Habersham, White & Stephens County  Area Attractions

Things To See & Do

1. Tallulah Gorge State Park

State's newest Interpretive Center, with 15 minute awardwinning film. Spectacular views, hiking, swimming, biking, picnicking, camping. Tallulah Falls. 706-754-7970.

2. Tallulah Falls School

Private boarding school for grades 6-12. Highway 441, Tallulah Falls. 706-754-3171.

3. Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts

A non-profit art center featuring resident artists at work, and exhibits by Georgia art guilds. Tallulah Falls. 706-754-5989.

4. Tallulah Gallery

On Highway 441 scenic loop with art and handcrafts by local artists. Operated by Tallulah Falls School. 706-754-6020.

5. Tallulah Point Overlook

Roadside view of Tallulah Gorge, plus souvenirs & gifts. On the Highway 441 scenic loop. 706-754-4318.

6. Panther Creek Park & Falls

Picnicking, trout fishing, hiking. Popular 4 '' /2 mile trail to Panther Falls. North of Clarkesville on Old 441.

7. Athens YWCO Camp

Conference Center, and an all-girls camp. Thacker Road, Turnerville. 706-754-8528.

8. Glen-Ella Springs Country Inn

Historic Inn and Conference Center. Swimming pool, deck, perennial and herb gardens. Award-winning restaurant. Sixteen guest rooms. Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville. 706-754-7295.

9. The Orchard Golf Club

Private 18 hole course. Vacation villas. Orchard Road, Clarkesville. 706-754-5898

800-754-8543.

10. Apple Mountain Golf Course

18 hole public course. Rockford Creek Road, Clarkesville. 706-754-2255.

11. North Georgia Technical College

One of the State's premier Technical Colleges. Offering more than 20 diploma-level programs. Highway 197 North, Clarkesville. 706-754-7700.

12. Chattooga Ranger District Office

Information on Chattahoochee National Forest. Highway 197 North, Clarkesville. 706-754-6221.

13. Mark of the Potter

Watch potters at work, buy handcrafts, and feed the trout off the porch over the Soque River. The oldest craft shop in Georgia. 10 miles North of Clarkesville on Highway 197. 706-947-3440.

14. Burton Gallery

Art gallery and emporium. Highway 197 North, Clarkesville. 706-947-1351.

15. Mauldin House Welcome Center

Built in late 1800's and recently restored. Serves as a visitors center and history museum. House, Millinery Shop and Log Cabin on corner of Water & Jefferson Streets. Clarkesville. 706-754-2296.

16. Grace Calvary Church

Built in 1842 by Jarvis Van Buren, cousin of President Van Buren. Contains the oldest working pipe organ in Georgia. Corner of Green & Wilson Streets, Clarkesville. 706-754-2451.

17. Old Clarkesville Cemetery

Graves of many prominent and historically interesting people buried between 1831-1945. Also soldiers from three wars. Wayne Street, Clarkesville. 706-754-2296.

18. Joseph Habersham Summer Home

Joseph Habersham was a native of Savannah and First Postmaster General of the US. (Private Residence). North of Clarkesville on Old Highway 441.

19. First Presbyterian Church

Built by Jarvis Van Buren. Organized in 1832, built in 1848. Historically significant Greek Revival style church. Washington Street, Clarkesville.

20. The Charm House

Two-story Greek Revival home built in 1900 by W.R. Asbury. Originally named Oak Heights. (Private Residence). Washington Street, Clarkesville.

21. Habersham Community Theatre

Located in the Historic Habersham Theatre. Features local talent in a variety of live performances throughout the year. Downtown Clarkesville. 706-839-1315.

22. Clarkesville-Habersham County Library

Regional Library with over 40,000 books. Internet access. Heritage Room with large collection of genealogy and local history books. Green Street, Clarkesville. 706-754-4413.

23. Pitts Park

City Park with playground, picnic areas, hiking/jogging trail, and peaceful sites on the bank of the Soque River. Highway 197 North, Clarkesville.

24. Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center

Swim meets, aquatic exercises, therapeutic exercise pool, basketball courts, meeting rooms and other recreational activities. Highway 115/17 East, Clarkesville. 706-754-3650.

25. Habersham County Medical Center

A 53-bed acute care hospital. 84-bed nursing home, 22-bed assisted living facility and a home health care agency. Network of over 60 physicians with 24 hour emergency services. Old Highway 441 North, Demorest. 706-754-2161.

26. Demorest Lake & Park

Enjoy fishing, hiking and picnicking around beautiful Demorest Lake, or in Demorest Springs Park. Downtown Demorest.

