What to Do in Union County

With every season in Blairsville-Union County, there are plenty of new things to see and do! Explore an amazing archaeological area or a modern-day corn maze.  Hike or ride horses on tons of trails, some which lead to fabulous waterfalls.  Touch, see and hear about our county's history in the halls of our historic courthouse, between the walls of the Walisi Yi Center, or on the rocks within the Chattahoochee National Forest.  Whether you're driving a bucket of balls, pitching tents under the stars, or paddling on our waterways, you'll find many reasons to come back each season to Blairsville-Union County!

History

Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center
Visit the birthplace and land of inspiration of renowned Appalachian poet and novelist, Byron Herbert Reece.   Born in 1917, Reece produced an enduring body of poetry and fiction from the sounds and spirits of his north Georgia homeland.  The farm and heritage center allows you to step back in time to a simpler way of life...tour the farm with the help of a self-guided brochure, walk around the farm in Hub Reece's footsteps, wander through the museum and browse the gift shop.  www.byronherbertreecesociety.org

Historic Courthouse
Love architecture? Love history? Both elements come alive for you when you visit this Romanesque brick/granite courthouse built in 1899 on the square in downtown Blairsville, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Recently restored, it's now a local history museum, cultural center, and summertime concert hall. Three Town Square, PO Box 35, Blairsville, GA 30514, 706-745-5493, www.unioncountyhistory.org

Mountain Life Museum
Explore the local history consisting of the Historic 1899 Courthouse, the 1906 Butt/Mock Home, the 1861 John Payne Cabin, the c. 1830 Duncan Cabin and a late 1800s Corn Crib.

Trackrock Archeological Area
Walk a mile in the moccasins of Native Americans within this two-acre area with preserved petroglyphs of ancient native origin carved or pecked into soapstone boulders. You'll marvel at the variety of symbols made by hunters that represent Native American beliefs. Brasstown District Ranger Station, 1881 Hwy. 515, Blairsville, GA 30514, 706-745-6928

Walasi Yi Center
Cherokee for "Frog Town" Immerse yourself in history at this historical stone structure built by 1937 and located in the Blood Mountain Archeological area. It is the only place where the 2,175-mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through a man-made structure. It is currently the first mail-drop available to northbound hikers that does not require one to leave the trail. Mountain Crossings at the Walasi-Yi Center, Inc. 9710 Gainesville Hwy., Blairsville, GA 30512, 706-745-6095. Located on Hwy/ 129 where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road at Neels Gap. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Oct. 1 -Feb. 28; 8:30-6:00 p.m. March 1-Sept. 30, www.mountaincrossings.com