Why North Georgia

The Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the southern end of the Appalachian chain, are the very essence of Fannin County. Among the most ancient mountains in the world, the Appalachians are older than the Rockies, and may have once matched them in height.

Cherokee Indians were the original inhabitants of our area but, in 1829, the “Gold Rush” of North Georgia began, which eventually led to the relocation of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma. Georgia’s 106th county was created in 1854 from parts of Gilmer and Union counties and named for Colonel James W. Fannin.

Sitting at the top of Georgia, Fannin County, with a population of 18,090, was once a somewhat undiscovered area of beauty and isolation. However, with the recent completion of the four-lane Appalachian Highway (GA 515) which connects it to Atlanta and points south, Fannin has become easily convenient and attractive to tourists and commerce. The City of Blue Ridge is the County Seat.

With over 40 percent of the county comprised of National Forest Land, Fannin County attracts the serious recreationalist & the casual observer with endless scenic opportunities. Nestled in some 30,000 acres of this public land is the Cohutta Wilderness. This fragile jewel is the largest National Forest Wilderness in the eastern United States. Adding to the panorama, mountains, reaching 4000 feet, rim the county and provide headwaters for many cold water trout streams and recreational rivers.

At the virtual center of Fannin is Lake Blue Ridge, providing over 100 miles of mostly public shoreline. The lake and surrounding area boasts over 90 national forest campsites, several public boat ramps, a full service marina and close proximity to the services and conveniences of the Blue Ridge and Morganton Communities.

The heart of Fannin is its people and the southern Appalachian tradition. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association provides opportunities for cultural appreciation and participation.