Things to do...

River Rafting
Blue Valley is the birth place of the Chattooga River, so you are just a short drive from one of the most scenic rivers in the United States. Nantahala Outdoor Center (www.noc.com) will provide you with a exciting and informative experience on the Chattooga and other rivers in the area.

 

Golf (Public Courses)

Just 5 minutes away is a beautiful 18 hole championship golf course at Sky Valley. Others within a 20 mile radius include Trillium in Cashiers, N.C., Highlands Cove in Highlands, N.C. and Mill Creek or Holly Springs in Franklin, N.C. For more information see (www.highlandsinfo.com).

Hiking & Waterfalls

This area offers miles of scenic hiking trails. Varying degrees of difficulty and length.

There are probably 20 different waterfalls within a 20 mile radius. Some require a little hiking to get to and others are easily accessible. There is plenty of information, directions, maps ect. at the cabin and some at (www.highlandsinfo.com), (www.georgiamagazine.com), (www.visitwaterfalls.com) and (www.daytripper98.com.)

Horseback Riding

  • Arrowmont Stables is a great place to go. They will match rider to the horse. Arrowmont is well run by very nice people. Call ahead for reservations at 1-800-682-1092. Scenic 1 hour drive away past beautiful Lake Glenville. There are a number of others in the area. If anybody finds a better one, please let us know.

 

Trout Fishing

Miles and miles of mountain streams and rivers. If you can't catch em there, you can always go to one of many Trout Farms, (guaranteed.)

Snow Skiing

  • Sky Valley has a ski lift and a couple of slopes. The longest is 2,220 ft. It is usually man made snow and you can ski under the lights at night. (5 minutes away)
  • If you are more serious about your skiing, you can head to the Maggie Valley area, about an hour away.

Antique Shops

  • A lot of them in the area from upscale to the cluttered rustic look.

Flea Markets

  • One in Rabun Gap, GA and one in Otto, N.C. (15 minutes away) (open Saturday and Sunday)

Restaurants

  • There are a lot of mainly upscale restaurants in Highlands. Nick's and Paoletti's are both very good. Johnson's Cupboard in Dillard is a great little place and there is also the well know Dillard House.

Shopping

  • The main street area in Highlands is quite popular. Dozens of quaint, upscale shops line the streets. Definitely worth a visit! Dillard has quite a few craft and antique shops also.

Gem Mining
 
Mountain Biking see (www.mtbikewnc.com) for more information.

 
River Tubing (Franklin, NC)  
   
Swimming  
   
  • Cashiers Sliding Rock off of Whiteside Cove Rd. Park at the bridge.
  • Cliffside Lakes Recreation Area, between Highlands & Franklin off of Highway 64.
  • Lake Rabun Beach, South of Clayton, GA

Lakes

  • There are three large, cool, clear and beautiful lakes in the area. All within an hours drive or less.
    • Lake Glenville, North of Cashiers, N.C.
    • Lake Burton, East of Clayton, GA.
    • Lake Rabun, SouthEast of Clayton.
    • (All have public boat ramps.)