Blue Ridge is the county seat of Fannin County, Georgia, incorporated in 1887 according to the City of Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge Dam, which holds back Lake Blue Ridge (TVA’s Blue Ridge Reservoir), stands about two miles northeast of the city (TVA). Downtown has the scenic railway depot, an arts center and a drive-in theater.
The county seat since 1887
The city’s community page says Blue Ridge was incorporated in 1887, is the seat of Fannin County and covers 2.2 square miles. The county as a whole counted 25,319 people in the 2020 Census (US Census). We don’t print a population for the city itself, because we couldn’t find a current Census figure for it.
The city calls itself the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia, pointing to Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. That is the city’s own claim, but there is substance behind it. Georgia DNR says Blue Ridge is the only large reservoir in the state stocked with rainbow trout (GA DNR), and DNR stocks rainbow and brown trout every year in the Toccoa below the dam (GA DNR). Anglers 16 and older need both a Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish for trout. Our fishing guide and rainbow trout explainer cover where and how.
The City of Blue Ridge calls itself the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia, citing Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. (City of Blue Ridge, checked Oct 18, 2026)
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Rails reached Blue Ridge in 1886, and the depot downtown was built in 1905. The last passenger train left in 1951, and the restored railway began excursions to McCaysville in 1998 (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway).
Today the railway leaves the historic depot for a 26-mile round trip along the Toccoa River to the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Trips are two hours, or four hours with a layover (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway). The 2026-27 winter season runs Nov. 5, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027, and the fall rides end Nov. 3, 2026. The depot and ticket office are at 241 Depot Street (877-413-8724), and the ticket office is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, seven days a week, per the railway, checked October 2026. See McCaysville for what’s at the other end of the line.
The Arts Center
The Arts Center, run by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, is at 420 West Main Street. Its Holiday Market of handmade art and crafts by member artists runs Nov. 15 to Dec. 19, 2026, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays (Blue Ridge Mountains CVB). The Light Up Blue Ridge Gingerbread Village at the Arts Center opens Nov. 27 (Light Up Blue Ridge).
The association also runs Spring Arts in the Park on Memorial Day weekend. The 51st show opens Saturday, May 29, 2027, in the Downtown City Park, with more than 175 juried exhibitors; adults pay $5 and children under 12 are free (Blue Ridge Mountains CVB).
The Swan Drive-In and Blue Ridge on Ice
The city describes the Swan Drive-In as one of the few drive-in theaters left in north Georgia. We couldn’t confirm its current season or showtimes, so check with the theater before you plan a night around it. Next door, at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market on Summit Street, the seasonal Blue Ridge on Ice rink runs Nov. 17, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, with session times that vary by day (Blue Ridge Mountains CVB).
Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards is a family-owned apple orchard in Blue Ridge, founded in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier (Mercier Orchards). It has a farm market, a bakery, U-pick events and a hard-cider tasting room. The orchard lists U-pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches and more than 40 apple varieties, so check its site for what is ripe before you go.
From town to the water
The lake is a short drive from downtown. At the dam, TVA has a scenic overlook and a shaded picnic area near the powerhouse (TVA); our Blue Ridge Dam page covers its history and the current safety study. Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area, a free Forest Service site on the west side of the lake, has motorized boating access and day hikes but no potable water (USFS). Lake Blue Ridge Marina, a private operator, rents pontoons, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards (Lake Blue Ridge Marina).
Blue Ridge is also where campers at Morganton Point come for full groceries, about 15 minutes west of the campground on U.S. 76 (Recreation.gov).
Events in town
Downtown is busiest around the holidays. Light Up Blue Ridge runs Thanksgiving weekend: Blue Friday downtown on Nov. 27, 2026, then the Christmas parade and Great Tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 28. In spring, the Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival fills downtown on Saturday, April 24, 2027 (Blue Ridge Mountains CVB). Each date below was checked against the organizer’s page or the CVB listing.
Ride the Rails (Tri State Model Railroaders)
Published by the organizerA 5-mile round-trip railroad motor car ride over the iron bridge across the Toccoa River to Murphy Junction, plus hand-car rides and an HO-scale model railroad in the depot. Motor car $15 adults, $5 ages 3-12.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Trick or Treat Train (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway)
Published by the organizerA one-night Halloween train along the Toccoa River with a costumed crew, candy for children and about a two-hour layover for trick-or-treating in vehicle-free downtown McCaysville-Copperhill. Seating is limited.
