ABOUT THE AREA – Bluffs at Carters Lake

ABOUT THE AREA & THE PROPERTY

Welcome To Ellijay!

This prime property is the quintessential blend of natural beauty, rich history, outdoor adventure, and southern charm. Known as Georgia’s Apple Capital and a mountain biking haven, historic Ellijay, GA, sits where the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers come together as the Coosawattee River. Just a short drive from the crystal-clear waters of Carters Lake, this area offers outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities to explore mountains, rivers, and trails. The nearby Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest provides additional opportunities for adventure amidst lush landscapes.

Ellijay’s historic downtown is a treasure trove of unique boutiques, antique shops, and inviting eateries. Local wineries, such as Engelheim Vineyards and Cartecay Vineyards, offer tastings of award-winning wines in picturesque settings. Whether you seek a private retreat or an outdoor playground, this land connects you to the best of both realities. This is more than land—it’s your gateway to living the River Life!

About Your Future Property

This private, gated retreat offers paved road access, underground utilities, and a peaceful setting just minutes from Carters Lake. It’s perfect for a weekend escape, full-time living, or a smart long-term investment. With light, common-sense protections in place, you can build, camp, bring your RV, or simply enjoy the land — all without the feel of a crowded neighborhood.

Just minutes from town, this hidden getaway offers the rare combination of easy access and genuine seclusion. Once you arrive, you’ll feel a world away. The property is carefully laid out to give you space and breathing room — no crowded lots, no close neighbors. With mountain views all around and Carters Lake just down the road, this is the kind of land that’s getting harder to find — a place where you can truly make it your own.

What You’ll Discover in the Natural Beauty Beyond Your Land

Rich Mountains

This range runs just northeast of Ellijay includes Rich Mountain Wilderness and Rich Mountain Bald. Elevations exceed 4,000 ft, and it forms a massive, forested ridgeline. You’ll see this range clearly on clear days from high-elevation lots.

Cohutta Mountains

This range lie northwest of Ellijay, stretching into the Chattahoochee National Forest. Home to the Cohutta Wilderness, the area features rugged terrain and elevations topping 4,000 ft. These mountains form a remote, unspoiled backdrop visible from many ridge lots in North Georgia

Fort Mountain

Rises just west of Ellijay, anchoring the southern end of the Cohutta Mountains. It’s home to Fort Mountain State Park, known for its mysterious ancient rock wall and scenic overlooks. With elevations near 2,800 ft, it creates a dramatic ridgeline visible from many mountaintop properties.

Why Purchase Land?

Land is one of the most secure and rewarding investments you can make. Whether you’re planning to build, invest, or simply hold a tangible asset for the future, land offers unmatched long-term value. It’s real, lasting, and limited—unlike stocks or digital assets.

Who Buys Land?

Families

Build your dream home with space to grow, privacy, and peace of mind in a setting that supports your lifestyle for years to come.

Retirees

Secure a quiet place to retreat, a future homesite, or a legacy investment. Land is low-maintenance, stable, and ready when you are.

Investors

Land in the path of growth often appreciates faster than developed property. It’s a smart, infla– tion-resistant addition to any portfolio.

Builders & Developers

Whether you’re building a custom home or developing multiple lots, we offer properties with infra- structure in place, clear title, and high-growth potential.

Why Buy From a Developer?

Developer Pricing: Below-market rates with no middleman
Infrastructure Ready: Roads, utilities, and surveys often included
Financing Support: Land-friendly lenders available
Local Expertise: We know the market and growth patterns

How to Purchase Land

Down Payment: A 10–20% down payment is typically needed at time of sale. Come prepared to act
when you find the perfect fit.

Financing Options:

• Conventional Land Loans – Through our trusted lender partners
• Self-Directed IRA/401(k) – Use retirement funds with no penalties
• HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) – Leverage equity to invest in land

Ask About Cash Buyer Incentives

We often offer special pricing and closing perks for qualified cash buyers—ask your representative for
details!

Why People Love Ellijay

Ellijay isn’t just a spot on the map—it’s a way of life. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town has a big heart and a deep connection to the land. People come here for the fresh mountain air, the winding rivers, and the sense of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else. But they stay for the community, the culture, and the feeling that life doesn’t have to move at full speed
to be full.

