Giddyup Goodboys (and Girls) in North Georgia’s Mountain Towns
- rjahner5395
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 24
This vacation destination is a part of our first series of blog posts titled Pooches Polite.
Looking for a summer getaway both you and your pup will love? Well, we've got a good one for you. Head on down to the North Georgia mountains, where a variety of towns offer wagging adventures and Southern charm in every direction:
Blue Ridge brings small-town vibes, scenic train rides (yes, your furry friend can ride along), and outdoor trails perfect for paws-on exploring.
Ellijay is a summer haven, where pups can run wild on shady, green trails, sniff around sweet-smelling apple orchards, and play in big parks.
Helen feels like a pawsome Bavarian fairytale, where dogs can trot beside sparkling rivers on scenic walks and sniff every tree in Unicoi State Park.
Dahlonega is bound to be an adventure, where your pup can soak in the scenic wine country view and stroll through charming streets filled with gold rush history.
Hiawassee can be a dream come true for dogs with peaceful lake days to splash around and exciting paths to hike along the Appalachian Trail.
Blairsville packs in mountain lookouts for pooches to sniff around, exciting waterfall treks where they can splash in the cool water, and so many trails to explore.
Dawsonville features epic waterfalls, such as Amicalola Falls, where rover can splash around.
So giddyup and let the good boys (and girls) roll. The mountain towns of North Georgia are calling, and they brought treats.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at North Georgia’s Mountain Towns. Check it out below!
Rental Name: The Otter Side
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 6 beds and 4 baths.
Photos courtesy of Escape to Blue Ridge
It features the following amenities:
Nestled in the hills outside of Blue Ridge, Georgia
Outdoor areas with gas grill, hot tub, and fire pit
Main level screened-in porch with wicker sofa and wicker chairs (Luie Boone needs to know if there's a dog bed for him out there!)
Babbling brook runs by the property for your pup to play in
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
We are going on vacation and staying in a pup-tacular cabin. But, there's this slippery, zippy little creature called an otter that hangs out in the stream near the cabin. I don’t quite get what it’s doing (something with fish, I think?), but I think that I could watch it for hours. I bark sometimes, but it just keeps on splashing around and ignores me. Rude—but fascinating! By the way, I have a stuffy otter, Roger, back at home, and when I am back, I am gonna tell him all about this otter. Anyways, the stream makes the best sounds. When my humans sit out in the screened-in porch, they always look relaxed, and honestly, it’s the perfect harmony for a good nap. Even at night, it helps me sleep! The inside of the cabin would make all the squirrels jealous. Sunlight pours in everywhere—I love laying in those warm patches on the floor. The furniture is super comfy for sneaky snoozes (don’t tell my humans). The ceiling’s made of wood like big sticks I can’t chew, and there’s this glass walkway upstairs that’s so shiny, I was afraid to walk on it at first (I thought I’d fall right through!) The bathrooms? Okay, I don’t go in those much, but they sure smell fancy. One even has steamy stuff that reminds me of groomer's spa days. Downstairs, there's a game room with some loud, beepy box that lights up and makes the humans laugh. They call it PacMan. I call it confusing. But the real fun is outside—hot tub (I’m not allowed in it, whatever), a fire pit (tasty smells), and a gas grill that makes smoky meat aroma float through the air. Honestly, every single human—and furry family member—can find a favorite spot here!
Paws Venture Here
The Lilly Pad Village
The Lilly Pad Village is a destination where your pup is welcome to join you as you explore the area. It features hiking trails, fishing spots, and a gem store. Please note they have resident ducks who may say hello. Luie Boone wonders if the ducks will play fun games with him, like "Tag, your it!"
Hefner River Park
Located along the Coosawattee River, Hefner River Park is where you can enjoy a walk on the paved trail with your pooch.
Cool River Tubing
Cool River Tubing is where you can shoot through river rapids or float in calmer waters through mountain landscapes. Do it all on a rubber ring with your best friend! Luie Boone says, "Good luck, getting me to stay in one of those things!"
Amicalola Falls State Park
The waterfall that Amicalola Falls State Park is named after is the main attraction. It is over 700 feet of beautiful cascading water, and the third tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
Yahoola Creek Park
Enjoy the beautiful views of Yahoola Creek Park with your pooch. It is a large park, which features a 1.5 mile walking trail and picnic areas. Luie Boone can't wait to dip his paws in the water!
Brasstown Bald
Take your pooch to the highest point in Georgia! Rising 4,784 feet above sea level is Brasstown Bald. It has three trailheads just off of the parking lot, as well as an observation deck that offers a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding area, including four states (GA, TN, NC, & SC)!
Blue Ridge Recreation Area
At Blue Ridge Recreation Area, there is a quaint beach and almost 2 miles of trails for you and your pooch to enjoy.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
At Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, Fido can join you at a table on their enclosed Pooch Patio or outdoor River Rest area. They offer a special dog menu with options like hot dogs, burgers, chicken, rice, and more! Humans can enjoy fresh trout, steaks, fried oysters, and a variety of salads and sides. Luie Boones going to need a boast to get his rump on that big, yellow chair!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
North Georgia's Mountain Towns
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Let’s talk about the waterfalls, or what I call "surprise baths." Waterfalls are majestic, cascading wonders that draw humans in like moths to light. In North Georgia, there’s no shortage of waterfalls. In fact, they're the crown jewels of the North Georgia Mountain area. But how do dogs feel about them? It’s complicated! At first, a waterfall hike sounds like the best day ever. There's dirt, sticks, maybe a stream to splash in... and then suddenly, you’re standing near a roaring wall of water. Then your human is encouraging you to “just get closer” for a photo. So, because you're a good boy (or girl) you move in closer... and then you get the full 360° wet dog experience! There’s mist in your ears and water on your fur. And don’t even get me started on the possibility of slipping. Those wet rocks are a betrayal to paws everywhere. One wrong step and it’s an awkward, soggy scramble, while your human gasps dramatically. To top it off, after all that emotional stress, you'll end up right back in the car. This sounds like a surprise bath to me! Sure, waterfalls are beautiful, but they are also pretty suspicious.
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