Source: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, checked Oct 18, 2026
Halloween Safe Zone Trick or Treat – Blue Ridge
Published by the organizerEast Main Street closes to traffic for a family trick-or-treat. Free parking is in City of Blue Ridge lots from 4 pm.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Annual Christmas Tour of Trees
Published by the organizerA holiday display that benefits Shop With a Cop. Admission is $20 per person. Open only on the two listed Sundays.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Holiday Market (Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association)
Published by the organizerA holiday retail exhibit of handmade art and crafts by member artists: jewelry, pottery, paintings and more.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Blue Ridge on Ice
Published by the organizerA seasonal pop-up ice rink for all skill levels. Hours vary, so contact the rink for current session times.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber), checked Oct 18, 2026
Twin Cities Holiday Market
Published by the organizerA two-Saturday holiday market of handmade crafts and treats at the Twin Cities Farmers Market on the state line.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Blue Ridge Turkey Trot
Published by the organizerOne of the area's largest races, with nearly 700 runners and walkers a year.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber), checked Oct 18, 2026
Light Up McCaysville: Tree Lighting
Published by the organizerA riverfront holiday evening with downtown shopping and dining and Santa at the Riverwalk Shops, ending with the tree lighting at dusk.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade
Published by the organizerThanksgiving-weekend festival with merchant discounts, food vendors and live music on Blue Friday, then the parade and Great Tree lighting on Saturday. Santa visits the City Park gazebo, and the Gingerbread Village at The Arts Center opens Nov. 27.
Source: Light Up Blue Ridge (organizer site); Blue Ridge Mountains CVB listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
1-Hour Holiday Express Tour (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway)
Published by the organizerA 1-hour holiday train with music, a reading of "The Night Before Christmas", a jingle bell and candy cane for children, and a chance to see Santa. The railway says tickets sell out fast.
Source: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, checked Oct 18, 2026
The Nutcracker Ballet (Studio 1 Performing Arts School)
Published by the organizerTwo performances by Studio 1 Performing Arts School. Tickets are $15.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off and Craft Beer Festival
Published by the organizerA winter downtown festival with chili tasting, craft beer and ice sculptures.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber), checked Oct 18, 2026
Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival
Published by the organizerAn outdoor-lifestyle festival with fishing, hiking, paddling and mountain-bike presentations, vendors, live music and a kids' zone. Tickets are $10 at the gate, and kids 12 and under are free. Hosted by the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited chapter.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
51st Annual Spring Arts in the Park
Published by the organizerA fine arts and crafts festival with more than 175 juried exhibitors, food and artist demos. Adults $5, children under 12 free. Held rain or shine; proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB (Fannin County Chamber) event listing, checked Oct 18, 2026
Places in and around Blue Ridge
Dam
Blue Ridge Dam (TVA)
TVA earthen dam built 1925-1930 by the Toccoa Electric Power Company and bought by TVA in 1939; 175 ft high and 1,553 ft long, with one 16-MW generating unit. TVA says the dam is safe for normal operations; a safety study is scheduled to finish in 2026 and TVA reports no active plans to change seasonal lake levels (as of its July 2026 page).
- Toccoa River near Mineral Bluff, about two miles northeast of the city of Blue Ridge (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: Tennessee Valley Authority, checked Oct 18, 2026
Boat ramp
Lakewood Landing Boat Launch (USFS)
A Forest Service boat launch on the north side of the lake, open sunrise to sunset with no camping. You need a launch pass: buy an annual pass in advance on Recreation.gov, or a day pass on site with the Recreation.gov scan-and-pay app. Swimming from the dock and ramp is prohibited.
- Sunrise to sunset
- Launch pass required (annual or day pass via Recreation.gov); amount not shown on page
- North side of Lake Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: Recreation.gov (USDA Forest Service), checked Oct 18, 2026
Boat ramp
Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area (USFS)
A free, year-round Forest Service site on the west side of the lake, with motorized boating access and day hikes. There is no potable water. USFS lists bass, bream, catfish, perch and crappie in the lake.
- Yearlong
- No fee
- West side of Lake Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: USDA Forest Service, checked Oct 18, 2026
Marina
Lake Blue Ridge Marina (private)
A privately run full-service marina with Bennington pontoon rentals (renter must be 21; maximum 8 guests), canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, a fuel dock, store, service, a boat showroom and the Boat Dock Bar & Grill. As posted in October 2026 it is open Thursday-Monday and closed Tuesday-Wednesday, and slips have a waiting list.
