You’re driving from Atlanta to the north Georgia mountains. And you reach the city of Jasper. What are the best things for visitors to see and do here?
Here are the best things to do in Jasper, GA!
A Little About the History of Jasper, Georgia
Jasper is known as Georgia’s “First Mountain City” and has a rich history. It’s other nickname is the “Marble Capital of Georgia” because of the vast marble mining industry.
The land was inhabited by the Cherokee and Creek peoples originally.
The city is named after an American soldier in the Revolutionary War named Sergeant William Jasper. The town was founded in 1853 and made a city in 1957.
Today, Jasper is the county seat for Pickens County, GA. And it has a small town atmosphere with under 5,000 residents.
The Jasper, GA Mountains
Jasper sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The southernmost stretch of the Appalachian Mountains range is also called the Blue Ridge Mountains.
These north Georgia mountains are amazing spots for exploring the great outdoors. There are dozens of amazing state parks, camp sites, and RV parks in northern Georgia.
And if you enjoy ATVs, there are some ATV parks locations within a 30 -minute drive of Jasper.
Top Things to Do in Jasper GA
Jasper is a great place to experience everything from local vineyards to historic sites! Here are some of my favorite things about Georgia’s First Mountain City.
1. Explore, Hike, and Go Birdwatching at Mount Oglethorpe
Explore the mountains of north Georgia! Eagle’s Rest Park is a great mountain retreat on Mount Oglethorpe.
It is one of southernmost peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And it’s known for some amazing hiking trails!
There are three trails that are all beginner-friendly.
- Eagle’s Rest Trail: A .5 mile trail with an easy rating.
- Oglethorpe Mt. Trail: 1.8-mile trail with an easy rating.
- Grassy Knob Vista Trail: 1.3-mile trail through the woods
There’s also great bird watching! Observe everything from the Eastern Bluebird to the Scarlett Tanager and Yellow Bellied Sapsucker.
Location: 7315 Monument Rd, Jasper, GA 30143
2. Visit Jasper Sites on the National Register of Historic Places
Pickens County has seven sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Three of these are technically in Jasper.
These are great spots for history buffs!
Historic Tate House in Jasper, GA
The Tate House is a mansion made from pink and white marble! It’s also known as the “pink palace” because of its rare pink marble.
The house was completed in 1928. The home and gardens have been restored over the years. Today, you can tour the grounds or book it as a wedding venue or event center.
Link to Tate House
Location
Pickens County Jail in Jasper, GA
This two-story jail is also made from local marble, which is quite uncommon!
3. Wine Tasting and Vineyards in Jasper
Visit a Jasper vineyard and enjoy local flavors of wine! There are three different ones to choose from!
Sharp Mountain Vineyards
Website for Sharp Mountain Vineyards
Location: 110 Rathgeb Trail, Jasper, GA 30143
Fainting Goats Vineyward & Winery
Website for Fainting Goats Vineyard & Winery
Location: 201 Vineyard Wy, Jasper, GA 30143
Cairn View Winery
Location: 299 Happy Trails Wy, Jasper, GA 30143
4. Stay at the Woodbridge Inn, Dine at Woodbridge Tavern
Woodbridge Inn has a rich tradition and has been in business since 1880! This historic inn is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
There are 16 unique rooms to choose from for your stay!
The restaurant has amazing Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner menus. The food is American-style. You can find everything from pecan-crusted trout to cuban sandwiches and fried green tomatoes.
Location: 44 Chambers St, Jasper, GA 30143
5. See Live Music at Rocco’s Pub
If you want to see a concert, Jasper has several venues! Rocco’s Pub is one of the most popular.
In addition to the burgers and beers, they have a wide variety of musical artists perform throughout the month!
Location: 47 Mountainside Village Pkwy, Jasper, GA 30143
6. See a Show at Tater Patch Community Theater
The Tater Patch Players were founded in 1977! They have several live shows and plays you can see during the year!
