One Day or a Weekend in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Prices & schedules checked October 18, 2026
Blue Ridge is compact: the train leaves from downtown, and the orchard, lake and river are a short drive away. Book the train first, because it sells out, then build the day around your departure time.
Day one
Morning: the train (2 or 4 hours)
Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the depot, 241 Depot Street. The 2-Hour Express leaves more time for downtown. The 4-Hour Extended includes a 2-hour layover in McCaysville, GA / Copperhill, TN, so you can eat lunch there.
Midday: downtown Blue Ridge
If you rode the 2-hour train, have lunch downtown. Grumpy Old Men Brewing (1315 East Main St) and Angry Hops Brewing (341 East Main St) are on the Chamber’s brewery list.
Afternoon: Mercier Orchards
Drive to 8660 Blue Ridge Drive for the market and bakery, U-pick in season, and the cider tasting room ($15 flight, as listed Oct 2026). It’s open until 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Day two (weekend)
- Waterfall morning: Fall Branch Falls (0.5 mile) or Long Creek Falls (2 miles). See the waterfalls guide.
- Summer: tube the Toccoa ($14–$20, as listed Oct 2026) or rent a pontoon or kayak on Lake Blue Ridge. See the river & lake guide.
- Wine afternoon: Bear Claw Vineyards in Blue Ridge or Kerith House in Morganton. Check hours first.
- Thanksgiving weekend: Light Up Blue Ridge and the Christmas Parade, November 27–28, 2026. See the fall & holidays guide.
No car?
The one bookable tour we found is a 9-hour small-group day tour from Atlanta ($495 on GetYourGuide, as listed Oct 2026) that stops at Amicalola Falls, downtown Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchards and Vogel State Park.
We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Details
Sources
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — Plan your trip and FAQs (241 Depot St, board 30 minutes early)
- Fannin County Chamber — Fall Foliage Tours (2-hour Express; 4-hour Extended with 2-hour layover)
- Fannin County Chamber — Breweries & Wineries
- Mercier Orchards — home and Hard Cider & Winery (hours, $15 flight)
- Benton MacKaye Trail Association — Hikes with waterfalls
- Fannin County Chamber — Light Up Blue Ridge (Nov 27–28, 2026)
- GetYourGuide — Full Day Tour from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls and Blue Ridge