Meeks Park: This is a county park with walking/jogging trails, children’s playground facility, lighted ball fields, batting cages, picnic areas and pavilions. Contact the Recreation Dept. at (706) 439-6074.
Poteete Creek Park and Campground: A 95 acre facility on Lake Nottely. RV, trailer or tent campsites, water and electric hook-ups, ice, bath house, grills, picnic areas, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking. For information call (706) 439-6103.
Cooper’s Creek Scenic and Recreation Area: A 1,240 acre facility offering camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting and trout fishing in Cooper’s Creek and tributaries. From Blairsville go west on Blue Ridge Hwy (Old Hwy 76), turn left at Mulkey Gap, follow until pavement turns to gravel - continue on for 3 miles, Cooper’s Creek is on the left.
Butternut Creek Golf Course: Operated by the County’s Recreation Department the course includes a clubhouse, pro shop, large picnic pavilion, putting green/practice area and 18 challenging holes. Call (706) 439-6076 for information.
Helton Creek Falls: The double falls offer a total vertical drop of over 100 feet. Enjoy the view from the observation deck or climb out on the rocks of the lower falls. The rocks are slippery so use caution. Parking is at Helton Creek Falls Trail No. 145, then take the path about 300 yards to the falls.
Desoto Falls Scenic Area: This 650 acre area has great views and 3 waterfalls. Elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Camping, fishing, hiking and picnic areas available. Take US Hwy 19/129 south from Blairsville for about 15 miles.
Dukes Creek Falls: The falls drop 150 feet down a granite canyon into Dukes Creek. Enjoy the falls from the observation deck. While at the falls take the opportunity to pan for gold!!! US Hwy 19/129 south from Blairsville, take a left at GA Hwy 180 go ½ mile turn right on GA Hwy 348 (Richard Russell Scenic Hwy) go 14 miles to the falls.
Richard Russell Scenic Highway: Over 14 miles of scenic mountain drives and overlooks. The Highway crosses the Appalachian Trail. Elevation ranges from 2,040 to 3,644 feet. It is a direct route from Blairsville to Helen.
Appalachian Trail: A wilderness footpath that runs through 14 states and winds over 2,100 miles along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. In Georgia, the Trail runs through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains for 80 miles. The elevation along the ridges is around 3,000 feet though at times the elevation may reach over 4,000 feet. This is sometimes a steep and rugged terrain but hikers are rewarded with beautiful mountain scenery. The Appalachian Trail may be accessed by way of Woody Gap on GA Hwy 60, Neel Gap on US Hwy 19/129 south and from GA Hwy 348 (Richard Russell Scenic Hwy).
Lake Winfield Scott: Located high in the mountains this 18 acre lake is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The lake features a roped off area for swimming with a sand beach and a freestanding pier about 100 feet out. The area is popular for fishing, hiking, camping, boating and picnicking. Also available for use are a covered pavilion and bath house. Take US Hwy 19/129 south from Blairsville, then west on GA Hwy 180 for about 7 miles.
Lake Nottely: Situated near the town of Blairsville this lake was originally built by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) for flood control and power generation. The 4,180 acre lake provides a great opportunity for boating and water sports. The 106 miles of shoreline offer a chance to picnic and camp. There are several marinas, public boat ramps and camping/picnicking areas located around the lake.
Walasi-Yi Center: An outdoor outfitters facility and gift shop on the Appalachian Trail where the trail crosses US Hwy 19/129 beside the center. This is also the only point on the Trail where it passes through a man-made structure. There is a visitor information center located in the building and is a great place for hikers to rest.
Brasstown Bald Mountain and Visitor Information Center: At 4,784 feet the Bald is the highest elevation in Georgia. From the observation tower at the summit you can enjoy 360-degree views of 4 states. Nighttime vistas are a must see for the astronomers. The Information Center has slide shows and exhibits on the natural history of the mountain area. There is a general store, picnic areas and hiking paths. The Bald is in nearby Towns County. Call (706) 896-2556 for information.
Trackrock Archeological Area: A 2 acre site with preserved petroglyph of ancient indian origin. Carvings resemble circles, human footprints, animal and bird tracks. Historical markers locate the area. Also visit the archeological area at Blood Mountain near the Walasi-Yi Center.
Union County Courthouse: Dates from 1899 and is a Romanesque style brick and granite structure. It is the home of the Union County Historical Society and Cultural Center. The museum, located inside the Courthouse, has exhibits, tools, indian artifacts, pottery shards, memorabilia and more. The Courthouse is located in the center of town on the square. Call (706) 745-5493 for information.
Union County War Memorial: Located within the city limits the memorial depicts the 11 major wars as they have impacted Union County, the State and the Nation. The 9 granite pedestals honor over 150 men from Union County that made the ultimate sacrifice in service to us and our country during war-time.