a vintage passenger train running a 26-mile roundtrip along the Toccoa River.

Fannin County residents and visitors enjoy several annual events. Held each Memorial Day weekend, the Arts in the Park Festival in Blue Ridge attracts over 20,000 people. Several local churches in Blue Ridge host an interdenominational Labor Day Barbecue each year at the town's historic railroad depot.

A Mountain Harvest Sale featuring handmade quilts, baskets, and pottery is held on the third and fourth weekends of October at the Blue Ridge State Farmer's Market. Proceeds from booth fees go to local charities.