Some of their most recent have been:
- Wild Women of Winedale (2022)
- Steel Magnolias (2023)
- The Guys by Anne Nelson (September 2023)
Website for Tater Patch Community Theater
Location: 95 Philadelphia Ln, Jasper, GA 30143
7. Walk through Historic Downtown Jasper
Explore the food, shops, and art in downtown Jasper! Some of the most popular spots are:
Restaurants in Downtown Jasper
- Old Mulehouse
- Mari Mari Treats
- First Mountain Tasting Room
- Pendley Creek Brewing
- LC Tacos
- I Love NY Pizza
- Lollidrops Sweet Shoppe
- Red Bean Coffee
- Carriage House
- Sharptop Distilling
Shopping in Downtown Jasper
- Daisy Boutique
- Jasper Drug
- Clock Tower Gifts
- Designs on Main
- Bad Donkey Studio
- Honeysuckle Florist and Gifts
And during the summer there are concerts and live music on Main Street downtown! Check out the Website for Jasper Downtown Live to learn more!
8. Attend the Annual Georgia Marble Festival
If you come during the fall you can attend the Annual Georgia Marble Festival! The event is typically held in the Fall.
And the 2023 Georgia Marble Festival in Jasper takes place from October 7 – 8, 2023.
There’s a lot of activities and learning:
- tour some of the largest open pit marble quarries in the world
- view artwork by local artisans at the art show (marble sculptors, wood workers, handmade clothing)
- local foods (food vendors to people selling homemade jams)
- parade
- 5k run/walk
- tshirts and souvenirs and much more!
It’s also very kid-friendly. There’s a kid zone with activities like:
- hay maze
- balloon animals and face painting
- inflatables and inflatable slides
- bounce castles
- games like corn hole and ring toss
- and more!
Website for Georgia’s Marble Festival on Pickens County Chamber of Commerce
9. Head to the Visitors Center of Pickens County
Go to the Visitors Center if you want some great information on things to see and do in Jasper!
Their friendly staff can tell you all about the best spots to eat and shop. Also, you can learn more about Jasper, Pickens County, and the marble industry!
Location:500 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Jasper, GA 30143
10. Go Horseback Riding at Bent Tree Stables
Bent Tree Stables takes you on a trail ride with breathtaking mountain views! Some basic information on the rides:
- They can accompany groups of 5-7 people
- The trail rides are 1-3 hours depending on which trail you take
- You can get great mountain vista views of Sharptop Mountain and Lake Tamarack
To reserve a ride, call 706-692-6322.
Website for Bent Tree Stables Trail Rides
Location: 40 Little Pine Mountain Rd, Jasper, GA 30143
Stay at Vacation Rentals in Jasper, GA
If you want to stay the weekend or longer, there’s lots of options too! Get a Jasper cabin rental, look at the best hotels, or stay at a vacation rentals with amenities like hot tubs.
Conclusion to Best Things to Do in Jasper GA
Jasper is just a short drive north of Atlanta. And it’s got the perfect backdrop of mountain view before the Appalachian Trail.
Be sure to visit and learn more about this charming place in the Peach State!
FAQ
How far is Jasper from Atlanta GA?
Jasper is 61 miles north of Atlanta, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.
Is Jasper Georgia in the mountains?
Yes, Jasper, Georgia sits at the foothills of the southern Appalachian mountains.
What mountain range is Jasper in?
Jasper is in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which is part of the Appalachian Mountain range.
Why is Jasper called First mountain City?
Jasper is called the “First Mountain City” because of it’s history of both mountain tourism and marble mining in north Georgia, which dates back to the 1800s.
What is Jasper GA famous for?
Jasper GA is famous for its marble mining industry, small town charm, vineyards, and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What is the history of Jasper GA?
Jasper GA was originally land inhabited by the Cherokee and Creek peoples. Jasper was founded as a town in 1853 and designated a city in 1957.
Why is Jasper called Jasper?
Jasper is called Jasper because it’s named after the American Revolutionary War hero named Sergant William Jasper.
What movie is being filmed in Jasper GA?
Several movies have been filmed in Jasper, with the most recent being Pieces of Her (2022).
Is Jasper Georgia a nice place to live?
With a small town charm, vibrant downtown scene, and easy access to the mountains, Jasper is a nice place to live.
Does Georgia have the Appalachian Mountains?
Yes, Georgia has the Blue Ridge Mountains which are a part of the Appalachian Mountains.
My Favorite Tools for Planning a Trip
Hotels
Booking.com. They have great deals and free cancellation usually.
Vacation Rentals
VRBO. I have been both a guest and renter for VRBO. 20+ experiences over the years. All great.
Experiences
Viator. I’m newer to this, but it’s a great spot to get ideas or discounted tickets.
