668 U.S. 441 Business | PO Box 366 | Cornelia, GA 30531 | 706-778-4654 | Email: president@habershamchamber.com
Wednesday - 06/07/2023

What to Do

Outdoors & Recreation

Known for its outdoor beauty and attractions, Habersham County offers boating,
camping, hiking, swimming, and the best fly-fishing east of the Mississippi.

Tallulah Gorge

Stretching over two miles with 1,000+ foot plummets, Tallulah Gorge is the most breathtaking canyon in the eastern U.S. Here, you can hike the trails rimming the Gorge and peek over to see how deep it really goes.

Once known as the Niagara Falls of the South, Tallulah Gorge has been a movie filming location and Karl Wallenda tightrope walking venue and is the second most visited state park in Georgia.

Be sure to wear your sneakers and get there early to be one of the lucky 100 who are issued a free permit each day to journey to the bottom of the Gorge. If you ever need a little extra help on your hike, walking sticks, water bottles, and more are available at the gift shop. Remember to stay hydrated and have fun out there!

Hiking Trails
From the strenuous to the easy-going, Habersham County’s hiking trails show off the wonderous sights of the North Georgia mountains no matter which path you take. Bring your family or furry friend and take in everything Habersham’s nature has to offer.
Appalachian Trail
Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap – Takes hikers from Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway to Georgia 75.
Panther Creek Trail
Challenging point-to-point hike past smaller falls, cascades and Panther Creek Falls.
Tallulah Gorge Loop Trail
Exciting hike into the 600 ft deep gorge. Kayaking and in-gorge hiking are allowed with permit.
Hemlock Falls Trail
1.9 mile out-and-back multi-use trail; dog friendly
Lady Slipper Trail
Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area (WMA) - +/- 7-mile multi-use loop trail; dogs allowed on leash
Lake Russell Loop Trail
Lake Russell WMA – 4.7-mile multi-use loop trail; dogs allowed on leash
Leatherwood Loop Trail
Lake Russell WMA – 5.5-mile multi-use loop trail; dogs allowed on leash
Frady Branch Loop Trail
Lake Russell WMA – 4.3-mile multi-use loop trail; dogs allowed on leash
Nancy Town Lake & Falls Loop Trail
Lake Russell WMA – 3.9-mile multi-use loop trail; dog friendly
Sourwood Trail
Lake Russell WMA – 3.8-mile multi-use loop trail; dog friendly
Rivers & Lakes
Do you ever feel like a fish out of water? Habersham County has multiple waterfronts for you to feel right at home. Go boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or swim in the pristine lakes and rivers of Habersham County.
Nancy Town Lake
Supports a fair population of bass and bream. The Georgia Game and Fish Division also stocks approximately 2,000 catchable sized trout into the lake annually during the early spring – open to fishing year round.
Lake Russell
100 acres: camping (42 campsites-both tent and RV camping), swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing (bass, sunfish, catfish and crappie), horseback riding, and boating (non-motorized/electric watercraft only).
Lake Burton
2,775 acres, 62 miles of shoreline: boating, camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing.
Chattahoochee River
In addition to providing drinking water and power in north Georgia, the Chattahoochee is a major source of recreation. Fishing, tubing, canoeing, boating, hiking and camping on its banks, and in its watershed are all popular activities.
Soque River
Extends for approximately 30 miles through mostly private land. It flows alongside Scenic State Highway 197 and through the heart of Clarkesville, Georgia before finally emptying into the Chattahoochee River in the southwest corner of the county. It is renowned as one of the finest trout streams in the Southeast.
Waterfalls

In Habersham County, you can actually go chasing waterfalls! All you need is your backpack, water bottle, and a pair of legs and you’re ready to meet the spray.

Note: slippery rocks and fast-moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.

Minnihaha Falls
Get ready for some quick cardio. Follow Minnehaha Trail along Fall Branch 0.4 mile to a dead end. Minnehaha Falls is approximately 100 feet ahead where you can take in the stunning view.
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Directions
From Tallulah Falls, take U.S. 23-441 north for 3 miles to Rabun Beach Recreation Area and turn left on Old 441. Go 2.5 miles and turn left on Lake Rabun Road. Go 1 mile past the Recreation Area and turn left on Low Gap Road (look for Flat Creek Community sign). Follow Bear Gap Road (which forks to the left) 1.5 miles to Minnehaha Trail on right side of road.

Panther Creek Falls
Panther Creek Falls Trail is 5.5 miles that will take you past several cascades before reaching the magnificent falls in all her glory.
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Directions
Take U.S. 23-441 north from Clarkesville for 10 miles to the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The western end of the trail starts across the highway from the recreation area. The eastern end of the trail is accessible by driving west on Yonah Dam Road.

Angel Falls
Exciting hike into the 600 ft deep gorge. Kayaking and in-gorge hiking are allowed with permit. > more

Directions
Take U.S. 23-441 north from Clarkesville for 10 miles to the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The western end of the trail starts across the highway from the recreation area. The eastern end of the trail is accessible by driving west on Yonah Dam Road. Angel Falls is approximately 1 mile beyond Panther Creek Falls.

Golf

Ready to tee off on one of Habersham County’s beautiful golf courses? Two courses with that beautiful Habersham County charm are favorites of visitors and residents.

Fly-Fishing

Head over to the Soque River to catch trout that range from the meager 3 lbs to the gargantuan 12. Release them back into the water or take a few home for dinner.

Local outfitters, such as Blackhawk Fly Fishing and Fern Valley on the Soque can set you up with gear and a guide.

Horseback Riding

Book your trusty steed (or bring your own) and trek with a group along the beautiful trails of Habersham. Learn about the wilderness from your equine transportation and make a new furry friend as you trot along in the North Georgia mountains. Sunburst Adventure Stables provides the horse and the guide for one to three hours of trailriding bliss.

Zipline Canopy Tours

Get your adrenaline pumping as you zipline across North Georgia’s breathtaking canopies. Here you can have a bird’s eye view of wooded mountains as you feel the wind flow through your helmet. Lines range from the kid friendly to the adventure-seeking adult.

The folks at Sunburst Adventures have made ziplining fun and safe for everyone, from 2 to 102. They also have kayaking and ATV riding.

For more information, please contact us today at 706-778-4654.