Hiking, Rivers &
Outdoor Recreation
Ellijay is surrounded by mountain trails, cold clear rivers, wooded terrain, lake recreation, and scenic drives. Whether you want a short family hike, a river outing, or a full day outdoors, the area offers easy access to North Georgia recreation in every season.
Hiking
The Appalachian foothills surrounding Ellijay are laced with trails for every ability level — from easy ridge walks to multi-mile backcountry hikes.
Cartecay River
The Cartecay River winds through Gilmer County offering riverside hiking, fishing, swimming holes, and access to some of the area's best trail systems.
Coosawattee River
The Coosawattee River offers outdoor recreation including fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching in a scenic mountain river setting.
Carters Lake
Georgia's deepest lake sits just southwest of Ellijay with boating, fishing, hiking trails, campgrounds, and recreational areas managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Fort Mountain State Park
State park west of Ellijay with hiking trails, mountain views, a lake, history, and an ancient stone wall of mysterious origin along the ridge.
Wildlife & Nature
The mountains and forests around Ellijay are home to abundant wildlife — deer, turkey, black bear, and a wide variety of birds throughout the year.
Appalachian Trail Community
Springer Mountain & the Appalachian Trail
Ellijay is an officially designated Appalachian Trail Community — a recognition of the area's deep connection to the AT and outdoor culture. Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, is in the greater North Georgia mountains region. For hikers, the proximity to this iconic trail is part of what makes living near Ellijay so special.
Rivers & Water Recreation
Cartecay River
- Trout fishing
- Swimming holes
- Riverside hiking access
- Fly fishing
- Tubing in season
Coosawattee River
- Kayaking & paddling
- Fishing
- Wildlife watching
- Scenic float trips
- River access points throughout county
Carters Lake
Georgia's deepest lake, located just southwest of Ellijay, is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers boating, fishing, swimming beaches, hiking trails including the Amadahy Trail, campgrounds, and day-use recreation areas. The lake covers over 3,200 acres and is a remarkable outdoor asset for the area.
View on Google Maps →Scenic Mountain Drives
The roads around Ellijay and Gilmer County offer some of Georgia's most scenic driving, especially in fall when the Blue Ridge foothills turn gold, orange, and red. Hwy 52 East through apple orchard country, the road to Fort Mountain, and the Cohutta Wilderness area roads are popular routes for residents and visitors alike.
Before You Go
Trail access, water levels, fishing regulations, park hours, and facility availability may change seasonally or due to conditions. Check official sources before visiting — including Georgia State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers for Carters Lake.
Information provided is for general reference only. Trail conditions, access, regulations, and availability may change. Please confirm directly with official sources before visiting. Walnut Mountain POA is not affiliated with any parks, trails, waterways, or attractions listed on this page.