Clarkesville is a quiet little town situated right at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a gateway to some of our favorite hikes, drives, and daytrips. If you’re looking for a home base or starting point for your next adventure into the mountains, we’re about to dive into our favorite places to hike, eat, camp and more in Clarkesville, Georgia!
And please consider checking out our Wandering Pledge before your next trip. There are lots of good tips on how to recreate responsibly in the outdoors, minimize your impact, and to leave no trace. But one of the pledges is “to be respectful toward the people that call where I wander home.” While we love traveling and visiting new places as much as the next person, it’s important to remember most locals have been wise stewards of a place for generations and we’re just passing through. So be respectful and considerate of the people and places you visit. Have fun, tip well, practice gratitude and you’ll experience hospitality like no other.
PLACES TO WANDER
Panther Creek Falls, Hemlock Falls, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Lake Russell WMA, Mount Yonah
No trip to the North Georgia mountains would be complete without some Wandering. With waterfalls and scenic vistas around every corner, you’re never too far from the next adventure. I don’t think we could write a blog on Clarkesville without talking about Panther Creek Falls. Quite possibly one of North Georgia’s most talked-about hikes, this 7-mile scramble is often regarded as one of the best summer hikes due to the scenic swimming hole that awaits you at the end, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. While the trail doesn’t have much elevation change to worry about, it is narrow and requires some tricky scrambling in places. The USFS is still in the process of replacing some bridges that were washed out in heavy storms a couple years back, so there may be some water crossings involved. If you do decide to take on this hike, please go prepared. This trail is one of the most frequent locations for search and rescue operations when folks get in over their heads.
If you’re looking for another fantastic waterfall with a more manageable hike, nearby Hemlock Falls won’t disappoint. Just head up Highway 197 from Clarkesville, which is one of our absolute favorite drives in the area, and the entrance to Hemlock Falls is on your left across from the Lake Burton fish hatchery. The hike is a relatively gentle 2-mile trek that winds its way up the banks of Moccasin Creek, with the water trickling by the entire hike. Once you reach the falls, you’re greeted with a serene 15-foot falls dropping into an expansive green pool.
And if you come to Clarkesville and don’t stop at Tallulah Gorge you are missing out. The hike is straight up and down with a HUGE flight of stairs. But it is well worth it if you can handle the workout. If you are not looking for something that strenuous, you can always pop in the location to Instagram and see gorgeous shots from the bottom of the Gorge. One of our favorite events each year are the whitewater releases where the Tallulah Falls Lake dam opens up, bringing the water flow through the gorge up to 500-700 cfs. This increase in flow draws kayakers from across the country to challenge the Class IV-V rapids and it is a true spectacle for anyone wanting to come watch.
One area that often slips under the radar of visitors has to be the Lake Russell WMA. This 17,000 acre USFS area is most commonly used for hunting access, but there are actually several fantastic waterfalls, campsites, trails, and a 100-acre lake. If you’re looking to explore the waterfalls in this area, we highly recommend checking out GaWaterfalls.com for information. Since many of these trails aren’t highly trafficked, there isn’t a ton of information on them, but Mark’s website is a fantastic resource.
While not technically in Clarkesville, we’d be amiss if we didn’t mention nearby Yonah Mountain. This 4.4-mile hike is often regarded as one of Georgia’s toughest. While we have done more difficult hikes, this one can certainly be deceiving, and in the summer heat, downright grueling. The views at the end are certainly worth the effort, though.
PLACES TO EAT
Kaboblicious, The Hush, Bleu Canoe, Wolf Creek BBQ, Mr. Biscuits Cafe, Copper Pot, Hangry's Grill, FWS Bakery, Farmhouse Coffee, Myth & Legend
Let’s talk about food. No spectacular weekend is complete without a great meal or two, so here are some of our Clarkesville favorites, in order from breakfast through dinner.
Every good day starts with a cup of coffee if you’re anything like us. Our first pick for coffee has to be Farmhouse Coffee over in Demorest. We know, this is about Clarkesville, but it’s worth the short drive over. They have the best Dirty Chai we’ve ever had, hands down. They also have some great breakfast pastries and savory sandwiches, if you want to make this stop count as breakfast too. Another great option for coffee is Myth & Legend, especially if you’re looking to stay on the north side of town. They make a great cup of coffee, with rotating seasonal specials and some really great flavor combos. They also have some good options for breakfast, from biscuits to bagels and more.
Another wonderful option without leaving town has to be Mr. Biscuit’s Cafe. As you might guess from the name, they have some of the best biscuits around, as well as croissants, bagels, loaded teas, and much more. Absolutely worth the stop for breakfast or a quick refresher when passing through town!
