The other most commonly Asked Question We get
Once you’ve arrived at River Vista, you might choose to chill out by the pool or relax in the sauna. But if you’re craving a little excitement, a little adventure, or a little culture, our front desk is ready and able to recommend a whole host of things to do.
We have a million hiking trails nearby (this might be an exaggeration, but I’m pretty sure it’s a legit claim). Pickens Nose is a super easy beginner hike perfect for children which ends with an awesome photo op. It’s nearby the Coweeta Hydrologic Lab entrance where they study the water coming off the continental divide. There’s also a ton of waterfalls in the area. Mud Creek Falls, Bridal Veil, Dry Falls, Minnehaha, and Tallulah are very close. Tallulah Gorge State Park has an awesome interpretive center with a display of all things natural and geological about the area. Make sure to check it out before or after your hike around the Tallulah Gorge Rim. Alternatively, you can hike down to the bottom of the gorge and play in the river (make sure to get a permit first). Near the top is a suspension bridge with an amazing view of the falls.
Having a million hiking trails means there’s a ton of nature to enjoy, and we have a ton of ways to get out in it here. There’s boating on Lake Burton or Lake Rabun, Gem Mining in Franklin, NC, the ruby capital of the USA, horseback riding at the Dillard House Stables, Trout Fishing at Andy’s, fly fishing in any of our rivers. You can even book a falconry lesson.
If you want a little culture, check out the Foxfire Museum which tells all about primitive living. You can’t miss the turn for it if you’re on your way to Black Rock Mountain State Park (more hiking trails, scenic views, and a beautiful lake to walk around). Alternatively, you can check out the tours and tastings from Moonrise Distillery, RM Rose Distillery, and 12 Spies Vineyard. Be wary of the Fire on the Mountain Cherries from RM Rose. They’re really tasty in a glass of ginger ale, but they have POWER. They make a great hostess gift, too. 12 Spies sometimes has their pizza oven on. You can bring your own pizza and they’ll fire it for you while you sip a flight and listen to a musician. One of my personal favorite museums in the area is the Scottish Tartan Museum, in Franklin, NC which is way bigger on the inside and takes you through the history of Scotland. If you want something to keep the kiddos entertained at night, enjoy a wholesome night at the Tiger Drive In Movie Theater– one of the best ways to spend an evening. Seriously, when did you last enjoy a movie under the stars?
If you don’t mind a day trip, you can head west to explore the Bavarian Village of Helen, GA which has two famous hot air balloon festivals (June and September) and is close to Anna Ruby Falls in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Alternatively, go north and enjoy a day at Cherokee, NC. Take in the Native American Indian village filled with museums, crafts, and the special performance of “Unto These Hills”. If you’re feeling lucky, you can take your chance at the Harrah’s Casino. Just two hours northeast is historic Asheville, NC. I totally recommend checking out the Biltmore Estate with the audio tour when it’s decked out for Christmas. Finish the tour in Antler Village and enjoy a glass of wine around a firepit on the patio.
If you’re craving some extreme adventure, enjoy a zipline tour from Highlands Aerial Park who has the longest zipline in Georgia, or go White Rafting down by Bull Sluice (Southeastern Expeditions has awesome guides), or go for a motorcycle ride or scenic drive. Tail of the Dragon is only a short way away, and we have a map in our office choc full of motorcycle routes in the area.
With so much to do in such a beautiful, rural area, you’d think Rabun County would be fully developed. But no, our little area has been protected from becoming a super touristy destination like that of Pigeon Forge or St. Augustine. What you’ll find instead is a peaceful valley where you can rest and relax, and be involved in as many or as few events and activities as you like.
The decision is yours how you spend your vacation. Whatever you choose, we’re here to help you have a memorable, happy stay.
See you soon!
Sarah Ann