27. Piedmont College

Established in 1897. A private Congregational Church related liberal arts college. Four year, Masters and MBA programs with over 2,000 students. Downtown Demorest. 706-778-3000.

28. Johnny Mize Baseball Museum

Located in the Johnny Mize Athletic Center at Piedmont College. Contains memorabilia from Mize's baseball career.

29. Chenocetah Tower

The only stone fire tower in the state. Was built as a federal work project in 1937. Highway 123 East, Cornelia.

30. Lake Russell and Nancytown Lake

Lake Russell is a 100 acre lake with campsites, beach, water slide, showers and picnic sites. Nancytown is a 7 acre lake with semi-primitive settings ideal for scout groups and summer camps. Both lakes offer fishing with several hiking trails surrounding them. Highway 123 East, Mt. Airy. 706-754-6221.

31. Big Red Apple Monument

5,200 lb. apple with a 22 foot circumference. Shipped from Virginia in 1926 to commemorate the areas apple industry. Downtown Cornelia.

32. Cornelia Railroad Depot Museum

Railroad museum with artifacts from Southern Railway Co. and the Tallulah Falls Railroad Co. Also on site are two restored cabooses. Downtown Cornelia. 706-778-8585.

33. Loudermilk Boarding House Museum

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Includes the Everything Elvis Museum. The largest and most unique Elvis Presley exhibition in the world. Listed in Guinness World Book of Records. Foreacre Street, Cornelia. 706-778-2001.

34. Cornelia Community Center & Park

A handsome stone structure built by the CCC in 1936. Listed on the National Register. Available for meetings, receptions, etc.. The adjoining park features picnic areas, playground equipment, walking trails, and swimming pool. Highway 123 East, Cornelia. 706-778-8585.

35. Hilliard Wilbanks Memorial

Memorial to Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Captain Hilliard A. Wilbanks. Awarded posthumously for heroism in Vietnam. Located on the grounds of the Community House.

36. Cornelia Library

Library with over 30.000 books. Internet access. North Main Street, Cornelia. 706-778-2635

37. Habersham County Historical Society

Society building contains a large collection of artifacts and historical information. Also houses an outstanding telephone museum. North Main Street, Cornelia.

38. Habersham Airport

Charter flights and flying lessons available. Managed by Habersham Aviation Inc. Airport Road, Baldwin. 706-778-9978.

39. Old Clarkesville Mill

More than six acres of Furniture, Art, Art Supplies, Antiques, home decor and pure shopping enjoyment, along with a Bowling-Entertainment Center. Fun for the whole family in this over 50-year converted Mill. Highway 441 N., Clarkesville. 706-839-7500.

40. Double Eagle Driving Range

Hit balls rain or shine. Open daylight hours. Highway 197, South of Clarkesville. 706-754-5580.

Historic Clarkesville, GA

Upcoming Annual Events

MAY
Mountain Laurel Festival - The oldest mountain festival in Georgia.
Parade, arts, crafts, food, and entertainment. For information, contact the Mountain Laurel Festival Assn., P.O. Box 2014, Clarkesville GA 30523, or Clarkesville City Hall, 706-754-4216.

OCTOBER
Halloween on the Square - Kids trick-or-treat Clarkesville's merchants on the square from 5-9:00 p.m. Churches participate with fall carnivals.

DECEMBER
Christmas Night in Clarkesville - Clarkesville merchants open at night early in December to welcome the holiday season, with live entertainment, cider, and a visit from Santa Claus.

DECEMBER
Habersham Christmas Parade - The cities of Clarkesville and Cornelia alternate as host to the nighttime parade with floats and Santa Claus. Santa visits with children afterwards.

DECEMBER
Clarkesville Holiday Walk
Historic Clarkesville homes near the Square decorated for the holidays by interior and floral designers. For more information, call 706-778-1000.

A Taste of Clarkesville
Enjoy hearty samples from our local restaurants and an evening of shopping on the Square.

Toccoa Stephens County

Hiking / Trails

1.Currahee Mountain is the last mountain in the Blue Ridge chain of mountains. Currahee is a Cherokee Indian name that translates to "Stands alone." From almost any road leading into Stephens County, the mountain can be seen as it "stands alone" above the horizon. The mountain is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest and Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area where wild game roam through the forest protected by the State and Federal Game Commissions.  

2.Broad River Trail - This trail is located in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area and is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service because it is in the National Forest System of Trails. Don't hike any trail or road that will take you on Wildlife Management Areas or privately owned land during deer hunting season. This is a relatively easy hike and is excellent for novice hikers and family groups. The trail follows streams, waterfalls, lush mountain foliage and runs 3.8 miles from Farmers Bottom to where Dicks Creek intersects with Forest Service Road #87. 

