Natural beauty and adventure come together at Historic Banning Mills, which offers more than 5 miles of zip line. Photo: Bob Andres / bandres@ajc.com
1. Historic Banning Mills (Whitesburg)
You say, “Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg is a great place to get away from it all. The zipline canopy tour is the best I have experienced, and we love the big wraparound porch overlooking the gorge. Simply beautiful!”
2. North Georgia Canopy Tours (Lula)
3. Dahlonega
4. Blue Ridge
5. Rabun County/Lake Burton

Lake Rabun is just one of many scenic waterways of Rabun County. Photo: Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com
We say, “The unspoiled northeastern corner of Georgia is one of the state’s most gorgeous spots. The serene, picture-postcard beauty of Lake Burton, Lake Seed and Lake Rabun tops the list of reasons to visit this county at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
2. Blairsville/Vogel State Park
3. Lake Oconee/Reynolds Plantation
4. Savannah
5. Helen/Sautee-Nacoochee
731 comments Add your comment
Judson
October 22nd, 2010
2:12 pm
Love finding a great BnB in North Georgia and day-tripping out to the various natural attractions like Tallulah Gorge or Raven Cliff Falls outside of Helen. Loved Simmons-Bond Inn in Toccoa as a quaint home-base.
Tiffany Smith
October 22nd, 2010
2:16 pm
Historic Banning Mills…Hands down. The zip line canopy tour is amazing and the lodge is fantastic!
Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg, GA http://www.historicbanningmills.com
Emily
October 22nd, 2010
2:18 pm
Sautee-Nacoochee – Great cabins, B&Bs, Inns, Music, Art, Wineries, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Shopping, Great Restaurants.
RAQUEL BURT
October 22nd, 2010
2:19 pm
THE SIMMONS-BOND INN, BED AND BREAKFAST IN TOCCOA,GA IS MY FAVORITE! AWESOME GOURMET BREAKFAST, FRIENDLY STAFF AND VERY RELAXING. THEY REALLY PAMPER THEIR GUEST AT THIS BED AND BREAKFAST. CAN’T WAIT FOR MY NEXT VISIT!
Taube
October 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
I stayed at the Simmons-Bond Inn in Toccoa and really enjoyed the historical, Victorian-era house and furnishings – not to mention the delicious and hearty home-made breakfast.
M Simon
October 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
North Georgia Canopy Tours for sure! Had a great time with family.
Brian
October 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
The Simmons-Bond Inn in Toccoa
James
October 22nd, 2010
3:12 pm
We love to visit Historic Banning Mills in Whitesberg, Ga. The canapy and zipline tour is awesome. Great views of the trees at over 100 feet up in the canopy. Great hiking and fun for the family.
billie curbow
October 22nd, 2010
3:25 pm
love northeast ga. canopy zipling in lula ga.
Robert
October 22nd, 2010
3:27 pm
At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains you will find the beautiful city of Toccoa. In the city of Toccoa you will find one of the most relaxing places to spend the night … The Simmons-Bond Inn
Pam Allemeier
October 22nd, 2010
3:35 pm
Recently had class reunion in my hometown of Toccoa, Ga. It is at the foothills of North Ga and has many points of interest. Downtown in Toccoa is the renovated Train Depot which now is the home of the Military Museum. Also downtown is Sosebee’s hotdogs a landmark in Toccoa since 1921. Toccoa is also the home of the Barbecue Shack on Hwy 17 heading out of Toccoa toward I 85. While visiting Toccoa be sure to see Beautiful Toccoa Falls 186 ft high. Your stay in Toccoa will be complete when you check in to the Historical Simmons-Bond Bed and Breakfast. Me and 4 other classmates stayed with them during our reunion weekend. Accommodations were great, southern hospitality at it’s best. The breakfast was delicious and would definitely stay there again!!!!
jeanie mc
October 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
if you are in toccoa, ga. i highly recommend the simmons bond inn as the place to stay. toccoa does not have many places to stay—but this one is well worth the money. in fact, i think it was a good deal.
Karan
October 22nd, 2010
3:49 pm
Banning Mills in Carrollton,Ga. Great Place for whole family!
