Panoramic mountain views, romantic sunsets, sun-drenched lakes, and more await visitors to the North Georgia Mountains. For those looking for an upscale adventure outpost, to those seeking a quiet rocking chair overlooking a misty valley, use this guide to find the perfect accommodations for your next trip north. Here are the 10 best mountain resorts in Georgia.
Dillard House
Established in 1917, the Dillard House offers cabins, cottages, and an inn, each of which offers travelers, “comfort and style surrounded by natural beauty.” Located just south of the North Carolina border, on-site amenities include a pool and jacuzzi, fully stocked trout pond, horse stables, rocking chairs on all room and chalet porches, and a southern-style restaurant. Guests to the Dillard House have included famous politicians (Jimmy Carter), athletes (Larry Bird Johnson and Arnold Palmer), and Hollywood celebrities (Walt Disney), but no matter who you are, they treat you like an extended member of the family. Dillard
Historic Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant
A boutique hotel situated across the street from Lake Rabun, visitors find it the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, an adventure-filled family trip, or even a corporate retreat. Curated yet rustic rooms offer modern luxuries with a connection to the mountains you’ve come to enjoy. The on-site farm-to-table restaurant sources local ingredients for meals and cocktails, with a “casual and friendly” ambiance. Relax on-site at Historic Lake Rabun Hotel or talk with the concierge about boat rentals, horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, zip-lining, and more.
The Lodge at Amicalola Falls
Georgia State Parks have a more refined side, as evidenced by the Lodge at Amicalola Falls mountain retreat. Panoramic views of mountainous terrain, close proximity to Georgia’s highest waterfall, access to hundreds of miles of trail, The Maple Restaurant, and the new Mountainview Bar provide visitors with both freedom to roam and a comfortable place to return to in the evening. The winding road that approaches the lodge offers such regal views of your home away from home, that you may find yourself nudging the accelerator so that you can hurry up and get there! Dawsonville
Lake Lanier Islands Resort
On the shores of Lake Lanier, this 1,500-acre resort offers “stunning suites and family-friendly ranch-style Lake Houses to rustic campsites and splendid villas.” Your kids will remember it as the resort with a water park, but you’ll remember it as the resort with sweeping views, intimate on-site meals, and activities for any age group. With a rotating calendar of events from snow tubing, to beach bashes, to their Magical Night of Lights, any time of year is the best time to visit. Buford
Château Élan Winery and Resort
From its beginnings in 1981 with the planting of its vineyards, Château Élan has grown to a 3,500-acre luxury resort destination. Amenities such as the Spa and Wellness Studio, Viking Culinary Studio, winery, golf club, pool, and on-site dining offer the bonus of never needing to leave once you arrive. Whether you’re there for a wedding, corporate retreat, or family getaway, you’ll be booking your next stay before you leave. Braselton
Barnsley Resort
Set on a centuries-old estate, Barnsley Resort combines the genteel outdoor activities of sport shooting, mushroom foraging, and fly fishing with the creature comforts of upscale accommodations, a spa, and fine dining. Set on 3,000 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains, visitors immerse themselves in the perfect blend of an active day and a relaxing evening. Adairsville
Forrest Hills Resort
A family-owned resort, the owners have built Forrest Hills Resorts from the ground up, finding success by listening to their guests’ requests and by adding amenities such as all-inclusive packages, horseback riding, walking trails, and more. Additional reasons to go include fireplaces and hot tubs in every cabin, an adults-only candlelit Secret Garden Dining Room and the ability to book an in-room massage. For more adventurous types traveling in a group, the resort offers a scenic wagon ride to their river house for a cookout with live entertainment. Dahlonega
Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa
Described as “an oasis from the daily grind,” visitors enter a world of stunning golf courses, a luxurious lodge, mountain vistas, and well-appointed guest rooms when they visit Brasstown Valley Resort. Nestled in a quiet valley, the tranquility and quiet of Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa is renowned for allowing its guests to truly relax and unplug (if they wish!) Accommodations include lodge rooms, cottages, and for those celebrating a special occasion, a Spa Suite. Young Harris
The Ridges Resort
The Ridges’ mission is to make their guests feel welcome and at home. They excel at their mission, though their upscale accommodations, community fire pits, afternoon cookies in the lobby, and lakeside views may make it hard to return to your actual home. On-site boat rentals, a top-tier executive chef, and a customer-oriented approach make a vacation a bucket list must-do. Lake Chatuge
Valhalla Resort Hotel
While Helen is known for being a bustle of activity, just a few miles up the road is the quiet oasis of Valhalla Resort Hotel. Take in a day of hiking, biergartens, or tubing down the Chattahoochee River, then retreat to the resort for an evening of fine dining at one of several on-site restaurant options. Resort rooms, bungalows, and a villa all offer classy touches like Carrera marble vanities, rainfall spa showers, and plush robes, slippers, and linens. Helen
