Getting Outdoors in North Georgia with Toddlers

If you’re heading to Blue Ridge or Ellijay, Georgia with toddlers, there are plenty of easy ways to get outside and explore. Just north of Atlanta, you’ll find lakes, waterfalls, and gardens that make for simple, memorable family adventures. We keep coming back for both the scenery and those little moments — finding rocks in the lake, a stickbug on a sock, little hands full of blueberries — that make the trip feel extra special. Here’s a look at our favorite kid-friendly spots in the area.

Lake Day Favorite — Harris Branch Beach

Harris Branch Beach is one of our favorite hidden gems in the Ellijay area. Both of our summertime visits were quiet, with a beautiful view of the lake and occasional boaters.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly

The water is shallow for a bit, allowing for easy water play. Bring a few sand toys, let them scoop up rocks and chase the minnows through the shallows! My youngest easily spent 20 minutes trying to find his favorite rock (and throwing it back in with a splash!).

Timing & Logistics

• Harris Branch Beach is a part of Carter’s Lake (and run by the US Army Corps of Engineers).
• Entrance fee: $5 (cash, or tap-to-pay)
• The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is closed on Wednesday for cleaning.
• Try to arrive a little bit after 9AM (when it opens!). We’ve only visited on weekdays, and were either the first or second car both times.
• There are no real bathrooms (only porta-potties!).
• There is no lifeguard — so keep a close eye on your little ones!

Easy Waterfall Adventure — Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls is one of the top recommended hikes in North Georgia, and for good reason! The views from the base of the falls (and the top!) are both incredible.

Why Families Love It

The path is paved and shaded, and the waterfalls themselves are impressive! I was intimidated at first, thinking we’d have to climb all 425 stairs — but it’s doable without climbing any (see my parking tip below!). It was such a fun parenting moment when my daughter felt comfortable enough to lead the way up.

Practical Tips with Toddlers

• Buy your $10 Georgia State Park Pass online. It must be purchased same-day.
• Arrive early. We were there just before 8AM on a Monday in June and were one of 2 groups on the path and had the base of the falls entirely to ourselves!
• Park at the Reflection Pool. Follow the sidewalk past the left side of the pool to the paved pathway.
• It takes around 30 minutes round trip to hike up to the Amicalola Falls with toddlers.
• A hiking carrier is helpful for kids under 3-ish since the path is slightly steep in spots.

Short Scenic Hike — Fort Mountain State Park

While it’s a further drive, we’ve gone to Fort Mountain State Park three times with our littles (and even brought friends!). The Stone Tower Loop has the perfect combination for a hike with kids — beautiful paths through the woods, two interesting “stops” (at the stone wall and the Fire Tower), and amazing views at the West Overlook (if the weather cooperates).

Don’t forget to let the littles play in the leaf piles if you visit in the fall!

Trail Expectations

• The road up to the hiking area is winding and mountainous. Our child prone to carsickness got sick on the drive up.
• The Stone Tower Loop is about a mile, and took us around 1.5 hours with kids (ages ranging 3-6). We made plenty of stops and did have one slightly-epic meltdown.
• The path itself fairly easy, with some rocky areas and a few sets of stairs (but nothing the kids couldn’t handle!).
• A hiking carrier is helpful for kids under 3.

Tips for Success

• Use the bathroom by the parking area before the hike.
• Engage them on the hike. What do they see? Hear? Let them investigate that leaf or bug.
• Bring snacks! There are multiple picnic shelters by the parking lot that are for use (as long as they’re not reserved!).

Gardens & Gentle Walking — Gibbs Gardens

Gibbs Gardens, located just outside of Ball Ground, is one of my favorite North Georgia hidden gems! This privately-owned botanical garden is beautifully landscaped with a variety of plant species, from Japanese maples to water lilies to natural fern dells.

Why It Works with Toddlers

It’s a great way to get outdoors for a few hours, with paths that work well for strollers or toddlers who want to walk on their own.

We also loved pointing out what was in bloom, as well as the art throughout the gardens! The statues of children and whimiscal animals are always a favorite.

Notes for Your Visit

• Arrive early to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Gibbs Gardens opens at 9AM in the summer and is closed during the winter.
• There are a few bridges with steps (especially in the Fern Dell), so be prepared to lift your stroller.
• Skip the hill up to the Manor House if you brought a stroller. Between the summer heat, the gravel path, and the weight of my two-year-old, I genuinely wasn’t sure I’d make it up. If you want to visit that area with littles, I recommend babywearing!
• Plan your bathroom stops! Restrooms are in the admissions building and near the Manor House (where the old pool used to be!).

Berry Picking Near Blue Ridge — Mercier Orchards

While more well-known for apples, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge has u-pick options throughout the year, including berries in the summer! Picking fresh blueberries truly felt like a quintessential childhood summertime memory.

Toddler Favorites

There are two reasons our family loved blueberry picking at Mercier.

1. They let you eat while you pick! We’ve been to a few strawberry farms that are fairly strict about eating in the field. Let’s just say our two-year-old was in love with the fact that he could spend the whole time snacking. His little hands had blue stains for the rest of the day.
2. To get to the field, you get to ride up on a tractor! Think hayride + berry picking.

Know Before You Go

• Check their website for up-to-date u-pick information before you go! Late June is typically blueberries.
• It opens at 10AM, so arrive a few minutes before to pay inside the main building. Our 2-year-old was free!
• Use the restroom before you head out. They’re located in the back of the store.
• Bring hats, sunscreen, and water – there is limited shade beneath the blueberry bushes.
• Plan to spend about an hour picking blueberries at Mercier with toddlers. (I wanted to pick longer but the kids were done!)
• You might want to bring a cooler if you have a longer drive or plan on stopping in Blue Ridge after.

Building a Relaxed North Georgia Family Trip

North Georgia is full of easy ways for toddlers to explore and have fun — whether it’s splashing in the shallows at Harris Branch Beach, spotting a rainbow at Amicalola Falls, or picking fresh blueberries at Mercier Orchards. These simple moments are what make family trips feel special, even when the days are full of little logistics.

If you’re planning a longer visit, our 5-day North Georgia itinerary combines a few of these stops into a relaxed week of summertime in the mountains. Or check out our guide to five charming small towns in North Georgia to explore with your family.