Points of Interest

Union County is a scenic wonderland of mountains, forests, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and wildlife.  For those who love the outdoors and discovering natural beauty, we have a lot to offer.  Come, relax and enjoy our beautiful mountains and friendly people. 

Union County - known for Blue Ridge Mountain beauty and its world-famous sorghum syrup.  It is one of the three northeast Georgia counties situated completely within the Chattahoochee National Forest.  Of the 204,736 acres of land in Union county, 97,843 is Chattahoochee National Forest.  Union County, located 112 miles north of Atlanta, is easily accessed by well-developed highways and an airport.  The area provides plenty of recreation and entertaining events for all ages and interests:  festivals, concerts, parades, and civic organizations.
Old Historic Courthouse – located on the square in downtown Blairsville is a Romanesque style brick and granite structure built in 1899.  Unique in its Appalachian Georgia setting, the Old Courthouse was recently restored, adding a new bell tower and clock that chimes each day, replicating  the look and charm of the original building.  The courthouse now serves as a local history museum and cultural center.  On Friday nights during summer and fall the beautifully restored courtroom on the second floor serves as a concert hall, filled with the sounds of local bluegrass, country and gospel music.
Blue Star Memorial By-Way – 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.
	Brasstown Bald – delights with a 360 degree vista of four states atop Georgia’s highest elevation of 4,784 feet.  The Museum offers 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.
Butternut Creek Golf Course & Meeks Park – are both part of the Union Country Recreation Department.  Operated by the County, the golf course includes a clubhouse, Pro Shop, large picnic pavilion and 18 challenging holes.  This mountainous course has been renovated from 9 holes to 18 holes with a putting green/practice area.  Meeks Park, a recreation complex, includes picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, baseball/softball fields, a soccer field, tennis courts and pool.  A paved scenic walking trail bordering Butternut Creek complete the complex.  Meeks Park is home to the Butternut Creek Festival, Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Fourth of July fireworks, and many other community activities.
Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center – a branch of the University of Georgia established in 1930 to provide a program in agricultural research and demonstrations of fruits, vegetables, field and forage crops as well as ornamentals and beef-cattle winter feeding trials.  Monthly Adult Outreach Seminars on a variety of topics are available to the public.  Tours are available by prior arrangement.
	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.
Lake Nottely – situated near the town of Blairsville is a 4,180 acre lake with 106 miles of shoreline.  Originally built by the Tennessee Valley Authority, for the purpose of flood control and power generation, Lake Nottely serves numerous purposes.  Recreation areas provide opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping.  For your convenience, there are two marinas and several public boat ramps along the lake.
Trackrock Archeologial Area – 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".
	Walasi-Yi Center – (pronounced Wa La See Yee), 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.
Appalachian Trail – a wilderness footpath that winds over 2,100 miles along the crest of the Appalachian mountains runs through fourteen states.  The Appalachian Trail in Georgia extends some 80 miles through the most rugged areas of the Chattahoochee National Forest.  Although rising at times to elevations of over 4,400 feet, the trail is mostly along ridges at elevations around 3,000 feet.  The trail offers unlimited hiking adventures of exceptional challenge and variety.  Ascents and descents are sometimes steep but are often rewarded by scenic vistas from rocky outcrops and open summits.  The trail may be accessed at several points within the county which makes it attractive for day hikers as well as those hiking from Maine to Georgia.
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.