Small Towns in Georgia
Walkable downtowns, homemade food and a waterfall or lake close by. Pick a town for its own local's guide: what to do, where to eat and how to plan the day.
Lavonia, GA
A quiet small-town gateway to Lake Hartwell, two minutes off I-85.
Clayton, GA
Rabun County's small-town hub, close to waterfalls, gorges and Black Rock Mountain.
Helen, GA
The alpine village and your base for Anna Ruby Falls, Raven Cliff Falls and Unicoi.
Ellijay, GA
Georgia's Apple Capital, with family orchards, cider and farm-to-table food.
Blue Ridge, GA
Mountain town weekends with a walkable downtown, the scenic railway and easy day trips.
Toccoa, GA
A 186-foot waterfall, Camp Toccoa and a 200-year-old stagecoach inn.
Want the whole weekend planned for you?
North Georgia Weekends ($79) covers five of these towns: Clayton, Helen, Blue Ridge, Lavonia and Ellijay. Each one is a full Friday to Sunday with three places to stay and a rain plan for each stop.
Want company on the trail?
The Explore Georgia Hiking Club is free, and every pace is welcome.
Looking for one stop? See every small-town guide, or find a trip by drive time.