Lea & Brian’s Favorite Things near Big Canoe
Having lived basically our entire lives here in Georgia, we can tell you that there is much our state has to offer. We’ve enjoyed many locales over the years, so we’ve compiled a list of short trips we think you might enjoy.
Big Canoe Amenities
Big Canoe’s amenities are unmatched for Georgia Communities as far as in-resort amenities go.
Golfing
Questions/Reservations: 706-268-3323
- 18-Holes (includes cart fee) $120
- Driving Range $35/day
Click here for Course Conditions
One of the best courses in Georgia, Big Canoe’s 27-hole championship Mountain Course designed by Joe Lee has striking mountain peaks, rushing streams, and lush valleys. And these 3 Choctaw, Cherokee, and Creek 9-hole courses offer a wide range of difficulties to test players of all levels. Take advantage of the fully stocked pro shop, and work on your game at the practice greens and driving range.
Tennis/Pickleball
Questions/Reservations: 706-268-3367
- Pickleball Court $35/hr
- Tennis Outdoor Hardcourt $35/hr
- Tennis Clay Court $40/hr
- Tennis Indoor Court $60/hr
10 courts to choose from; 4 Har-Tru Clay Courts (outdoor), 2 ClayTech All-Weather Courts (outdoor), 2 Hard Courts (outdoor), and 2 Indoor Courts. 6 of the 8 total outdoor courts are lighted, and 4 are specifically designated for lighted Pickleball play. Our Racquet Club sponsors clinics, leagues and special events for couples, singles, youth and seniors year-round. Big Canoe was honored with a Bliss Award as the 2017 Best Tennis Community of the Year, by Real Estate Scorecard. The large stone patio at the outdoor complex has ample room and plenty of seating for friends and family to gather while watching Tennis and Pickleball players on the courts. There are even outdoor grills built in for your convenience! After the match, head into the on-site Tennis Pro Shop where you will find tennis-wear by Tail, Wilson, Prince, Boast and Head, as well as a full line of accessories and shoes, and a full line of head racquets. Professional stringing and racquet customization services are also available. For beginners, or those who want to improve upon their game, there are private and group lessons 7 days a week, taught by USPTA certified teaching professionals.
Swimming/Beach Club
Questions/Reservations: 706-268-3317 (Beach Club)
- Open Daily May 27 – July 30
- Weekends Only July 31 – Sept. 9
- Open hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Questions/Reservations: 706-2668-3880 (Wildcat Pool)
- Open Daily May 27 – Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Weekends Only Sept. 5 – Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
PRICING:
- Beach Club/Wildcat daily usage $20
- Wildcat Pool only daily usage $8
- Wellness Center daily usage $20
- Indoor Pool daily usage $10
From sparkling Lake Disharoon with a sandy beach to the 110,000 gallon free-form pool, The Swim Club at Big Canoe is perfect for lounging, lapping, paddling, and playing. Have fun with paddleboats, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, beach volleyball, picnic areas with grills, and our ever popular rockslide! In addition to the outdoor pool overlooking Lake Disharoon, Big Canoe has an additional pool for adults and children at the Wildcat Recreation Center. Located in the Wildcat neighborhood near our north gate entrance, this location has a 104,000 gallon pool and a kiddie pool with zero-entry and exciting play features.
Fishing/Boating
Questions/Reservations: 706-268-3303 (Marina)
- Fishing Daily Fee $20 (fishing license also required)
- Pontoon Boat Rental $100/hr (2 hour minimum)
- Kayak & Paddleboard Rental $20/hr
- Jon Boat Rental $25/hr
Big Canoe is home to not one, not two, but three pristine lakes–ideal for swimming, boating, paddle boarding, and fishing. Cradled by mountains and towering trees, our lakes are equal parts serenity and activity. Cruise out on a boat rental from our Marina on Lake Petit or pick a spot along the shore to cast a line. To preserve the natural beauty and ambiance of the lake, only electric powered vessels are permitted at Big Canoe. Lake Petit covers 111 acres. In addition to a variety of indigenous fish, Petit is well stocked with rainbow trout. Get all the gear you need from The Shack at the Big Canoe Marina. The serene Lake Sconti is perfect for leisurely fishing, and Lake Disharoon is the go-to spot for swimming and recreation. Lake Petit’s 1oo foot deep water is known for its abundance of rainbow trout with the average trout running about 2 lbs. Bass, bluegill, crappie and brim are also known to swim the waters of Big Canoe’s Lake Petit and Lake Sconti. Permits are required for anyone 12 or over prior to fishing and can be purchased at the Marina.
