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Fannin County comprised of three cities: Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Morganton and rural communities of Epworth, Mineral Bluff, Dial and what is known as the Aska Adventure Area. Population is approximately 24,000. The first inhabitants of Fannin County were the Cherokee Indians who lived along the shores of the Toccoa River. Fannin is an outdoor oasis among water enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming with its 3290 acre Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River and Fightingtown Creek among many other tributaries. It's one of North Georgia's most picturesque areas with gorgeous mountain views where the average altitude is 1760 feet above sea level and rises to 4000 feet. Fannin County's land is located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness and 42% of the county is government owned land which protects it from over development.
Fannin is a popular destination for those wanting to escape from the concrete jungle and get closer to nature. Residents experience mountain living at its best with clean and crisp mountain air, majestic views and crystal clear waters. You can actually feel the air change and smell sweeter as you make your way northward on Hwy. 515 from Atlanta.
Fannin has a varied selection of churches throughout the towns and countryside. The church serves as the center of family life for many residents. There are special interest clubs and everyone is welcomed. Clubs like Trout Unlimited, Tri-State Model Railroaders, Blue Ridge Carvers, High Country Harmonizers, the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association and the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Be sure to visit the impressive Fannin County Chamber of Commerce to learn more about the rich mountain heritage that continues to draw so many to Fannin County. Here you can get information about the popular local spots and ideas for an endless array of outdoor recreational activities.
The City of Blue Ridge
Named after the mountain ranges that form the ancient Appalachians, Blue Ridge is a charming town with approximately 1100 residents. Quaint gift boutiques, antique shops and unique art galleries line Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge. Visitors can ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad and enjoy a pleasurable roundtrip train ride from the depot in downtown Blue Ridge to a stopover in McCaysville. The Blue Ridge City Park located in the heart of downtown encompasses two blocks and is a wonderful meeting place for family gatherings and community events. Various festivals are held in the park throughout the year such as Arts in the Park, Old Timers Day, Paws in the Park, Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race and Labor Day BBQ, and Light Up Blue Ridge (an old fashioned Christmas celebration) to name a few.
The City of McCaysville
Sometimes referred to as the twin cities because of its sister city, Copperhill, Tennessee. A painted blue line across downtown McCaysville separates the two cities. Visitors can even see the painted blue line in some of the shops that straddle the Georgia, Tennessee state line. The town grew rapidly back in the day when copper mining was king around 1843, just a few miles out of town, visitors can see the old Copper Basin mines from long ago. McCaysville is Fannin County's second largest city with approximately 1100 residents. Here, you can stand in two states at the same time which makes for a fun photo op. The Toccoa River runs through the center of town on the Georgia side and the name changes to the Ocoee River once it crosses into Tennessee which serves the Ocoee Whitewater Center built for the kayak competition in the 1996 Olympic games. Horseshoe Bend Park is a popular spot for visitors and residents alike. Nestled on the banks of the Toccoa River, folks enjoy fly fishing and music jams. Annual events include: Miners Homecoming, July 4th fireworks, Pickin' in the Park and more. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad makes a short stopover to give visitors a chance to grab a bite to eat, mingle around town and visit the shops.
The City of Morganton
Small mountain town located on the northwestern shore of Lake Blue Ridge with approximately 256 residents. Primarily a residential community adorned by the crystal blue waters of Lake Blue Ridge, beautiful mountain ranges and pastoral settings. Morganton was once the county seat, founded in 1853/54 until 1895 when the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad made Blue Ridge the epicenter of the county.
Epworth and Mineral Bluff
Rural communities quietly tucked away within the mountain ridges and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Other rural communities include Dial, Aska, Cooper's Creek, Fightingtown Creek, Snake Nation and Wilscott Valley. These old farming communities that are mostly residential today dot the landscape surrounding the cities of Fannin County.
Fannin County's popularity among those wanting to live here full time or escape to a vacation home is largely due to the beautiful natural surroundings and friendly residents who believe in their neighbors and their community. Only an hour to hour.half drive from Atlanta or less than a day's drive from Florida, many people are finding the ideal environment in which to raise a family or retire.
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