- Posted Oct 2026: open Thu-Mon
- Pontoon half day $475 + tax / full day $625 + tax (plus fuel surcharge & booking fee); single kayak $55 / double $75 per 2 hours
- 335 Marina Dr., Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (Fannin County, Georgia)
- (706) 632-2618
Source: Lake Blue Ridge Marina (operator website), checked Oct 18, 2026
Trail
Aska Trail System (USFS)
About 17 miles of Forest Service hiking and mountain-bike trails, 1.0 to 5.1 miles long and easy to strenuous, less than 10 miles from downtown Blue Ridge. It is free and open year-round, with no water available. The Benton MacKaye Trail shares the Stanley Gap Trail.
- Year-round
- Free
- Off Aska Road south of Blue Ridge; trailheads at Deep Gap (4.4 mi), Shady Falls (5.9 mi) and Stanley Gap (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: USDA Forest Service, checked Oct 18, 2026
Attraction
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot
A heritage railway running a 26-mile round trip along the Toccoa River from the 1905 Blue Ridge depot to McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. Trips are 2-hour express or 4-hour with a layover. The 2026-27 winter season runs Nov. 5, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027, and the 1-hour Holiday Express runs on select dates Nov. 27 to Dec. 23.
- Year-round seasonal schedule (2026-27 winter: Nov 5-Feb 28)
- 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (Fannin County, Georgia)
- (877) 413-8724
Source: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, checked Oct 18, 2026
Town
Blue Ridge (city, Fannin County seat)
Incorporated in 1887, Blue Ridge is the Fannin County seat and calls itself the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia. The city covers 2.2 square miles and has the Scenic Railway depot, downtown festivals and the Swan Drive-In. Blue Ridge Dam is about two miles northeast of town.
- Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: City of Blue Ridge; TVA, checked Oct 18, 2026
Attraction
The Arts Center (Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association)
The community arts center downtown. It hosts the Holiday Market (Nov. 15-Dec. 19, 2026, Tuesday-Sunday 10-6) and the Light Up Blue Ridge Gingerbread Village. The association also runs Spring Arts in the Park on Memorial Day weekend.
- 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (Fannin County, Georgia)
- (706) 632-2144
Source: Blue Ridge Mountains CVB event listing; Light Up Blue Ridge, checked Oct 18, 2026
Attraction
Mercier Orchards
A family-owned apple orchard founded in 1943, with a farm market and bakery, U-pick events (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches and more than 40 apple varieties) and a hard-cider tasting room. The orchard says it is the only one in Georgia that grows, presses, ferments and cans its own hard cider (its own claim).
- Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: Mercier Orchards (operator website), checked Oct 18, 2026
Attraction Not yet confirmed
Swan Drive-In
The City of Blue Ridge calls it one of the few drive-in theaters left in north Georgia. The seasonal Blue Ridge on Ice rink (Nov. 17, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027) sets up next door at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market.
- 651 East Summit Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 per OSM (Fannin County, Georgia)
Source: City of Blue Ridge; Blue Ridge Mountains CVB, checked Oct 18, 2026
Questions people ask
Is Blue Ridge the county seat of Fannin County?
Yes. The City of Blue Ridge, incorporated in 1887, is the county seat of Fannin County, Georgia.
Source: City of Blue Ridge, checked Oct 18, 2026
How far is the city of Blue Ridge from Lake Blue Ridge?
Blue Ridge Dam, at the lower end of the lake near the Mineral Bluff community, is about two miles northeast of the city of Blue Ridge.
Source: TVA, checked Oct 18, 2026
Why is Blue Ridge called the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia?
That is the city's own name for itself. The City of Blue Ridge cites Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River as the reason.
Source: City of Blue Ridge, checked Oct 18, 2026
Where does the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway leave from?
From the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge. The trip is a 26-mile round trip along the Toccoa River to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, and takes two hours, or four with a layover.
Source: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, checked Oct 18, 2026
When was the Blue Ridge depot built?
In 1905. Rails reached Blue Ridge in 1886, the last passenger train left in 1951, and the restored railway began excursions to McCaysville in 1998.
Source: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, checked Oct 18, 2026