Our next recommendation may sound familiar if you’ve read our Weekend Guide to Clayton, but we absolutely have to throw in The Hush Cuban. They recently started offering a brunch menu on Sundays, and it is nothing short of incredible. Cuban and Latin-American flair with some of the freshest ingredients around, we’ve never been disappointed.
The Hush also happens to be one of our top recommendations for lunch as well. Truly one of the best Cuban sandwiches we’ve had, as well as options like the mango & black bean bowl, steak cachapa, and so much more. Seriously, just go try it, you won’t be disappointed.
Another stellar option if you’re looking to break away from the traditional burgers and pizza, Kaboblicious is a wonderful breath of fresh air. The owners, Taz & Ayesha, have put so much love into this place, and it shows. So many delicious Mediterranean options, all with fresh ingredients that just make you feel good. We definitely recommend the potato ball appetizer, the lamb donor platter, and, if you catch them on a day where the butter chicken is available, it’s wonderful as well. Great food and wonderful people.
Sometimes, though, a good burger may be all that satisfies your craving. Hangry’s Grill, right outside of town, has you covered if this is the case! We’ve been visiting Hangry’s as long as we can remember, anyone else remember A&E? Obviously, the specialty here is a good hamburger. We really like the Sweet Melissa, but they also have hot dogs, sandwiches, loaded fries, and more!
And if you’re looking for pizza, definitely check out The Copper Pot. This place has been a Clarkesville staple forever, and for good reason. They have some great specialty pizzas, we really like the margherita or the truffle shuffle. Some other favorites, though, are their strawberry salad with house-made strawberry ranch and the gateway grits.
We also want to mention FWS Bakery and some of the best sandwiches we’ve ever had. The owner, Colin, is running the show all on his own, and the business is primarily focused on fresh breads that are baked to order. But if you’ve got a few minutes to sit and chat, he has a lunch menu on Friday and Saturday that includes several house sandwiches, soups, and pies, which are nothing short of incredible.
Wolf Creek BBQ is another great option. There’s nothing like a good brisket sandwich, and the folks here don’t disappoint. Other great options include the smoked turkey, pulled pork, of course, and who doesn’t love a good banana pudding? We also have to give them a shout-out for their lunch specials, a pulled pork sandwich with a side and a drink for less than $10? That’s hard to find these days.
Now, some of you out there are probably wondering how we made it this far without mentioning Bleu Canoe. Trust us, it was tough for us too, but we did say we were covering dinner last, and while they are open for lunch, we pretty much exclusively come for dinner because we could sit here for hours. As far as a combination of good food and atmosphere, this place is about as good as it gets. Cajun and Creole dishes served out on the deck, it’s one of our favorite summer hangouts after a day on the lake.
PLACES TO SHOP
Mark of the Potter, Plantique Market, Old Clarkesville Mill, Lake & Laurel, Madison's on Main, Unicoi Outfitters, Elizabeth & Co, Artful Barn
Like most things in life, balance is important. We know some folks couldn’t care less about shopping, but some days we aren’t looking for a grueling hike, and we’d like to just stroll through an antique shop or two. For those days, Clarkesville has some great options for antiques, pottery, plants, and more.
We’re practically required to mention Mark of the Potter here, as it is one of those hidden North Georgia gems that stick with you forever. Nestled right in between Scenic 197 and the Soque River, this 1930’s grain mill has been reconfigured into a quirky yet delightful pottery studio. With the majority of pieces being produced by their team of in-house local potters, there is no shortage of beautiful work on display. In addition to browsing the pottery, you can step below deck and view the inner workings of the old mill site, or feed some of the biggest rainbow trout you’ll ever see (no joke, they’re huge) right off the back deck.
Clarkesville also has no shortage of antique spots for those looking to stumble across hidden treasures. The Old Clarkesville Mill houses both the Old Mill Antiques and Vintage Garage Antiques, both offering many individual vendor “booths” with a mix of nostalgic pieces. If you stop by the mill, be sure to check out The PLANTique Market right out front. This quaint little shop was. a wonderful find, with some great houseplants and unique knick-knacks. Our favorite twist, though, is that they also offer various antique potting vessels for your plants! You can pick out an antique to take home with your new plant for later rehoming, or pick from one of their pre-assembled arrangements. It’s a really fun idea, and we’ve already been back several more times.
If you’re strolling the square, you’ll stumble across options such as Madison’s On Main, which recently opened up its next location here in Clarkesville. Many of you may be familiar with them from their Clayton location, but if you aren’t, this is a great spot for upscale women’s clothing, home decor, accessories, and more. Also located right here on the square is Lake & Laurel. Here you’ll find a selection of home decor and unique gifts. What really shines, though, is the children’s section, where they have some fantastic kids’ books, toys, and clothing. Other options on the square include Unicoi Outfitters for your fly fishing gear and expertise, Elizabeth & Co for more antiques and unique finds, and The Mindful Market for bulk-refill options on food, spices, household goods, and more!