3.Panther Creek Trail - This trail is in Habersham and Stephens Counties and is under the jurisdiction of the Chattooga Ranger District in Habersham County. It is part of the National Forest System of Trails and is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. It is a six-mile hike, one way, and is for the sure-footed and those unafraid of heights.

4. Yonah Dam, completed in 1925, is the lowest step in the staircase of six power developments down which the waters of the Tallulah, Chattooga, and Tugalo rivers are led in their plunge from the Blue Ridge Mountain heights toward the Atlantic Coastal plain. Yonah Dam Road is a great place to ride a bicycle. The road is relatively flat and it's an easy ride next to the Tugalo River.

5. Trembly Bald Resort and Mountain, providing a 30-mile panoramic view overlooking the Tugalo River Valley. Trembly Bald contains 1, 2, 4 and 8 bedroom original log cabins, including an original Stagecoach Inn and a new 5000 square foot Lodge.

6. The Johns House is a charming Victorian cottage on the right before you get to Prather Bridge Road. Built in 1898, it shows the influence of the era. The trim on the front gable and porch is outstanding. The front door has a fanlight with sidelights. Slender posts with banisters and trim support the porch roof. The present structure was built around a log cabin.

7. Riverside - This beautiful twelve columned, Greek revival antebellum home was built in 1850 by James D. Prather with the labor of his slaves and the timber from his plantation. As was usual in those days, the kitchen was separate from the house. The smoke house still stands and is now used as a garage. Ice caves still exist. 

8. The Prather family cemetery is at the right of the house, about fifteen yards from the porch. During the Civil War, General Robert Tombs, a close friend of Mr. Prather, used the house as a refuge from northern troops. The soldiers pursued him to Riverside, where he was able to hide in a double closet and escape capture.

9. Prather's Bridge - The first Prather's Bridge was a swinging bridge built in 1804 by James Jeremiah Prather.  The first bridge was washed away during a freshet (an overflow caused by heavy rain). A more substantial bridge was built in 1850, but was burned in 1863 during the Civil War to keep the enemy from crossing. James Jeremiah and his son, James Devereaux rebuilt the bridge in 1868. This bridge was also washed away in 1918 and was rebuilt in 1920 by James D. Prather. It was replaced by a concrete bridge, but was kept as a landmark until burned by vandals in 1978. The pillars still stand, made from rock quarried by Mr. Prather from a nearby hillside.

Conference Centers

1.Camp Toccoa is on Hwy 17 Alt., north of Toccoa. Located on 176 beautifully wooded acres and features: hiking trails, streams and waterfalls; fishing and canoeing; horseback riding, volleyball court and playground, ropes courses, swimming pool, and nature center. Owned and operated by Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Inc. - Georgia Council. For more information, call 706-886-2457. 

2. The Georgia Baptist Conference Center - Toccoa is on Lake Louise Road. Situated on more than 900 acres, it has a 200 acre lake with fishing docks; a sandy beach with lake swimming; Jon boats; rental canoes; nature trails; tennis and basketball courts; ping pong tables; an open field for soccer, football and softball; and an inviting bonfire amphitheater. For more information, call 706-886-3133. 

3. Mikell Camp and Conference Center boasts beautiful creeks and trails, a boardwalk in a wetland, ropes courses, a rappelling wall, swimming pool, volleyball court and nature center - all located on 478 acres off Hwy 184 (Prather Bridge Road). Owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. For more information, call 706-886-7515. 

Camping

Some of the more popular primitive camping areas open to the public are in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area and in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Call the U.S. Forest Service at 770-297-3000 for more information.

1. Toccoa RV Park and Campground (706-886-2654) offers full hook-ups, laundry room, bathrooms, phone hook-ups, and sewer dump stations. There is also a pavilion and nature walk. From Hwy 17 out of Toccoa, turn left on Oak Valley Road and follow the signs. The park is 3.2 miles on the right.

2.Georgia Baptist Conference Center has a 19-site campground complete with water and electrical hookups, a bathhouse and laundry room. Call 706-886-3133.

Hunting

Almost one sixth of Stephens County is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and the National Wildlife Reserve. This is a woodsman's paradise. Wildlife includes: deer, turkey, feral hogs, fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, and doves. Hunting is permitted in season. For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 770-535-5700. 

Bird Watching

The Toccoa Bird Club has documented well over 100 species of birds that migrate to or through Stephens County, including: Great Blue Heron, Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, Blue-Headed Vireo, Red-Breasted Merganser, Purple Finch.

