Welcome to Ellijay Guidebook - Your Ultimate Tourist Guide!

Just a short drive from Ellijay, this park features the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast at 729 feet! Explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy breathtaking views, and visit the starting point of the Appalachian Trail.

Amicalola Falls State Park is accessible year-round during daylight hours

All vehicles entering Amicalola Falls State Park require a $5 GA State Park Pass

Whether you want to relax in the natural confines of the wooded campground, explore the Dawsonville, GA area or hike miles of mountain trails, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is ready for whatever Georgia activities you have in mind.

A hidden gem perfect for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Surrounded by forested hills, this lake has one of the deepest reservoirs in Georgia and offers peaceful, uncrowded beauty.

Admission Fee: $4

Facility Amenities

• Parking on Site
• Boat Launch
• Lodging On Site
• Picnic Area
• Picnic Shelter
• Public Restrooms
• Rentals Available
• Maps & Brochures Available

Perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. This untouched wilderness area features rugged trails, mountain streams, and panoramic views—ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

At 4,050 feet, Rich Mountain anchors a diverse botanical area. A second-growth hardwood forest provides habitat for deer, squirrels, raccoons, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, black bears, quail, and woodcocks.

For questions about or recommendations for planning your next visit to the Rich Mountain Wilderness, you will need to contact the managing office listed on their website.

Cartecay River Experience offers Friendly and Helpful Staff that help to create a fun family atmosphere. We provide safe and proper equipment and all safety gear is included with our rentals. We have on hand life jackets to fit everyone including children.

We also offer SHUTTLE SERVICE Year Round with advanced notice.

Open Last Weekend in April to the Last Weekend in September

SATURDAY

9AM to 4PM

SUNDAY - FRIDAY

10AM to 3PM

Stroll through the historic square filled with local shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and 19th-century architecture. Don’t miss the antique stores and weekend farmers markets.

Downtown Ellijay is right in the middle of all the action. When you first arrive the downtown district reminds you of a town from an earlier time. The people are friendly, the pace is slower and the fresh oxygen-filled mountain air flows freely through your system. As you walk through the historic downtown area you start to notice everything that is going on. Ellijay is everything you want in a small town.

 The historic Downtown area and its proximity to so many great activities and cultures make Ellijay a great adventure no matter your age or interests.

This charming 1870s home is now a museum showcasing local Civil War history, artifacts, and stories from Gilmer County's early settlers.

Step back in time into this 1870's home in historic downtown Ellijay. You will experience one of the South's largest Civil War libraries and rooms replicating a home of the late 1800s.

Enjoy one of the oldest homes in downtown historic Ellijay. You can research Civil War heritage or just look through the 200-plus book collection. It also houses hundreds of movies and videos about the Civil War. You can then experience rooms staged from the 1800s.