Day Trips from Athens, Georgia

1. Augusta

• What is Augusta known for?
  • The second most populous city in Georgia, Augusta is best known to golf fans as the home of the Masters Tournament.
• Does Augusta offer attractions beyond golf?
  • Yes! Augusta has plenty of things to do no matter where your interests lie.
• What cultural attractions can visitors explore?
  • The Augusta Museum of History features a fascinating exhibit on singer James Brown.
  • Downtown Broad Street is lined with art galleries and excellent restaurants.
• What outdoor activities are available in Augusta?
  • Visitors can take a boat tour along the Augusta Canal.
  • The beautiful Riverwalk offers scenic views and attractions.
• What can visitors find along the Riverwalk?
  • The Riverwalk features a miniature Japanese garden and an amphitheater that hosts concerts during the summer.

2. Nashville Trolley Tours by Old Town Trolley Tours

• Why is Nashville a must-visit for country music fans?
  • If you're a country music fan, few places in Georgia or Tennessee will capture your heart like Nashville.
• What is a bucket list experience in Nashville?
  • Watching a show at the Grand Ole Opry is on many visitors' bucket lists.
• What if I can’t catch a Grand Ole Opry show?
  • If the timing of your visit doesn’t work out, you can always enjoy live music at the honky tonks on Lower Broadway instead.
• Where can visitors go for a stroll?
  • The trendy streets of Hillsboro Village are a great place to go for a stroll and explore local shops and cafes.
• Where can I learn about the history of country music?
  • If you want to dive into the history of country music, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you'll find plenty of information and exhibits.
• Are there any sightseeing tours available?
  • Yes! You can Check out the Nashville Trolley Tours by Old Town Trolley Tours for a guided exploration of the city.

3. Antebellum Trail

• What is the Antebellum Trail?
  • The Antebellum Trail is a 100-mile driving route that winds through seven historically significant towns in Georgia.
• Where does the Antebellum Trail begin?
  • Athens is conveniently the northern gateway to the trail, making it an ideal starting point for exploration.
• What can visitors experience along the trail?
  • Each of the seven communities along the trail has unique attractions to offer.
• How long does it take to see everything?
  • It typically takes three days to see everything, but visitors can pick and choose activities to turn it into a day trip.
• What are some highlights for architecture lovers?
  • Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the beautiful Antebellum architecture and the many historic house museums found along the trail.
• What other attractions can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can:
    • Browse antique shops for unique finds
    • Admire the Rock Eagle Effigy, a fascinating historic landmark
    • Learn about African American history and culture at the Tubman Museum

4. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

• What is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway?
  • The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a historic railroad that was originally built to carry freight through the mountains.
• How long has the railway been operating for passengers?
  • The railway has been operating as a passenger railway since 1998, offering scenic trips through the mountains.
• Where does the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway travel?
  • The railway stretches for 26 miles from Blue Ridge to the charming town of McCaysville.
• What makes this railway experience special?
  • It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the Toccoa River, especially in the fall when the autumn leaves put on a colorful show.
• How long is the train ride?
  • The trip takes approximately one hour each way.
• Do passengers have time to explore McCaysville?
  • Yes! Passengers are given a two-hour layover to explore McCaysville and its Tennessee sister town, Copperhill.
• When does the train operate?
  • Trains run between March and December, making it a great activity for most of the year.

241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, Phone: 877-413-8724

5. Callaway Gardens

• What is Callaway Gardens?
  • Callaway Gardens is a 2,500-acre resort nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, offering a wide variety of recreational amenities that draw visitors year-round.
• What outdoor activities are available?
  • Visitors can explore more than ten miles of trails:
    • On foot
    • By bicycle
    • With golf carts, which can be rented on-site
• What water activities can visitors enjoy?
  • The resort lake is excellent for:
    • Fishing
    • Swimming
    • Water sports
• What other recreational amenities are offered?
  • Visitors can also:
    • Relax in the spa
    • Play a game on one of the resort’s two golf courses
    • Visit the beautiful Butterfly Center

17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, Phone: 844-512-3826

6. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

• What is the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest?
  • The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest encompasses almost 867,000 acres of land in northern Georgia and is a nature lover's paradise.
• How many hiking trails are available?
  • The forest features approximately 850 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Lake Sinclair is an excellent spot for:
    • Swimming
    • Boating
    • Fishing
  • Fishermen can also fish for trout in the forest's many streams.
  • Adrenaline junkies can enjoy whitewater rafting down the thrilling Chattooga River.
• What is a must-see highlight in the forest?
  • A major highlight is Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia.
  • It features an easily accessible observation deck that provides stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

7. Chattanooga

• What makes Chattanooga a great destination?
  • Sitting on the bank of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers a perfect combination of outdoor adventure, arts and culture, and laid-back Southern charm.
• Where can visitors find great cafes and art galleries?
  • Many of the city’s best cafes and art galleries can be found in the Bluff View Arts District, a cultural hotspot.
• What is one of Chattanooga’s top attractions?
  • The Tennessee Aquarium, located conveniently near the Bluff View Arts District, is one of the city’s top attractions.
• Where can visitors take a scenic stroll?
  • The Chattanooga Riverwalk is a beautiful place to go for a stroll and enjoy the city’s riverside scenery.
• What is the best way to experience Chattanooga’s natural beauty?
  • The best way to get a taste of the city’s natural beauty is to take the Incline Railway up to the top of Lookout Mountain.
• What attractions can be found on Lookout Mountain?
  • At the top of Lookout Mountain, visitors will find:
    • Rock City Gardens, featuring breathtaking rock formations and scenic views
    • Ruby Falls, a striking underground waterfall

8. Cherokee Forest

• What is the Cherokee Forest?
  • Established in 1920, the Cherokee Forest spans more than 650,000 acres along the eastern border of Tennessee.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • The forest offers endless opportunities for nature watching and outdoor recreation.
• Where can visitors go whitewater rafting?
  • The forest’s rivers boast some of the best whitewater rafting in the entire Southeast.
• How many hiking trails are available?
  • There are more than 600 miles of hiking trails, including:
    • The popular Margarette Falls Trail
    • A section of the famous Appalachian Trail
• Are there any biking opportunities?
  • Yes! If you prefer biking over hiking, you can visit the Chilhowee Recreation Area, which is full of single-track mountain bike trails.

9. Lake Lanier

• What is Lake Lanier?
  • Named in honor of American poet Sidney Lanier, Lake Lanier is known for its aqua blue water and its many recreational opportunities.
• What water activities are available?
  • The lake is popular for boating and canoeing year-round.
  • During the summer, it attracts houseboaters and jetskiers.
• Are there beaches at Lake Lanier?
  • Yes! The lake features several islands with swimming beaches.
  • Additionally, there are 23 swimming beaches along the shoreline, many of which include:
    • Picnic tables
    • Children's playgrounds
    • Other amenities
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Lake Lanier Islands Resort?
  • Visitors to Lake Lanier Islands Resort can enjoy:
    • Golf
    • Horseback riding
    • Zipline canopy tours