Fishing, Boating, Skiing, Swimming

Toccoa is fortunate to have two lakes along her borders, Yonah Lake and Lake Hartwell. Both were built primarily for electric power and both use the waters of the Tugalo River, which divides Georgia from South Carolina. Lake Louise is owned by the Georgia Baptist Conference Center-Toccoa and is also available for public use. There are five watersheds in Stephens County that are excellent for trout fishing: the Middle Fork Broad River, upstream from NRCS flood control structure No. 44 (seasonal); Little Toccoa Creek, North Fork Broad River, upstream from NRCS flood control structure No. 1 (year round); Panther Creek (year round); and Toccoa Creek, upstream from Toccoa Falls (year round). Fisher people reel in black crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass and channel catfish from local lakes.

In Stephens County, there are four public recreation areas that have accessible ramps for entering boats into Lake Hartwell: Stephens County Recreation Area, Spring Branch, Jenkins Ferry, Bruce Creek, and Holcomb Access. There are also boat ramps at Walker Creek on the Tugaloo River and at Yonah Lake.

Horseback Riding

If you have your own horse, you may call the U. S. Forest Service office at 706-754-8221 for information on the many miles of horseback riding trails in Stephens County.

Camp Toccoa has horseback riding available. For information call 706- 886-2457.

Golf

The Pines (706-886-1915) is a nine-hole course operated by the City of Toccoa and is approximately 3 miles north of Toccoa on Alt. 17. Turn right on Black Mountain Road and you'll see the well-maintained course on the left.

Tennis

1. Henderson Falls Park, operated by the city, has five tennis courts. In addition, this 26-acre park has a beautiful 12-foot waterfall, a nature trail, four picnic shelters, a playground and an amphitheater.

2. Georgia Baptist Conference Center has 2 tennis courts. Call 706-886-3133 for information.

Bicycling

The northern part of the county has more varied terrain than the southern portion, due to the proximity to the mountain ranges. The U.S. Forest Service maintains several dirt/gravel roads in Stephens County that serve as access for recreation use. Bicycle riding on these roads varies from strenuous to easy. The U.S. Forest Service Road #62 up Currahee Mountain is a challenging one-way ride. Black Mountain Road is both scenic and strenuous after the pavement runs out and you're biking on dirt. There are several paved loops through the countryside on secondary roads. You could incorporate a bike ride into a tour of the Martin Historic District. These 26 structures were placed on the National Register of Historic Sites on July 7, 1995. The town of Martin is 12 miles south of Toccoa on Highway 17.

All Terrain Vehicle Trails

Off road vehicles, including two, three and four-wheel vehicles, can enjoy 17 miles of trails in the Locust Stake ATV Area near the north fork of the Broad River west of Toccoa. From Hwy. 123 out of Toccoa make a right turn at Jeanette Jamieson Intersection onto Hwy. 17/365. Travel 4.1 miles and turn right on Red Rock Road shortly after you see the Habersham County sign. (A brown National Forest sign says "ATV Trails" and points to the right.) To your immediate right is Locust Stake Road, which winds back into Stephens County. Designated trails in this area range from easy to highly difficult. Users are encouraged to stay on the signed trails to prevent damage to the area. Locust Stake Road is a county road and all state and local motor vehicle laws apply.

Easy Scenic Walks

Toccoa Falls is located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. A meandering stream flows through the lower part of the 1,100 acre wooded campus from the base of the 186-foot high waterfall. This majestic waterfall is 29 feet higher than Niagra. Seasonal flowers and conversation benches line the brief path to the falls. "Toccoah" in the Cherokee Indian language means "beautiful".

There are five walks around downtown Toccoa, varying from 1 mile to 4.5 miles. The paths are marked with hearts.

White County Recreation

Canoeing, Rafting, Tubing / Horseback Riding / Bowling & Skating

Bear Park / Mountain Biking / Fishing / Gold Panning / Golfing

Helen, GA – The Alpine Village

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. This Northeast Georgia village has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and Indian burial mounds as well as early settlers who arrived to mine for gold and cut virgin timber for a thriving lumber industry in the early 1900's.

http://www.helenga.org

Unicoi State Park and Lodge

Nestled in the north Georgia mountains just two miles from the Alpine village of Helen, Unicoi is one of Georgia's most beloved state parks. Throughout the year, the park offers outstanding programs which focus on natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources.

 http://gastateparks.org/info/unicoi/

Babyland General Hospital

Cleveland, GA – A Travel Channel Top Ten Toyland. Known the world over as the birthplace of the "hand-stitched" Original Cabbage Patch Kids, BabyLand General Hospital is a very real place. Admission is free.

www.cabbagepatchkids.com