Hidden away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cherry Log, GA is a charming little town surrounded by natural beauty and a tight-knit community. This serene mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of tranquility and outdoor adventure for people of all ages, from young families who desire to put down roots to active senior adults looking for the best place to enjoy the best years of their lives.
With its crisp mountain air, stunning vistas, and an abundance of things to do, Cherry Log, GA provides an ideal setting for anyone seeking an active lifestyle.
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WHY CHERRY LOG, GA IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE
A tranquil haven
Moderate climate
A nature lover’s paradise
Access to essentials and amenities
A tight-knit community
Vibrant art and culture community
Affordable living
Nestled in Gilmer County between the vibrant towns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay, Cherry Log offers an idyllic escape surrounded by nature. This quaint community in the Blue Ridge Mountains combines natural beauty with small-town charm. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Cherry Log is also considered one of the best retirement destinations, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat.
The area’s moderate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, making it perfect for those who enjoy hiking, fishing, and gardening. Summers are warm but not excessively hot, with average highs in the mid-80°F. Winters are cool, with occasional light snowfall. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful, with comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage changes in autumn.
The nearby Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless miles of hiking trails, majestic waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife spotting and horseback riding. A must-visit destination is the Fall Branch Falls. This stunning waterfall, accessible via an easy quarter-mile hike, is a perfect introduction to the region’s natural beauty.
If you’re seeking adventures in the water, the Toccoa River is a haven for fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing. Meanwhile, local stables such as Cowgirl Up Stables offer guided trail rides that allow you to explore the stunning landscapes with a trusty companion.
Cherry Log’s proximity to the larger towns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay ensures easy access to a variety of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions while still providing the peace and quiet of mountain living. Despite its secluded feel, Cherry Log is conveniently located near essential amenities and healthcare facilities. Atlanta is also just a two-hour drive away, offering big-city amenities, as well as an international airport.
This mountain town’s tight-knit community fosters a sense of belonging, with various social clubs, active adult communities, and volunteer opportunities for newcomers to integrate quickly. This combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and community spirit makes Cherry Log an enticing option for anyone seeking a fulfilling experience.
Cherry Log and its surrounding areas boast a rich artistic heritage. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and classes, perfect for those looking to explore their creative side or hone existing skills. From pottery and painting to music and literature, there are numerous opportunities to engage in cultural activities and lifelong learning.
Cherry Log offers a relatively affordable cost of living, which is lower than the national average. This allows residents to stretch their savings further while enjoying a high quality of life. Housing options range from cozy cabins to spacious mountain homes and expansive estates, catering to various preferences and budgets.
THINGS TO DO IN CHERRY LOG, GA
Don’t let its small-town charm fool you as Cherry Log boasts a surprising array of activities! Whether you love connecting with nature, casting a line, getting creative, or simply unwinding amid the breathtaking surroundings, this charming mountain town has something in store!
Here are some of the top things to do in Cherry Log, GA.
Explore the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is a vast outdoor wonderland located right at Cherry Log’s doorstep. This unspoiled wilderness boasts over 860,000 acres of diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Hikers of all abilities should try exploring the forest’s many trails and engage in either leisurely strolls or challenging adventures. Autumn paints the forest in stunning hues of red, orange, and gold, creating an even more breathtaking sight.
This national forest is home to Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald, at 4,784 feet above sea level. Visitors may enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views spanning four states on clear days, with Atlanta’s skyline occasionally visible in the distance. The site features a visitor center with an observation deck perfect for sunset viewing, multiple trailheads for hiking enthusiasts, and a museum showcasing the area’s natural science and history – all accessible via a scenic drive and a short paved path.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests also serves as the gateway to the legendary Appalachian Trail, attracting both day hikers and long-distance trekkers. This natural wonderland boasts a diverse landscape of ridges, valleys, and waterfalls, offering year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping that are unparalleled in the state.
