1. Celebrate at Downtown Ellijay's Fourth of July Festival & Parade

Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a hometown celebration.

Downtown Ellijay's Annual Fourth of July Celebration kicks off at 3:00 PM with local vendors, family activities, and games for the kids. At 7:00 PM, the annual parade rolls through downtown featuring decorated floats, community groups, classic cars, and plenty of patriotic spirit.

Stick around after dark for a fireworks show that lights up the mountain sky.

Bring a lawn chair, grab an ice cream, and enjoy one of North Georgia's favorite Independence Day traditions. GET THE DEETS

2. Cool Off in the Water at Holly Creek or the Gilmer County Pool

July in North Georgia is made for swimming.

If you're looking for a natural mountain-water experience, head to Holly Creek in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This beautiful swimming area features clear, cool water, shady picnic spots, and plenty of places to splash around or simply relax beside the creek.

Prefer waterslides and diving boards over swimming holes? The Gilmer County Pool, located right in Ellijay, is a local favorite and a fantastic option for families. The facility features a splash pad for younger children, a diving well, a large swimming pool, shaded seating areas, and plenty of room to spend a hot summer afternoon.

Whether you're dipping your toes in a mountain creek or making cannonballs off the diving board, there are plenty of ways to beat the Georgia heat this Fourth of July weekend.

3. Hike to a Giant Tree or a Waterfall

Need a break from the crowds? Hit the trail and experience some of North Georgia's natural beauty.

For an easy, family-friendly adventure, head to the Gennett Poplar. This shaded, two-mile round-trip hike is suitable for most ages and fitness levels and leads to one of Georgia's largest trees. It's a great place to snap some memorable photos, enjoy the cool forest canopy, and reconnect with nature without committing to an all-day trek. BIG TREE DEETS

Looking for a little more challenge? Emery Creek Falls offers a more rugged, wilderness-style hiking experience. This six-mile round-trip trail follows a beautiful mountain creek and includes multiple stream crossings before reaching a stunning two-tier waterfall. On a hot summer day, the swimming hole at the base of the falls is hard to beat and makes for a rewarding finish to the hike. WATERFALL DEETS

Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk beneath towering trees or an adventurous trek to a waterfall, there's a trail waiting for you this Fourth of July weekend.

4. Go Tubing with Cartecay River Experience (and Grab Pizza After!)

Few things say "summer in North Georgia" quite like floating down the river on a tube.

The folks at Cartecay River Experience offer relaxing tubing trips perfect for cooling off on a hot July afternoon. Drift through beautiful mountain scenery, splash through gentle shoals, and enjoy one of Ellijay's favorite summertime traditions. CARTECAY RIVER EXPERIENCE

When your float is over, head just up the hill to Cartecay River Pizza Company for a well-earned meal. Their hand-tossed pizzas, cold drinks, and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect post-river stop. CARTECAY RIVER PIZZA COMPANY

Pro tip: Tubing is one of the most popular activities of the holiday weekend, so reservations are recommended.

5. Play a Round at 52 West Disc Golf Course

Looking for something active that's fun for the whole family?

The 52 West Disc Golf Course offers a challenging and scenic mountain course surrounded by beautiful North Georgia forest. Whether you're an experienced player or trying disc golf for the first time, it's a great way to spend a few hours outdoors.

Pack plenty of water and see if you can score a birdie or two. GET THE DEETS

6. Watch Fireworks from The Roof

Locals know that some of the best fireworks viewing doesn't happen at the launch site.

Head to "The Roof," one of Ellijay's favorite scenic overlooks, and enjoy panoramic mountain views while watching fireworks displays sparkle across the surrounding valleys. You'll often be able to see multiple shows from a single vantage point.

Bring a chair, a flashlight, and enjoy one of the area's best-kept secrets.

Seats go on sale TUESDAY, June 23, 2026 starting at 9AM!

Call (706) 635-7663 to claim your spot. (No voicemails prior to 9 am, no emails, no exceptions — first come, first serve!)

GET THE DEETS

7. Experience Silent Fireworks from the Bear Creek Overlook

If you love fireworks but not the crowds—or have a nervous dog in tow—the Bear Creek Overlook offers a unique alternative.

From this scenic mountain overlook, you can often see fireworks displays from neighboring towns and communities in the distance. The result is a surprisingly peaceful experience: colorful bursts of light across the horizon without the overwhelming noise. Bring a camping chair or watch from your car!

It's one of the most magical and underrated Fourth of July experiences in North Georgia. OVERLOOK LOCATION

8. Celebrate Early at Buckley Vineyards

Why limit the fun to just one day?

Buckley Vineyards is kicking off Independence Day festivities on July 3rd with a full day of live music, food trucks, wine, and fireworks.

Enjoy performances from Connor Priest and Tom Cougar Mellen Petty while sampling local wine and delicious food from Oma Margot's and Smoke Street Grill. The evening wraps up with a fireworks show after dark.

If you're looking for a festive celebration with beautiful vineyard views, this is a great option. GET THE DEETS

9. Spend the Day at Fort Mountain State Park Beach

Yes, North Georgia has a beach.

Fort Mountain State Park features a 17-acre mountain lake complete with a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and paddle boat, SUP, canoe, and kayak rentals. Plus mini-golf and a concessions stand!

It's a fantastic destination for families looking to spend a summer day on the water without heading to the coast.

Pack a picnic lunch and make a full day of it. GET THE DEETS

10. Catch a Movie Under the Stars

Holiday weekends and outdoor movies are a perfect combination.

You have two great options:

Movie Night at Harrison Park (July 3rd)
The final installment of the park's Indiana Jones trilogy will be shown after sunset. Refreshments, snacks, and free popcorn will be available, making it a fun family-friendly evening in town. GET THE DEETS

The Swan Drive-In Theatre in Blue Ridge
One of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, the Swan Drive-In offers a nostalgic movie experience complete with classic concessions and double features under the stars. GET THE DEETS

Either way, it's hard to beat a summer movie night in the mountains/