Magical attractions:
Just a few things to do in The Surrounding Areas!
Things To Do Near Hayesville, NC
Hayesville is a short 15-minute drive from the campground, and outdoor adventure lovers will find it’s the perfect destination for those who enjoy the thrill of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. Jackrabbit Trail is a 4.1 mile loop trail located nearby, featuring a lake and is fun for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. The unfortunately named Chunky Gal Trail is a 21-mile stretch connecting the Nantahala and Tusquittee Mountains and it gives hikers the chance to take in many beautiful vistas along the way. Located within driving distance and open year-round, Chunky Gal Stables also offers something for everyone to enjoy, including trail riding and horseback riding lessons.
Campers can also spend a day on Lake Chatuge before venturing into town to dine at a local restaurant or enjoy one of several annual festivals.While in the area, guests can also explore the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, the nation's oldest folk school, to take crafting, music, dance, or other classes focused on passing down the magical Appalachian traditions of the area all year long.
Learn more about all the fun to be had in Hayesville here: https://www.claychambernc.com/things-to-do-page
Things to Do Near Hiawassee, GA
Visitors will find that the town of Hiawassee is just over 20 minutes from The Enchanted Forest. At home in the mystical Appalachian Mountains, the town is near to both the Appalachian and Southern Highroads trails as well as Lake Chatuge and the Hiawassee River – a trout fisherman’s dream. Nearby, guests can also indulge in some of North Georgia’s best wineries, including Crane Creek Vineyards, Hightower Creek Vineyards, or Stonewall Creek Vineyards.
Explore what awaits you in Hiawasee here: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/article/guide-to-hiawassee
Things to Do Near Helen, GA
The Bavarian-themed town of Helen is just under an hour away from your cabin, offering the chance to tube down the Chattahoochee in summer, celebrate Oktoberfest in the fall, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and ziplining all year long. The magic of nature is never far away, and there are multiple trails allowing hikers to admire the beauty of waterfalls near Helen. Anna Ruby Falls is often considered the most visitor-friendly because it’s accessible by a paved trail. Visitors can also stroll through downtown, a quaint area filled with local shops and restaurants, including Charlemagne’s Kingdom - the world’s largest Alpine model railroad museum, The Glassblowing Shop - a unique stop offering glass gifts and art, and the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen where guests can watch the magic of fudge making and find other delicious treats to enjoy.
Learn more about the adventure available in Helen here: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/list/things-to-do-in-helen-georgia
Things to Do Near Blairsville, GA
Blairsville is a quick 25 minute trip from Hayesville and it’s a well-kept secret haven for witches and wizards who love the outdoors. Set in the Chattahoochee National Forest and North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s home to the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area, the highest point in Georgia as well as 80+ miles of the Appalachian Trail, creeks, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and all the breathtaking scenery the mountains are known for. It’s also home to 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott and the 4,180-acre Lake Nottely, each offering opportunities to swim, boat, fish, picnic, and hike. Vogel State Park, one of the state’s most popular state parks, also includes a 20-acre lake and swimming beach as well as a waterfall and hiking trails.
Learn more at: www.visitblairsvillega.com
Nearby Metro Areas
While The Enchanted Forest will make you forget the city exists, it’s just a few hours away from several metropolitan areas offering access to airports and a wide array of cultural events. Campers will find they’re only 2 hours from Atlanta and Athens, 2 hours away from Asheville or Chattanooga,and 2 1/2 hours from the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area or Knoxville, Tennessee.
Area Restaurants & Dining
Guests ready for a break from campfire food will find a variety of local dining options near The Enchanted Forest Campground.
Hayesville offers the Black Dog Tavern, a premier sports bar where visitors can enjoy watching their favorite sporting event accompanied by a cold drink and a good meal. Over on the square in historic downtown, the Nocturnal Brewing Co. provides a refreshing take on casual dining classics and craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients. Open for dinner Thursday – Saturday, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re in the mood for something more elevated, The Copper Door, a restaurant listed among the Top 100 Restaurants in America (as voted by Open Table Diners), offers a four-course prix fixe menu shaped by classic French techniques with a dash of the flavor of south Louisiana. Those seeking a traditional American breakfast or lunch can stop by the Hayesville Grill any time before 2 pm for a quick bite. Finally, if the lack of an oven has you dreaming of pizza, head on over to The Pizza Place of Hayesville or Angelo’s for a slice.
A little further from camp, adventurers will find the Sundance Grill on Main St. in Hiawassee serves up an array of delicious American food, from eggs and biscuits to a variety of sandwiches and pasta. If you’re in the mood for BBQ, follow your nose on over to The Happy Hawg. Craving a good steak? Stop by the Tilted Café for a drink and then venture over to Daniel’s Steakhouse where you’ll find delicious steaks accompanied by all the sides you love.
Those who find themselves in Helen for the day can stop for a meal of traditional American food at Cimmi’s Courtyard Café for breakfast or lunch until 2 pm. If you’re in the mood for fish, shrimp, or steak, Mully’s Nacoochee Grill boasts a menu sure to please everyone in your party. Craving pizza after a day of hiking or tubing the river? Pop over to the Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria any time after 12 pm to experience an upbeat, family-friendly pizza joint offering unique pies, hoagies, salads, craft beers, and local wines.
Visitors can start the day off right in Blairsville by dropping into the Cabin Coffee Co. for a hot cup of joe and pastries or visit The Sawmill Place for homemade biscuits, pancakes, and other breakfast favorites. Anyone craving BBQ for lunch or dinner can head to Jim’s Smokin’ Que on Gainesville Highway, and anyone with a love of classic country cooking will find what their heart desires at Hole in the Wall. If Italian food sounds like it would hit the spot, guests will find a variety of pasta, salads, and more at Michaelee’s Italian Life Café in the town square.
Outdoor Adventure Options
Mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts will find the Jackrabbit Mountain Trails are 15 miles of well-maintained, stacked loops that provide easy to intermediate riding or walking and offer beautiful views of Chatuge Lake throughout.
Relish in the thrill of off-road entertainment with Rockcrusher Farm’s 4 MX tracks, 6 Directional trails (totaling over 20 miles), Single Tracks at the 5 Diamond Level of difficulty (over 15 miles), and 11 extreme hill climbs all across over 500 acres of land.
Looking for family-friendly off-road adventures? Check out the Carolina Crawlers Off-Road Adventure Park! Explore Young Harris, GA with 5+ Rigs or Jeep rentals that accommodate the entire family!
Pop over to Helen to enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee River with Cool River Tubing or spend an afternoon at the Helen Tubing & Waterpark where guests will find a waterpark with a pool, tall slides, and a lazy river as well as the chance to take a tubing trip down the Chattahoochee River.
A 45-minute drive from Hayesville, kayakers of all experience levels can find their way down the river with Wildwood Outfitters in Cleveland, GA or Appalachian Outfitters in Dahlonega, GA.
If you’re looking for a boat or pontoon rental to enjoy a day of sun and fun on the lake, visit the Chatuge Cove Marina or Boundary Waters Resort & Marina offering canoe and kayak rentals, as well as boat docking in Lake Chatuge.
Golf lovers will find that the area offers several well-manicured and challenging courses including the Brasstown Valley Golf Club, a course ranked by both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America as one of the best courses to play in Georgia. Chatuge Shores Golf Course is a public course granted 4 of 5 stars by Golf Advisor, and nearby Mountain Harbor Golf Club offers a combination of breathtaking scenery and challenging golf in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.