The mountain areas are rich with superior native and stocked trout fishing streams. Rome's Rocky Mountain Recreation Area and the Lock and Dam Park are two of the region's most popular spots for largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish and crappie. Sport fishermen come to Lake Allatoona and Carters Lake each year for fishing tournaments. These lakes also offer many recreation areas for boaters. Two stables in Blue Ridge area take riders along leisurely trails.
Beginners can take one hour horseback rides.
Overnight trail rides, day trips and pony rides are offered in Rising Fawn. Ride along the scenic Ellijay River on a 2.5-mile nature trail. Laurel and rhododendron thickets and their associated wildlife coupled with good fishing and some rapids make this the perfect trip for beginners and families. The U.S. Forest Service provides maps with suggested public campsites and entry and exit points on the river. The Cartecay River in Ellijay offers Class I, II and III rapids.