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When it comes to day trips, we’re not short of places to go and things to see! That’s why we put together our list of top six favorite scenic day trips for you and your family to enjoy (and even take some amazing selfies at while you’re there).

Cherohala Skyway – Tellico Plains – 1 hour and a half from Ellijay, GA

The Cherohala Skyway is a state-maintained highway. It is a 2-laned road with wide shoulders and 15 scenic overlooks. Along the way, you can expect minimum cell phone coverage and limited toilet facilities. There are picnic sites, trailheads for hiking, and a wide variety of traffic types ranging from motor homes to bicycles. Some grades are as steep as 9% along the skyway. The trip across the skyway takes about 2 hours. It is approximately 25 miles long in Tennessee and 19 miles long in North Carolina. Food and fuel stations are available in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and in Robbinsville, North Carolina.​​

Scenic drive from I-75, Cleveland Exit #20:
Take Cleveland Exit #20 from I-75 and follow Hwy. 64 E along the Ocoee River and the Ocoee Scenic Byway to Copperhill. Take Hwy. 68 N through Coker Creek and on to Tellico Plains.

Photo courtesy of: https://cherohala.com/

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​Lookout Mountain, Rock City – 1 hour and a half from Ellijay

One of the most fun things to do in Chattanooga is visiting Rock City. Rock City is an amusement located right at the top of Lookout Mountain only 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Here you’ll find great views of seven different states, magical rock formations, and seasonal events

Your visit to Rock City will include a stroll through the 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail, where you’ll encounter incredible rock formations, caves, and beautiful flowers, along with a few other surprises. While you’re on the trail, be sure to enjoy this quintessential Rock City experience.

Photo courtesy of: https://www.seerockcity.com/things-to-do/

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The Nantahala Outdoor Center – 1 hour and a half from Ellijay

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, the 500-acre campus has plenty of options for keeping your entire group happy and active, whether you spend the day or a week!

Take a whitewater raft or ducky trip down the Nantahala River. Fly above the canopy with NOC’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour, and test your skills at the Zip Line Adventure Park – a challenge course with 16 aerial obstacles. Kids of all ages will have a blast at NOC’s Treetop Adventure Nets – the country’s first 100% net-based aerial playground.

There’s also mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, shopping at NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, onsite cabin and bunkhouse lodging, plus dining and relaxing at NOC’s famous riverfront restaurants – River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser. Extend your adventure with onsite lodging, from cabins to hostel-style accommodations available.

Photo credit Steven McBride https://blueridgeheritagetrail.com/explore-a-trail-of-heritage-treasures/nantahala-outdoor-center/

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Helen – 1 hour and a half from Ellijay, GA

“The charm of Bavaria in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

Alpine Helen’s attractions are as varied as the people who visit us. Outdoor adventurers flock to the hills and waters that surround us. Oenophiles come to tour the local vineyards, and sample the unique wines they produce. Our special blend of cultures, traditions, history, and arts attracts many more. And here, you can introduce the whole family to new kinds of fun that you experience together, without tiny glowing screens.

Don’t forget our wonderful seasonal attractions—you haven’t been to an Oktoberfest until you’ve lived it in Alpine Helen.

https://www.exploregeorgia.org/article/guide-to-helen

Ruby Falls

Spectacular Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The quiet coolness of the area is broken only by the thundering rush of water flowing over the rugged cliff face. Anna Ruby Falls marks the junction of Curtis and York Creeks. Both creeks begin on Tray Mountain and are fed by underground springs, rain, and snow. Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek 50 feet to form the twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls. From the falls, Smith Creek tumbles downhill to Unicoi Lake and then to the Chattahoochee River. Its journey continues south, eventually joining the Applachicola River in Florida and ending its 550-mile journey in the Gulf of Mexico. A paved 0.4-mile footpath leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls. Walking is easy to moderate and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Benches are provided along the way. Walking shoes are recommended since the trail can be wet and slippery.

flickr: Jimmy_Joe https://www.trekaroo.com/activities/ruby-falls-lookout-mountain-tennessee/photos