Here’s what makes Ellijay so special:

Water Everywhere: From the whitewater of the Cartecay River to the stillness of Carters Lake, Ellijay
is surrounded by lakes, rivers, creeks, and waterfalls that feed the soul and invite adventure.

Outdoor Living: Hike in the Cohutta Wilderness. Cast a line in a trout stream. Paddle downstream
with the kids. There’s something for every kind of explorer.

Charming Downtown: With cozy coffee shops, antique stores, and local restaurants, downtown
Ellijay is full of character and mountain-town charm.

Apple Country: Home to Georgia’s famous Apple Festival and dozens of family-run orchards, fall in
Ellijay is something folks drive hours to experience.

Peace with a Pulse: Ellijay offers the quiet of country life without feeling isolated—close to Blue Ridge,
Jasper, and less than 90 minutes to Atlanta.

A Place to Breathe: Whether you’re building a cabin, setting up camp, or just getting away for the
weekend, Ellijay gives you space, freedom, and fresh perspective.

Top Local Favorites In and Around Ellijay

Whether you’re looking for adventure, a quiet morning, or a great spot to grab lunch, here are the places folks around here can’t stop talking about:

For Outdoor Lovers

Cartecay River Experience – Tube, kayak, or just wade into the cool mountain water.

Fort Mountain State Park – Scenic hikes, a mysterious stone wall, and mountaintop views.

Cohutta Wilderness – Pure, untouched forest for serious hikers and weekend wanderers alike.

Carters Lake – Known as the “Miracle in the Mountains” by locals, this clear-water deep reservoir, is surrounded by miles of hiking and bike trails, lakeside campgrounds, and stunning scenery.

Cartecay Vineyards – A perfect outing to visit one of the most picturesque vineyards in Georgia producing world-class wines using 100% Cartecay grapes.

Ellijay Mushrooms – A family-owned sustainable mushroom farm dedicated to the cultivation of high quality, tasty, gourmet shiitake & oyster mushrooms.

Area Boat Launches

Carters Lake is surrounded by several beautiful boat access points — all just a short drive from the property. The closest is Ridgeway Park, a well-maintained public launch managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Other Nearby Options Include:

Doll Mountain Campground Ramp

Two-lane ramp with a courtesy dock, restrooms, and full camping facilities — a great option for overnight stays or weekend

Woodring Branch Boat Ramp

Accessible via Woodring Branch Road, this site offers a two-lane ramp, courtesy dock, parking, and a scenic day-use area.

Outdoor Adventure

If you’re the kind of person who’d rather be outside than anywhere else, Ellijay delivers. This mountain town is surrounded by thousands of acres of forests, rivers, lakes, and trails—offering a lifetime of outdoor experiences, right at your doorstep.

Whether you want to paddle through whitewater, hike to a quiet overlook, cast a line in a cold stream, or take the kids tubing on a hot summer day, this region offers something for every kind of adventurer.

Life in Ellijay offers landowners a rich tapestry of outdoor activites.

Carters Lake

Carters Lake Marina

The Coosawattee River in Ellijay, Georgia.

The Coosawattee River is a 49.3-mile-long waterway in northwestern Georgia, originating in the city of Ellijay at the confluence of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers. From there, it flows westward through the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, eventually feeding into Carters Lake, which is formed by Carters Dam—the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River.

Ellijay serves as the gateway to the Coosawattee River, offering easy access to various outdoor activities. The river is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, with several outfitters in the area providing equipment rentals and guided trips. Fishing is another favored pastime, particularly in the stretch just below the river’s origin, where trout are stocked in the spring.

A notable feature along the river is the Coosawattee River Resort, a 5,500-acre community that borders both sides of the river for approximately 12 miles. The resort offers a range of amenities, including parks, nature trails, and recreational facilities, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.

In popular culture, the Coosawattee River served as the inspiration for the fictional “Cahulawassee River” in James Dickey’s novel “Deliverance,” which was later adapted into a 1972 film.