Kathy Ransom
October 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
If you’re looking for a wonderful getaway – there’s no better place than the Simmons-Bond Inn in Toccoa, GA. The Inn is a beautifully restored historic home located near downtown. Each room is wonderfully and beautifully decorated. I have been there twice – the first time was during their Taste of Toccoa weekend – not only is the Inn a wonderful place, but the Innkeeper Elizabeth is also an accomplished cook and cake decorator. The breakfasts were gourmet fare served in courses and it was wonderful! If I had opportunity to go there this weekend – I would go in a heartbeat!
Valerie B
October 22nd, 2010
4:03 pm
The Historic Banning Mills is our favorite get-away in Georgia. We have hardly any drive time and we feel like we are in another state when we visit this quaint, remote, yet close place. People drive from many surrounding states to get to Banning Mills, and we love the fact that we are only 45 minutes away. So far, we have spent 3 anniversaries at the Mill, and we are looking to spend more in the future. The food is fabulous!
Roberta
October 22nd, 2010
4:32 pm
Zippity do dah–zip lining– with North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula…have done twice now, with my husband and with my best friend…..the guides make it so fun, the experience and scenery spectacular and they took such great care of environment too. A total whoosh and blast and not something you do every day or weekend!
Patty
October 22nd, 2010
5:39 pm
It is disheartening to see people using this wonderful networking tool as an avenue for negativity. It is juvenile, irresponsible, and unprofessional. Those responsible should apologize for allowing themselves to stoop to such low standards.
Pam Wallace
October 22nd, 2010
5:45 pm
Historic Banning Mill has amazing zip lines. The lodging and food is wonderful. Only about an hour from Atlanta.
Juanita Howell
October 22nd, 2010
6:02 pm
Historic Banning Mills,
Take the tour, zipline and at the end of the day have a romantic dinner.
Stella & Bill
October 22nd, 2010
6:08 pm
The Simmons-Bond Inn is the perfect place for a quite weekend get-away. It’s located in Toccoa,GA.
The rooms are very comfortable and the inn keeper is a fabulous cook. The breakfast’s are a true delight.
Dr and Mrs Loren Zehr
October 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
If you want a secluded romantic personalized get-a-way, THE choice is The Simmons-Bond Inn Bed and Breakfast! What we thought was the breakfast was just the appetizer for the food that followed.
Everything was wonderful!
Phyllis & Carl Pail
October 22nd, 2010
8:04 pm
We recommend zip lining at Banning Mills. A wonderful place to get away.
S. Miles
October 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
Enter your comments here
Historic Banning Mills!
Lamar Barrington
October 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
Nothing beats the thrill of the zip lines and sky bridges at the beautiful Historic Banning Mills. they have a little of whatever you need to have fun and get away from it all. If you want you can bring the whole family. The great view you get while zipping over the top of the tallest trees and over the top of the mountain through the wooded valleys and down the creek. You get a birds eye view of it all. It was the best day my wife and I have spent together in a long wile and can’t wait to go back.
S. Miles
October 22nd, 2010
9:00 pm
Historic Banning Mills!
Carol
October 22nd, 2010
9:56 pm
Our ladies from Redeemer Lutheran just held our fall retreat at Banning Mills. It was the perfect weekend retreat. Great cabins, delicious food and a great view of God’s creation
Ken W
October 22nd, 2010
11:40 pm
So far I like Banning Mills. You can’t beat the romance of their little cabins and the fun of the ziplines! It’s just a nice place to chill without having to drive too far. If I can just get the wife to go on the Screaming Eagle.
SummerDayz
October 22nd, 2010
11:42 pm
Just returned from a retreat at Banning Mills….FABULOUS weekend and would definitely recommend.
Deanna
October 23rd, 2010
6:08 am
Simmons-Bond Inn in Toccoa
kelly
October 23rd, 2010
7:20 am
banning mills canopy tours was absolutely amazing what a view and what a way to step out of your routine
James
October 23rd, 2010
7:38 am
If you like to do something exciting and thrilling try Banning Mills zip line….it is for all ages and is a
true thriller…..especially if you have never zipped lined before…..also the setting and lodging is great…also a camp ground if you like camping…..I went in the spring but the fall must be the best time to go……with all the foliage there……
Jamie
October 23rd, 2010
8:53 am
Zip lining @ Historic Banning Mills Whitesberg, GA….truly a great time!!!
