Blankets & Blue Ridge Views: 5 Dreamy Picnic Locations in Blue Ridge, Georgia 🧺⛰️
Hey there!
Spring and summer in Blue Ridge are the perfect seasons to enjoy a dreamy, open-air mountain picnic. Growing up here in the North Georgia Mountains, picnics were a weekly staple whenever the weather was nice. A perfect day meant exploring, splashing in the creek, and daydreaming in the sun before enjoying a sandwich, chips, and a cold Coke.
As we’ve grown, so have our picnic palates! 🍷🍓 While we still love some sandwiches and chips, these days we’re likely to also pack a bottle of wine, fresh fruit, and an artisanal charcuterie board.
I’ve prepared a few ideas I’d love to share with y’all about the best places to have a charming picnic while you are in Blue Ridge:
Horseshoe Bend Park
This riverside park is free to the public, offering grassy banks right along the Toccoa River and plenty of shady spots beneath towering trees. It’s a great place to wade in the water, and there’s a nice playground for little ones. Tip: During the summer, stop by on Thursday evenings for “Pickin’ in the Park,” a free community event where local musicians gather to play tunes together under the summer night sky.
Morganton Point Recreation Area
Welcome to the best (and only) beach in Blue Ridge! Enjoy lounging lakeside at this beautiful park overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Blue Ridge. You can spend the entire day swimming and relaxing as cool waves gently lap against the pebble beach.
Blue Ridge City Park
For a convenient mid-day break, the city park is located right in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. With plenty of picnic tables, shaded canopies, and a playground, it’s the perfect place to pause your downtown exploring. Sometimes you just need to slow down and take in the vibrant local sights. You might even catch the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train pulling into the station!
Fall Branch Falls
Located just off Aska Road, this is the closest waterfall to town. Following down a short trail will lead you to a secluded clearing with a breathtaking cascading waterfall, providing the best natural soundtrack for your picnic! This will involve a small hike to the falls, so please remember to “Pack In and Pack Out” your supplies. The walk is well worth the reward at the end!
Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
This is one of the most iconic spots in our area, offering an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. A short walk from the parking area leads you to a stunning suspension bridge over the water. Like any hiking spot, you’ll need to “Pack In and Pack Out,” but the views are unmatched. There are plenty of picturesque spots to spread your blanket, and the river here is shallow enough for you to enjoy a little dip!
Where to Grab Your Provisions
For your picnics, you’ll of course need to pick up some goodies for your meal. Here are some local businesses you can get some high-quality treats for your mountain picnics:
- Jamy’s Sandwich Shop: Come here for sandwiches that are true works of art.
- The Pasta Market: Perfect for grabbing a bottle of wine and beautiful to-go charcuterie boxes.
- Mercier Orchards: The ultimate stop for locally made sweet treats, including their famous fried pies and fresh apple fritters.
The true beauty of a mountain getaway is finding the time to slow down, disconnect, and soak in the scenery while making memories. You might not remember every restaurant you visit, but I promise you will never forget the afternoon you took to enjoy nature and share a dreamy mountain picnic.
Happy Picnicin’,
Tabetha