Known as Georgia’s “Mountain Biking Capital,” it boasts trails like Bear Creek and Ridgeway Loop, ideal for both novice and seasoned riders.

Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey and small game as well as many other forms of recreation.

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Amicalola Falls

The surrounding hills offer some of North Georgia’s best golfing, with scenic courses carved into the lush mountain terrain — the perfect way to spend a cool morning before a lazy afternoon on the river. And after a day of reeling in trophy trout or chasing waterfalls, Ellijay’s vibrant dining scene is ready to refuel you, with everything from farm-to-table feasts to cozy, chef-driven gems tucked away downtown.

Blue Ridge Lake (28 minutes from Ellijay)

Bursting with crisp mountain air, rolling orchards, and the sweet scent of ripe apples, Ellijay is known as the “Apple Capital of the South”. Whether you’re here for the famous Georgia Apple Festival, farm fresh cider, or an unforgettable fall adventure, Ellijay serves up small-town magic with big flavor.

More to Explore: Vineyards, Microbrews, and Wildlife!

Plenty of great boutique shops to check out!

Ellijay has it’s own brew! Cartecay River Brewing Co.

Wildlife & Exploration

Ellijay is a birdwatcher’s paradise teeming with avian diversity. From the serene shores of Carters Lake—where bald eagles, osprey, and wood ducks glide above the water—to the lush trails of Rich Mountain Wilderness and Harrison Park, the region offers a symphony of bird calls and vibrant plumage.

Whether you’re an avid birder or a curious newcomer, Ellijay’s scenic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting everything from colorful warblers to majestic raptors. So grab your binoculars and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that makes Ellijay a must visit destination for bird enthusiasts.

Ellijay, GA, is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both natural beauty and intriguing history.

For panoramic vistas, the Cohutta Overlook offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains . Adventurers can delve into the region’s subterranean wonders by visiting nearby caves, such as those highlighted in North Georgia’s top spelunking spots.

If you’re intrigued by the paranormal, the area boasts haunted locations like the Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega, rich with ghostly tales linked to its storied past. Additionally, scattered throughout the countryside are abandoned structures and ghost towns that whisper stories of bygone eras, perfect for those looking to uncover the secrets of Ellijay’s past.

Fishing Paradise

Ellijay, Georgia, is a premier destination for anglers, of- fering world-class fishing opportunities in its rivers and lakes. The area boasts abundant trout populations, including rainbow and brown trout, in pristine waters like the Cartecay and Ellijay Rivers . Carters Lake, the deepest lake in Georgia, is renowned for trophy-sized striped bass, walleye, and spotted bass . Whether you’re fly fishing in tranquil streams or casting lines in expansive lakes, Ellijay provides diverse and rewarding experiences for fishing enthusiasts.

Lifestyle & Community Vibe

In Ellijay, creativity flows as freely as the rivers. The downtown district is dotted with charming boutiques, rustic antique shops, and studios showcasing the works of local artisans. From handcrafted pottery to vintage treasures, there’s always something unique to discover on a weekend stroll through town.

Café culture is alive and well here—cozy coffee shops and locally owned restaurants serve up Southern comfort with a modern twist. Whether you’re sipping a slow-roasted brew on a crisp morning or enjoying wood-fired pizza and local wine in the evening, Ellijay’s culinary scene is full of small-town soul and big flavor.

The area comes alive in the fall, when Ellijay earns its title as the “Apple Capital of Georgia.” Apple orchards like Reece’s, Hillcrest, and Ott Farms burst with families picking fresh fruit, sipping cider, and soaking up mountain views. Nearby Cartecay Vineyards offers a truly original organic wine made with the Cartecay grape.

Nothing brings the community together like the Gilmer County Apple Festival. Held each October, it draws thousands of visitors and showcases local food, crafts, music, and down-home charm. Seasonal festivals like this infuse Ellijay with an irresistible, small-town energy year-round.

Living in Ellijay means embracing cabin culture—waking up to misty mountain views, cozying up by a wood-burning stove, and sipping coffee on a scenic deck while deer pass below. The life- style is equal parts rustic relaxation and vibrant community, with weekly farmers markets adding flavor and authenticity to life in the North Georgia mountains.