Trails/Parks
Free to use. Trail map available here.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely morning walk with your pup, a rigorous afternoon hike, a casual bike ride at sunset, or our one-of-a-kind, 1.6 Upper Jeep Trail, Big Canoe has more than 20 miles of trails abundant with diverse wildlife (registered with the Atlanta Audubon Society as an official Wildlife Sanctuary) and fresh mountain air – all within the gates of the community. And now you can explore Big Canoe’s award-winning trail network with our new trail guides. Big Canoe teamed with Atlanta Trails, the Southeast’s premiere digital magazine of hiking, running and trail adventures, to map, photograph and detail every mile of the community’s extensive, award-winning trail network. Each trail guide features detailed trail info, photos, interactive maps and parking information, to help you find the perfect Big Canoe trail and get the most out of each adventure. Winner of 2015 Best Hiking Community of the Year.
Fitness/Massage
Questions/Reservations: 706-268-3441
Click here for Massage Rates and Information
- Fitness Center Daily Fee $20
Big Canoe’s 17,000 sq. ft. Fitness Center features state-of-the-art cardio machines, free weights, Technogym strength training equipment, two indoor tennis courts, racquetball, and squash. And to top it off, there is a five-lane indoor lap pool with saline water treatment. But the best part of it all? Ending a workout with an unbeatable view of the lake and surrounding North Georgia Mountains. Big Canoe offers a variety of professionally led group fitness classes every day at the Fitness Center. Choose from step, yoga, water aerobics, Tai Chi, Pilates, Zumba, and more. Fitness director and trainer Steve Panetta can help you find a fitness routine that’s fun and effective. Need one more reason to go to the gym? How about a post-workout treatment from the full-service spa. Conveniently located at the Fitness Center, there’s no better way to relax and unwind than with a massage, hot stone treatment, or reflexology.
Nature and Parks
Hiking and views are great reasons to come to North Georgia. It’s a great use of time all year-round.
| Brasstown Bald Mountain | This is the highest point in Georgia with gorgeous 360 degree views, a museum, Theater, and even a Shuttle. |
| Vogel State Park | At the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. 17 miles of hiking trails, Campsites and Cottages for rent, Lake with sand beach and fishing, RV park, general store, and miniature golf |
| Helton Creek Falls | Upper and lower waterfall, not too difficult to get to if you enter by US19, just south of Vogel State Park |
| Springer Mountain | Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail, 1 mile hike from parking lot |
Attractions
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino | Pretty self-explanatory. Short drive from Blue Ridge, even shorter from Blairsville. Less than 30 mins. |
| Hiwassee Dam | Built in 1940 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, with beautiful views and picnic area |
| Capt’n Joe’s Lake Adventures | Fishing and Lake Tours on Lake Blue Ridge |
| Blue Ridge Adventure Park | This is a huge ropes course. You will see this if you’re headed into Blue Ridge from the south. A lot of fun, but check the hours before you heat that way. Its only open a few days per week. |
| Blue Ridge Scenic Railway | Basically a nice relaxing train ride that will soak up 1-4 hours of your relaxing day. Book tickets in advance. |
Skiing and Snowboarding
So this isn’t Colorado, or Wyoming, and North GA may not get any snow at all during the winter. But there are some places to check out for those committed to seeing snow:
| Ski Sapphire Valley | Family-oriented attraction with skiing, boarding & tubing on hills for all skill levels. It’s a 90+ min drive though, and be prepared to wait in line. |
| Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park | Child-friendly snow-tubing hill providing tubes & manmade snow (cash-only, no skiing or boarding). UPDATE 12/21 – website says this place is closed? |
| Cataloochee Ski Area | With eighteen ski slopes and trails, approximately 44% are rated beginner, 39% intermediate, and 17% advanced. Its top elevation is 5,400 feet above sea level, yielding a vertical drop of 740 feet. It’s the best option but also the farthest away. |
0 Comments