Outdoor recreation along the Toccoa River in McCaysville
McCaysville is a small riverside town set against the backdrop of the North Georgia mountains. The Toccoa River separates the community from Copperhill, Tennessee, which is how the towns came to be known as the “Twin Cities.” Both are part of the Copper Basin, a former hotbed of mining activity. “It’s a very quaint little town,” says Audrey Whitehead, owner of Blue Ridge Real Estate with 30 years of experience. “It’s pretty unique because you can stand on a painted line and have one foot in Tennessee and one foot in Georgia.” With mountain ridges, rivers and creeks, it’s a popular vacation destination filled with outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, fishing and tubing.
Vacation homes and rentals above the Blue Ridge median
Rustic cabins and newly built contemporary log homes sit on multiple acres among rolling hills and woodlands. Many are advertised as second homes or vacation rentals, and some even come fully furnished. Buyers can also find cottages and ranch-style homes in town. The median price in McCaysville is $630,000, which is slightly higher than the Blue Ridge median of $610,000.
Adventure seekers enjoy rafting, kayaking and fishing
The Toccoa River turns into the Ocoee River as it flows north of the state line border. Adventure seekers can go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, while the southern waters of the Toccoa River are calmer and suitable for kayaking, fishing and tubing. Toccoa River Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and features a playground, a dog park, a boat ramp and a walking path along the river. Horseshoe Bend Park, also known as Ron Henry Park, is a popular spot for fishing, hiking and volleyball games. “The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway goes from Blue Ridge to McCaysville,” Whitehead says. Once passengers are off the train, “There are some restaurants overlooking the river and there are some little gift shops that you can go in.” Camping, hiking and swimming at Blue Ridge Lake is about 13 miles away.
Shopping and dining in the Twin Cities
Riverwalk Shops in downtown McCaysville has breathed new life into the tiny town. The shopping center was inspired by Ponce City Market, a mixed-use development in Atlanta built in a former department store. Burra Burra on the River is one of three restaurants and 11 stores in Riverwalk Shops and serves up American fare and craft beer. Tooneys Music Venue has line dancing and live music, while Twisted Tomato specializes in Neapolitan wood-fired pizza. Shoppers can cross the steel truss bridge to downtown Copperhill for more shops, restaurants and IGA for groceries. The Twin Cities Farmers Market was introduced in 2025 and runs from May through October.
Fannin County School System has CTAE programs
Kids may attend the Fannin County School System, which receives a B-plus from Niche. The school has three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, all of which are graded B by Niche. The high school offers nine career pathways through Georgia’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.
Year-round events in McCaysville
McCaysville has celebrations year-round, ranging from the Light Up McCaysville tree lighting ceremony and the annual Christmas parade to trick-or-treating on Halloween. “In the summertime at Horseshoe Bend Park, they have a bluegrass night on the river once a week,” Whitehead says. “They have a big Fourth of July event in McCaysville with a rodeo and fireworks. Blue Ridge has all kinds of festivals throughout the summer and fall.” During the fall, families can pick their own apples at The Folk Collaborative, an orchard and apothecary that also hosts workshops and classes.
Driving to Blue Ridge on Route 5
Route 5 is the primary thoroughfare to Blue Ridge, about 10 miles away. Blue Ridge Medical Center is the closest hospital. “We’re only 85 miles from Highway 75 and 100 miles north of downtown Atlanta,” Whitehead says.
Buyers should be aware that flooding is a possibility along the Toccoa River. The last major flood was in 1990, which damaged businesses and destroyed homes in the downtown area.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
