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Blairsville, GA Area Guide
Located in the Appalachian mountains of north Georgia, Blairsville is the land of clean air, friendly neighbors, scenic mountains, quality demographics, low crime and a thriving local economy.
History
Occupied mainly by Cherokees until gold was discovered in the mountains in 1828, Union County was created in 1832 and divided up in the final Georgia Land Lottery. Rugged and inaccessible even by the standards of the day, the area was settled primarily by the Scots-Irish mountain people of the Appalachians.
Pioneer life was difficult and early settlers had to be hardy and self-sufficient. Most were farmers or the tradesmen necessary to support agriculture; some were millers, gold miners and moonshiners.
Union County was not named in sympathy for the North, as the county was named nearly 30 years prior to the Civil War. One explanation is that “Union” came from the Union Party, a political group that had urged opening Indian land to white settlement after the discovery of gold.
Parks and Recreation
Blairsville offers spectacular recreational opportunities for area residents and visitors. Come check out one of the many parks or take in a day in fishing. Please view the list below for some of the parks in the area.
Poteete Creek Park and Campground
Poteete Creek is a 95 acre facility located on the shores of Lake Nottely. Hardwood trees, fishing, swimming, hiking and picnicking make this 59 site campground a cool haven in the summer. Operated by the Union County Recreation Department, the campground is open to the public from April 1 thru October 15th.
Lake Winfield Scott Lake Winfield Scott is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Here you will find the quiet 18 acre lake nestled in the mountains between Suches and Blairsville. The lake features a roped-off swimming area with about a hundred yards of sandy beach. The swimming area has a free-standing pier about a hundred feet out. Fishing is popular, with an annual Youth Fishing Rodeo. About 30 camping spots stretch back through the woods and a pavilion is available near the lake for families and friends to meet and eat.
Vogel State Park Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most popular state parks. Vogel offers tent and trailer sites, rental cottages, a 20-acre lake, miniature golf, swimming beach, picnic shelters, pedal boats and 17 miles of hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiast.
Fishing
Lake Nottely, a 4,180 acre lake located in Union County is just the ticket for a day of fishing with the family. The lake offers many coves and quiet places to drop a line and catch dinner. Local trout streams are home to the brook, brown and rainbow trout. Seasonal streams are open from the last Saturday in March through October 31st each year. Trout fishing opportunities include heavily-stocked high-use streams, wilderness streams and streams with special regulations.
Events
Blairsville is home to numerous exciting events that are sure to keep everyone in your family busy. Whether you’re interested in festivals or marketplaces, Blairsville has something for you!
Downtown Spring Arts and Crafts Festival An exciting outdoor event held in Downtown Blairsville. Local artists are onsite to exhibit their works.
Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games Residents and visitors look forward to the second weekend in June when Blairsville spotlights the heritage of our area. This three day event offers a Kilted Golf Classic; Ceilidh (dinner party); Pipe and Drum Bands; Athletic Competitions; Vendors; Children’s Games; a Concert; and Scottish Food, Music, Dancing, and Reenactments. This is one unique festival you just can’t miss!
Mountain Marketplace Collections of fine mountain-made products are available at this spectacular event. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the manifestations of the handiwork of local craftsmen and craftswomen.
SEBA Bluegrass Festival Bluegrass Music comes alive in Downtown Blairsville! Visitors will enjoy a talented line-up of musical entertainment in addition to many other activities.
Indian Summer Festival For a truly fantastic experience, plan to attend the Indian Summer Festival the first weekend in October in Suches, Georgia. Activities include a Craft Show, 10K Run, Country Square Dance, Weaponry Demonstration, Auction, Play performed by Elementary Students, and Much More!
Sorghum Festival Blairsville’s longest running festival celebrates the ancient art of cooking sweet syrup from Sorghum Cane. Visitors enjoy sorghum syrup making demonstrations in addition to contests such as “Biskit” Eatin’, Pole Climbin’, Log Sawin’, Rock Throwin’, and Horseshoe Throwin’.
Christmas at the College North Georgia Technical College opens its doors to the community for a special Christmas celebration. Visitors enjoy live holiday music, special holiday foods, many children’s activities, and the notorious Hall of Trees.
Blairsville offers many attractions for residents and visitors alike. The area features great historical sites waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Bring your family and friends to Blairsville for a great, memorable experience!
Misty Mountain Model Railroad America’s largest 0-gauge train display is a 3,400 square foot layout with 14 0-gauge Lionel trains traveling on a mile of track over 12 bridges and 4 trestles and through 15 tunnels. Open Saturdays February-April and May through November Wed, Fri, and Sat. This model railroad is sure to delight both young and young at heart.
Walasi-Yi Center
A Cherokee word for Frog Town, is a historical stone structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This building was started in 1934 and completed in 1937, the same year as the completion of the Appalachian Trail. The trail itself passes through the Walasi-Yi Center marking the only covered portion of the Appalachian Trail’s 2100 plus miles. The Walasi-Yi Center is located in the Blood Mountain Archaeological area, site of Cherokee and Creek Indian Battle before the arrival of the white man. For your convenience, there is a Visitor Information Center and outdoor outfitter located in the building.
Trackrock Archeological Area
Trackrock is a 2 acre area with preserved petroglyphs of ancient Native origin. Carvings resemble animal and bird tracks, crosses, circles and human footprints. It consists of six table-sized soapstone boulders, containing hundreds of symbols, carved or pecked into the surfaces. Cherokee Indians have several explanations for the markings, including markings left by hunters, or Native American belief systems. Cherokees called it "Datsu-nalas-gun-yi" meaning "where there are tracks".
Helton Creek Falls
Just beyond the entrance to Vogel State Park is a beautiful double falls set in deep hardwood forest. The total vertical drop of the falls is more than 100 feet. A 300 yard trail leads to the falls. Tucked away on a forest service road, Helton Creek Falls is sure to delight everyone who visits.
Brasstown Bald
Brasstown Bald delights with a 360 degree vista of four states atop Georgia’s highest elevation of 4,784 feet. The museum features a film about the Bald and the area. Hiking trails and picnicking areas are available. The observation tower at the summit has panoramic daytime views and nighttime vistas that delight astronomers. The Visitor Center is open May through October, parking year-round, weather permitting.
Blue Star Memorial By-Way
The Blue Star Memorial By-Way was first conceived in 1946 to honor veterans of World War II. The name was taken from the Blue Star in the Service Flag. The bronze marker, dedicated June 6, 1999 is located at Heritage Walk on the grounds of the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most popular state parks. Vogel offers tent and trailer sites, rental cottages, a 20-acre lake, miniature golf, swimming beach, picnic shelters, pedal boats and 17 miles of hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiast. 
SEBA Bluegrass Festival 
America’s largest 0-gauge train display is a 3,400 square foot layout with 14 0-gauge Lionel trains traveling on a mile of track over 12 bridges and 4 trestles and through 15 tunnels. Open Saturdays February-April and May through November Wed, Fri, and Sat. This model railroad is sure to delight both young and young at heart.