Beyond the Appalachian Trail, the forests are dotted with numerous hidden gems and scenic spots, providing a wealth of outdoor adventures for visitors seeking to explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Chase some waterfalls
With several stunning cascades within easy reach, visitors may choose from a variety of hiking experiences to several of North Georgia’s majestic waterfalls, including the family-friendly Fall Branch Falls and the more challenging Long Creek Falls. You may also take other routes if you want an even longer and more challenging trek. For a truly awe-inspiring 729-foot spectacle, a short drive to Amicalola Falls is a must!
The Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. A challenging 8.5-mile trail connects the Amicalola Falls State Park to Springer Mountain, which marks the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This trail provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to embark on a section hike or start their journey along the entire Appalachian Trail.
It’s good to note that some portions of the state park also have accessible trails. Visitors seeking a more manageable experience may inquire at the visitor’s information center about accessibility for people of varying abilities.
The best times to witness these natural wonders are during spring and early summer when water flow is at its highest. These hikes offer not only breathtaking views but also opportunities to enjoy picnics, capture stunning photos, and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature.
Saddle up
Horseback riding provides a unique way to experience the beauty of the mountains around Cherry Log. Several local stables, such as Cowgirl Up and Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides, offer guided trail rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, allowing visitors to explore scenic mountain paths and forest trails from a new perspective.
These rides include breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, opportunities to ford mountain streams, and chances to spot local wildlife. Some outfitters even offer multi-hour or full-day excursions for those looking for a more immersive equestrian experience. Sunset rides are particularly popular, offering a romantic and picturesque way to end the day in the mountains.
Cast a line
Avid anglers will find plenty to love around Cherry Log, with numerous options for both lake and stream fishing. The nearby Toccoa River is renowned for its trout fishing, offering opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout in its cool, clear waters. Just a short drive away lies Blue Ridge Lake, a 3,290-acre reservoir popular for bass, walleye, and crappie fishing.
Local outfitters such as Upper River Adventures, Toccoa River Outfitters, and North Georgia Trout Fishing offer guided fishing trips and provide equipment rentals for those without their own gear.
The area’s diverse fishing opportunities cater to various techniques, from fly fishing in mountain streams to trolling on larger bodies of water, ensuring anglers of all preferences will find their perfect spot to cast a line.
Get crafty
For those interested in arts and crafts, nearby Blue Ridge is known for its thriving arts community. The Fannin County Heritage Foundation offers workshops and events that allow you to pursue creative hobbies or learn new skills.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, for its part, hosts regular exhibitions, classes, and events covering a wide range of artistic mediums, from painting and pottery to fiber arts and photography. If you’re an artist, the Art Center is also open to those interested in teaching classes, offering a great opportunity to serve the community.
In addition, local artisans often open their studios to visitors, providing unique opportunities to watch skilled craftspeople at work and perhaps even try your hand at traditional Appalachian crafts.
Immerse yourself in the local community
Cherry Log and the surrounding area offer numerous opportunities to engage with the local community. Attend seasonal festivals like the Georgia Apple Festival in nearby Ellijay or the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival to experience the region’s culture and cuisine. You may also join local clubs or groups that align with your interests, such as gardening societies, book clubs, or hiking groups, to meet like-minded individuals. There are volunteer opportunities, as well, with local organizations such as the Fannin County Family Connection or the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association. These allow you to give back to the community and forge meaningful connections.
You may also participate in community events at the Gilmer County Senior Center in Ellijay or the Fannin County Senior Center in Blue Ridge, both of which regularly host social gatherings, craft fairs, and sports and wellness programs.
Find the legendary Bigfoot
Interestingly, Cherry Log is home to a unique attraction that you won’t find anywhere else – Expedition: Bigfoot! – a Sasquatch Museum dedicated to the legendary creature. It’s a family-friendly destination where visitors may explore the museum’s extensive collection of Bigfoot-related artifacts, including footprint casts, hair samples, and audio recordings of alleged Bigfoot encounters.
Here, you’ll learn about the history of Bigfoot sightings in the Blue Ridge Mountains and across North America through interactive exhibits and informative displays. Plus, watch documentary footage and eyewitness interviews that delve into the mystery surrounding this elusive cryptid.