Adrienne Dowd
October 23rd, 2010
9:11 am
North GA Canopy Tours!!!!!!
Cheri
October 23rd, 2010
10:01 am
Everyone should fly through the trees and over rooftops at some point in their lives. Historic Banning Mills is a great place to zipline and relax in nature.
Becky Hartley
October 23rd, 2010
10:38 am
I vote for Banning Mills. It is beautiful, quiet, a great place to get away from the rat race. The owners are very nice people. They have great food, great lodging. They also have the longest, highest zip lines and the most zip lines any where. You can not go wrong when you choose Banning Mills!
Marcus and Leslie Montet
October 23rd, 2010
11:08 am
To all Band of Brothers fans, Toccoa, Ga. is a must see. The museum there is GREAT. Take a hike or drive up Currahee. The place to stay in Toccoa is the Simmons-Bond Bed & Breakfast. The innkeepers are fantastic! We can’t wait to revisit!
Dennis
October 23rd, 2010
11:09 am
Banning Mills, without a doubt. Beautiful location, great facilities and staff and the ziplines are incredible.
Ken
October 23rd, 2010
11:21 am
Toccoa – quiet mountain community – a nice weekend retreat about 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta. The Simmons-Bond Inn is the place to stay – a great bed and breakfast centrally located in Toccoa.
Christy
October 23rd, 2010
2:10 pm
Can the people who work for Banning Mills and North Ga Canopy Tours quit posting….we get it, these places are great getaways….
Laura Davis
October 23rd, 2010
2:27 pm
Historic Banning Mills Adventure and Conference Center! The canopy tours with zip lines to include the double screaming eagle are exhilarating fun with the most beautiful scenery! A fun family trip and/or trip with your friends! There is also a beautiful lodge and cabins to stay, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and a day spa with a lot of relaxing and rejuvenating services. I love the convenience to anyone in GA who wants to take a good weekend trip and it is such a well run, safe, and certified establishment. I recommend to all my friends!! The staff there is spectacular and I would go every weekend if I could! A must do experience for everyone regardless of any fears – you will quickly overcome and have the time of your life!
Eunhye
October 23rd, 2010
3:04 pm
We love God’s Country Farm in Blairsville, GA. Peaceful, relaxing and a whole lot of fun for the entire family! Unique hands-on experience the children can enjoy with the farm animals while staying there was just such a wonderful bonus. We loved the freshly-pressed apple cider, too. Yummmm…
http://www.godscountryfarm.com/
Tray Hicks
October 23rd, 2010
3:12 pm
Lake Hartwell for fishing, relaxing and enjoying the family.
Jean Badeau
October 23rd, 2010
3:16 pm
The Simmons-Bond Inn in Toccoa is one of the best B&B’s we’ve ever stayed in. Worth the trip!
Larry
October 23rd, 2010
3:18 pm
Hartwell, Georgia great place to get away from the real world.
Angela Morris
October 23rd, 2010
3:42 pm
Hartwell, Georgia! Enjoy a quaint downtown, local eateries (not one chain sit-down restaurant), and a beautiful, serene Lake Hartwell!
Bobby Cox
October 23rd, 2010
4:59 pm
NORTH GEORGIA CANOPY TOURS!!!!!
Kim
October 23rd, 2010
6:20 pm
We had a great time at the North GA Canopy Zipline tour this fall. We got to go on 12 zip lines and had a lot of fun. The guides were really fun, engaging us. Would definitely do it again!
Susan Holland
October 23rd, 2010
8:41 pm
Hands down, the best weekend was at North Georgia Canopy Tours zipling. Did it twice and will probably do it again.
Jen
October 23rd, 2010
8:48 pm
Great place to go! The Zip Line was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend making this trip.
Michelle
October 23rd, 2010
9:09 pm
Lake Hartwell…about 40 minutes from Athens. Small town, beautiful lake…Check out Sibling’s Restaurant while you are there!
http://www.siblingsrestaurant.com