Blairsville, Georgia

Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, near the North Carolina border in northern Georgia lays Blairsville/Union County where abundant activities await you. Throughout the year Blairsville and the surrounding areas hold several events and festivals. Cast your line in one of the many rivers or streams in the area. Union County Schools, Union County Recreational Department and Young Harris College provide any sport fan with the chance to catch a game. Or just sit on the porch and enjoy the cool breeze and listen to nature, grab that book you’ve wanted to read. Star gaze at night, the view is incredible.

Easy access to Blairsville is provided through several highways. Blairsville Airport, a city-owned, public use airport, is another option. Once you're here, there is easy driving access to regional recreational areas. Cyclists take advantage of the challenging ride over Blood Mountain, which offers exceptional views with the ride. Blairsville’s downtown provides crosswalks and sidewalks to make for a great experience visiting the several stores, restaurants, and other things to do.

Hike the Appalachian Trail, Brasstown Bald or try the walking trails at Meeks Park. Lake Nottely, Lake Blue Ridge and Lake Chatuge offer fishing, boating and recreational sports such as tubing, skiing, jet skiing and swimming. If golf is your game, give a swing at Brasstown Valley Resort or Butternut Creek golf course. The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to many antique shops, thrift stores, home décor shops and boutiques. Enjoy a bite at one of the several restaurants. You may visit one of the museums in the area, or take the short trip to Young Harris College to see one of the many programs and events they have to offer.

Union County is also called "The Top of Georgia" because Brasstown Bald, the state's highest elevation at 4,784 feet, is in Union County. The county seat of Blairsville, incorporated in 1835, was named for Frank (Francis Preston) Blair, a Washington, D. C. newspaper editor. In 1922 construction began on a road to run from Cleveland, Georgia, to the North Carolina border. The road was completed in 1926, the county's first paved road. During this time the United States purchased large amounts of land in the county and consolidated it into the Georgia National Forest. In 1937 the holdings were renamed to the Chattahoochee National Forest.