If you head west from the square, you’ll find The Art-Full Barn about three minutes outside of town. The Art-Full Barn is a family-owned creative hub in Clarkesville that began in 1998 as a small artist co-op inside an old barn. It has since grown into a vibrant arts destination offering a wide range of art supplies, handmade goods, and gallery space featuring local artists. They are known for their hands-on experiences, including art and pottery classes, workshops, camps, and events.
PLACES TO EXPERIENCE
Terra Incognita, Old Clarkesville Mill, Miles Through Time, Pitts Park, Mauldin House, Soque River
The Old Clarkesville Mill serves as a hub of sorts for so many of our favorite Clarkesville experiences. We already mentioned a few of the shops that you can find at the mill, but it doesn’t end there. When’s the last time you went bowling? It had honestly been a while for us, and we had forgotten how much fun it can be, and just how bad we are! Clarkesville Lanes had us covered, though, with several well-maintained lanes, pool tables, games, and a bar with food and drinks!
On the Mill’s side entrance, you’ll find Miles Through Time Automotive Museum. Inside awaits a collection of automobiles and memorabilia that spans over the last 100 years, showcasing some of the greatest cars and most unique advancements of automotive history. The museum also changes frequently, with a constant rotation of exhibits so that you might see something new each visit.
One final recommendation while you’re visiting the Old Clarkesville Mill is to take a stroll down the Soque Greenway Trail. This quiet little trail stretches about a half-mile through a serene pasture on the banks of the Soque River. It’s a short loop, but a wonderful spot to just stretch your legs for a bit.
While the Greenway Trail is a fairly short loop, one of our favorite things to do is link it to a stroll downtown. There is a path that connects the Clarkesville square with the greenway trail via some of Clarkesville’s historic backstreets. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Mauldin House and its accompanying gardens. This miniature museum houses a ton of local history and artifacts, an 1800’s homesite, and a beautiful garden right in the center of town. Also within walking distance of town is Pitts Park. This quiet park on the river holds a walking path, playgrounds for the kids, a huge open green space, and a small stage. You’ll often find concerts, festivals, and other shows hosted here on the stage, and we recommend checking the city of Clarkesville’s pages to see if there are any events happening during your visit.
Now you may or may not be aware, but some of the best fly fishing in the southeast is right here on the Soque River. We’ve already mentioned traveling up Scenic 197 a time or two in this blog, but here we are again. If you’re an avid angler, it’s worth your time to go toss a line while you’re in town. Unfortunately, nearly the entirety of the Soque passes through private property, and you’ll need to find a guide for access to some sections of the river. However, there is a public access area right off of Hwy 197, a few miles North of town, that is still stocked regularly, and on occasion, you’ll be lucky enough to have one of those trophy trout drift downstream from the private waters.
If you’re looking for a spot to kick back with a glass of wine while you’re in town, we recommend checking out Terra Incognita. Terra Incognita is relatively new to the wine scene here in North Georgia, but it has quickly become one of our favorites. Nestled on a hilltop between Clayton and Clarkesville, Terra has some incredible views of the North Georgia mountains, and it pairs perfectly with their selection of local wines.
PLACES TO SLEEP
Glen Ella, State Parks, Dispersed Campgrounds
Now, for somewhere to lay your head. There aren’t a ton of options for traditional hotels in the immediate Clarklesville area, but you will find the beautiful grounds of Glen Ella Springs a few minutes outside of town. This stunning bed and breakfast is constantly regarded as one of the best in the state for its combination of serenity, mountain views, and enchanting grounds. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has won numerous awards and accolades. They have 16 wonderfully appointed rooms, an award-winning restaurant, beautiful gardens, and endless charm.
If you are ok with a 30-minute drive, the Lake Rabun Hotel is a great place to stay with nicely appointed rooms and a wonderful setting within walking distance to the lake. Also nearby, there are campgrounds on the back side of Lake Rabun and Lake Seed, which offer lake access and ample opportunities for adventure nearby.
Moccassin Creek State Park is also nearby, with several options for tent and RV sites, a boat ramp, playground, and it’s right across the street from one of our favorite trails, Hemlock Falls. There’s no shortage of national forests or state parks nearby to pitch a tent for the night.
As with any of our online lists and weekend guides, please take this with a grain of salt, as there’s no way we can cover all of the places that make this town special. This guide is composed of people and places where we have had repeated great experiences, but it is far from all-inclusive. Just because a hike or business isn’t listed here doesn’t mean that we don’t approve of them, these are just some of our favorites. If you come to visit, please use this as a starting place and feel free to branch out from there. There are still many great spots not listed here, just waiting for someone to find them.
