Attractions Near Habersham County, Georgia

Habersham County
Home to seven charming and historical towns, Habersham County features two rivers, two lakes, beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, horseback trails, camping and swimming sites. The outdoor enthusiast is never without adventure in the hills of Habersham. Cultural activities can be found in six museums, a nationally recognized historic country inn, a community theater and a liberal arts college founded after the Civil War. Habersham is home to Tallulah Gorge--1,000-feet deep and two-miles long, once known as the Niagara Falls of the South. The Soque River begins and ends in Habersham County where it merges with the Chattahoochee River and offers some of the best trout fishing east of the Mississippi. Award-winning restaurants and unique shops attract thousands of visitors to Habersham County each year.

Clarkesville
This authentic southern town has undergone a transformation in the past decade that has at once brought it into the present and yet allowed it to retain its historic charm. Residents are proud of their hometown and it shows. Home to literally dozens of restaurants, antique stores, trendy boutiques and the community theatre, Clarkesville stays in the minds of visitors as one of their favorite places to return to time and again. Voted one of the sixteen “Friendliest Towns on the Eastern Coast” in 2011, it also holds the designation of “Number 2 Best Small Town for Retirement in America” by a Rand McNally poll.

Cornelia
While Cornelia isn’t the county seat of Habersham, it remains the cultural and industrial capital of the county. Its location near the interstate makes it a popular stopping place for travelers who enjoy world class dining and international lodging. The town celebrates its heritage as an orchard town with the Big Red Apple Festival every October. In 2012, the town celebrated its 125th anniversary, and the Big Red Apple Festival celebrated its 25th year.

Demorest
Home to one of the oldest liberal colleges in America, Demorest is situated halfway between Cornelia and Clarkesville. Baseball Hall of Famer, Johnny Mize was raised in Demorest and a visit to the Johnny Mize Museum brings back nostalgic memories. One of the newest attractions for Habersham County is the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art on the campus of Piedmont College. A world-class museum, it is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with no admission fee.

Batesville
Located at the top of Scenic Highway 197, this town is situated in national forest and is only minutes from peaceful Lake Burton. The Batesville General Store is a favorite hang-out for locals and travelers alike. Be sure to visit in October during Historic Batesville Days.

Mt Airy
The town that boasts of clear air and clear mountains is the highest point on the original railroad route between New Orleans and New York. In the 1800s it was a resort town for visitors from the coast who ventured to the mountains to escape the heat and mosquitos. Lake Russell is minutes away.

Alto
The name of this town literally means “high” and the views from some parts of this historic setting are truly incredible. Located in both Habersham and Banks Counties, the town has hosted at least one famous movie, “My Cousin Vinny.”

Baldwin
Resting directly on the Appalachian Continental Divide, Baldwin also has some pretty amazing views . Coming north on U.S. Hwy 441, Baldwin is the gateway to Habersham and home to the Habersham County Airport and Industrial Park.

Tallulah Falls
Perched on the edge of the famous Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls is named for the six waterfalls flowing into gorge. A hiker’s paradise, Tallulah Falls is full of history and still boasts of old-style craftsmen and artisans who find their niche in this quaint rural town. Tallulah Gorge itself is 1,000-feet deep and two-miles long and was once known as the Niagara Falls of the South. Water releases during September, October and November bring thousands of kayakers and visitsors. Because of its beautiful scenery and historic attractions, Tallulah Gorge, as well as Habersham county, is a favorite place for the film industry.

Scenic Highway 197
A major portion of the Southern Highroads Trail-Habersham County Loop is, Scenic Highway 197, which begins in Clarkesville and meanders through national forest along the Soque River. Featured on Good Morning America, it is touted as “the most beautiful drive in Georgia.” Stops along the way include Mark of the Potter, Burton Gallery and a variety of crafts, antiques and art shops.

Attractions

	The Big Red Apple - Cornelia GA The Big Red Apple stands on the railway depot grounds in downtown Cornelia. more information
	Swanson Center for Performing Arts & Communications - Piedmont College Demorest Ga The Swanson Center features a modern 350-seat theater with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, as well as a backstage area that includes adequate fly space, dressing rooms, costume storage and a separate set construction workshop. more information
	Scenic Lake Russell - Habersham County Lake Russell is a National Forest campground set on a scenic 100-acre lake with fishing, canoeing a beach area and designated swimming areas. more information
	Scenic Highway 197 - Clarkesville GA The Old Moonshine Highway Featuring Local Fine Arts & Crafts Painting by Keith Burgess more information
	Panther Creek Trail (Tallulah Basin) A hike past the impressive Panther Creek Falls more information
	Old Clarkesville Mill Old Clarkesville Mill in Historic Clarkesville Georgia is a six-and-a-half acre former textile mill which has been converted to a Shopping, Dining and Recreation center. more information
	Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art - Piedmont College Permanent home of the Mason Art Collection more information
	Lake Burton in Habersham County Lake Burton is a wide watershed lake designed to hold late winter and early spring downfalls for electric production during the hot summer. The fingers of the lake reach deep into the valleys that were flooded, offering canoeists a remarkable opportunity to paddle down the lake. more information
	Johnny Mize Museum - Piedmont College Demorest Ga Hall of Famer John Robert "Johnny" Mize was born on January 7, 1913, in Demorest (in Habersham County). more information
	Habersham Community Theatre - Clarkesville The Habersham Community Theatre (HCT) provides live theatre for the residents and visitors in Northeast Georgia. more information
	Grace Calvary Episcopalian Church - Clarkesville Grace Calvery Episcopalian Church is the oldest Church Structure in Habersham County. more information
	Fly Fishing on the Soque River in Batesville, Georgia Trophy Flyfishing at its best is available in Habersham County. more information
	Downtown Clarkesville Downtown Clarkesville is full of quaint shops and restaurants in historic buildings. more information
	Chenocetah Tower - Cornelia GA The 54-foot Chenocetah Tower was built in the 1930s during a Federal work program to ease the effects of the depression. Overlooking the area from an elevation of 1,830 feet, the tower includes a wooden observation room reached by a metal spiral staircase. more information
	Arrendale Amphitheater - Piedmont College Demorest Ga 350-seat outdoor performance area features a sculpted metal roof that covers the stage and part of the seating area more information