Savor Southern flavors at The Pink Pig
The Pink Pig, a beloved North Georgia institution located right here in Cherry Log, has been serving mouthwatering barbecue and Southern comfort food since the 1960s. It carries on a family legacy passed down by founder Bud Holloway to his granddaughter, Samantha.Renowned for its pit-cooked barbecue, homemade Brunswick stew, and Bud’s Original sauce, this country eatery is a local treasure that draws visitors from far and wide to savor its iconic flavors.
COMMUNITY AMENITIES
Healthcare facilities
Several healthcare facilities are within easy access from Cherry Log, mostly located in its neighboring towns, Blue Ridge and Ellijay. All of these facilities are conveniently within a 10- to 20-minute drive from Cherry Log, so residents may easily access quality healthcare when needed.
IN CHERRY LOG: Cherry Log Oral SurgeryIN BLUE RIDGE:
- Fannin Regional Hospital
- Georgia Mountains Health
- Blue Ridge Medical Group Walk-In Clinic
- Blue Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care
- Pruitt Health
Dining
Nearby towns, Blue Ridge and Ellijay, boast a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes and fast food chains to upscale restaurants. You’ll find everything from classic Southern comfort food to international flavors.
Here are some popular dining spots in the area:
- Black Sheep Restaurant
- Fine Dining Chefs
- Southern Charm Restaurant
- Harvest on Main
- Las Huastecas
- Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta
- River Street Tavern
- The Country Corner Kitchen
- Ellijay’s Little Italian
- The Butcher & Bottle
- The Roof Ellijay
- Cantaberry
For wine enthusiasts, you’ll delight in several wineries and vineyards located nearby. In Blue Ridge, there’s Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery. Meanwhile, in Ellijay, you’ll find Cartecay Vineyards, Buckley Vineyards, and Ott Vineyards & Winery.
Shopping
Since Cherry Log is conveniently located near Blue Ridge and Ellijay, shopping for essentials and other personal and lifestyle needs are within easy reach. Several grocery stores, shopping centers, pharmacies, local boutiques, antique shops, and other specialty stores are just a short drive away.
Here are some of the local go-to shopping destinations:
- Blue Ridge Mountain Mall
- Lily + Coco
- Black Bear Antiques
- Olive + Pine
- Riverside Plaza Shopping Center
- Old Orchard Square
- Strings & Stitches Yarn Shoppe
- Mountain Life Health Food Store
- Ellijay Marketplace
- Mountain Treasures
REAL ESTATE AND HOUSING OPTIONS IN CHERRY LOG, GA
As a quiet residential community tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cherry Log offers a picturesque retreat for anyone who loves being active outdoors. Hiking trails, horseback riding paths, fishing spots, and flowing creeks are easily accessed from one’s doorstep.
The Cherry Log real estate market offers a mix of cozy cabins, modern mountain homes, and large acreage for custom builds. Many properties boast stunning mountain views and are nestled among the trees, providing a sense of privacy and connection with nature. A lot of homes also feature spacious decks or screened porches, perfect for enjoying the scenic surroundings and mild mountain climate.
Additionally, many homes in Cherry Log come with energy-efficient features. These include double-pane windows, solar panels, programmable thermostats, and high-efficiency HVAC systems, along with other modern amenities. All these combine rustic charm with contemporary comfort.
Cherry Log also features expansive estates ideal for farming or building equestrian homes, offering residents the opportunity to embrace a charming, rural lifestyle. There are also several gated communities within the town for those seeking added privacy and security.
Whether you’re drawn to a cozy cabin, a sprawling estate, or the convenience of a gated community, Cherry Log offers a diverse range of housing options to suit a range of budgets, preferences, and lifestyles.
FIND EXCITEMENT AND TRANQUILITY IN CHERRY LOG, GA WITH NATHAN FITTS
Dreaming of your very own cozy cabin nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains? Let Nathan Fitts and his experienced team guide you to your ideal mountain retreat in Cherry Log, GA.
As top-performing real estate professionals, they offer expert knowledge of the local market and personalized assistance throughout the entire home-buying process. From finding your dream mountain retreat to navigating the complexities of the real estate market, their dedicated team is committed to making your journey smooth and successful.
Call Nathan Fitts today at 706.632.3000 or send a message to get started.