Fannin County is composed of nearly half National Forest and Wilderness Area. The Cohutta Wilderness contains approximately 40,000 acres of forest land, and is the largest National Forest Wilderness in the Eastern United States. Don't expect to find paved roads through this jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Old logging roads, now forestry roads are the only way in or out. This doesn't prevent the true wilderness enthusiast, or four wheeler from the remote discoveries Fannin County has to offer.

Considered the gateway to the mountains, this community is conveniently located just 1.5 hours north of Atlanta. Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa river, both located in Fannin County, are the head waters of the infamous Ocoee River, in Polk County Tennessee, home of the 1996 Summer Olympics Kayaking event. Check out the Highlander's story, "Ancient Waters, Thrilling Ride."

Hiking, fishing, boating, camping, sight-seeing and shopping make Fannin County a great place to visit. The local Blue Ridge Arts Association sponsor several festivals a year drawing large crowds of art enthusiasts.

The county was named after Colonel Fannin who fought and died bravely with his troops at Goliad Texas, just miles from the famed Alamo. Fannin County has a remarkable history itself, considering it's in the heart of the old Cherokee Nation.

Blue Ridge: grew and prospered in both commerce and tourism since its founding, with the coming of the railroad in 1887. Unique, art galleries, antique shops, furniture galleries, specialty shops, and eateries make this a wonderful experience in leisurely shopping and dining, any time of the year.

The old railroad depot is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. The depot is a center piece of the town, representing the grand days at the turn of the century. At that time, Blue Ridge was the hub of excitement for real estate development and tourist, who traveled here to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the refreshing mineral springs.

McCaysville: hugs the state line where Georgia meets Tennessee. At this exact point, the waters of the Toccoa River become the beginnings of fast flowing, intensely powerful, white water rapids of the Ocoee River. The town's main thoroughfare is made up of one and two story buildings on both sides of the street. The area is referred to as the Copper Basin Area, and it is a two for one experience. Across the street or should I say across the state line you'll find Copperhill Tennessee, an old copper mining town, that in its time provided a stable income to both sides of the state line.

Mineral Bluff: a quaint little residential town made up of a church, post office, school and several historical homes. Mineral Bluff predates Blue Ridge. With the coming of the railroad, Mineral Bluff prospered and grew into a tourist attraction due to its healthy mineral springs.

Morganton: originally designated as the county seat of Fannin County until the train was built through Blue Ridge. Morganton is on the northwestern shore of Lake Blue Ridge. Mostly a residential community today, except for its local access to the lake.

Epworth: originally a farm community but mostly residential today, with an old country store and post office. Epworth is located on the route between Blue Ridge and McCaysville.

Dial: a modest town hidden in the upper reaches of a remote valley in the steep mountains of southern Fannin County. This residential community hasn't changed a bit in 100 years. Dial consists of a small country store and the beautiful banks, of the upper Toccoa River. It's well worth the drive.