Things to do Near Habersham County, Georgia

Swanson Center for Performing Arts & Communications - Piedmont College Demorest Ga

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.