Looking for the perfect weekend getaway with the guys? Head to Cherokee County, Georgia, where mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, local flavors, and plenty of ways to unwind come together. From exploring scenic trails and discovering hidden gems to enjoying local restaurants, golf, and laid-back weekend fun, Cherokee County makes it easy to pack a little bit of everything into one getaway. Whether you’re planning an adventure-filled trip or simply looking for a change of scenery, this three-day itinerary is the perfect way to experience North Georgia with your friends.
Friday: Arrive and Unwind
Kick off your Cherokee County getaway with an easygoing arrival and an evening surrounded by North Georgia scenery. On the way into town, make a stop at Big Door Vineyards, a picturesque destination featuring expansive vineyard views, a waterfall, and a welcoming tasting-room atmosphere. The estate offers a scenic place to slow down and enjoy live entertainment on weekends, making it a memorable introduction to the area. Afterward, head toward your accommodations and settle in for an adventure. A short-term rental around Lake Arrowhead offers a peaceful mountain-and-lake setting, while hotels near Bass Pro Shops put you close to shopping, dining, and many of Cherokee County’s outdoor attractions.
Saturday: Mountain Adventure and Local Flavors
Spend Saturday exploring the mountain side of Cherokee County, beginning at the Reinhardt University Mountain Biking & Hiking Trail System in Waleska. The campus features approximately seven miles of interconnected wooded trails, offering an active way to experience the natural landscape surrounding the university. From there, make your way toward Garland Mountain, home to Garland Mountain Sporting Clays, a golf-cart-driven shooting experience set among mountain-view courses with varying target stations each. Whether you’re a seasoned shotgun shooter or a novice, the courses offer the perfect environment for a memorable day with friends and loved ones. Expert instructors and shoot hosts are on hand for one-on-one or group lessons tailored to any skill level, and a full selection of premium shotguns is available for rent along with plenty of ammo for sale — so no prior experience or equipment is necessary. The newly introduced Garland Mountain Grill brings food and mountain views together in the foothills of North Georgia, with the Grill currently targeted to open in mid-October, making it a particularly timely addition to the weekend itinerary before heading back toward Canton. Wrap up the day around Laurel Canyon Brewing, a convenient gathering spot with local dining and entertainment. The Local Graze offers a locally focused experience centered around charcuterie, sandwiches, sweets, and specialty foods, or Nina’s Pizza Kitchen provides a casual, neighborhood-style setting for pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and a relaxed group dinner — and both deliver directly to Laurel Canyon Brewing, so guests can enjoy their food alongside the on-site drinks and entertainment.
Sunday: Tee Time and Head Home
Finish the weekend with a round of golf before heading home. Fairways of Canton is a great choice for a last stop, right on Laurel Canyon Parkway in Canton, so it’s easy to swing by no matter where your weekend adventures took you. It’s a public course set against the North Georgia foothills, with an on-site restaurant for a post-round meal.
Prefer something a little more tucked away? Callahan Golf Links in Waleska, is worth checking out with its 18-hole, par-72 course set in a natural North Georgia landscape, with sweeping views in a quieter, more rural atmosphere. And honestly, these are just two of the amazing golf options in Cherokee County, where there’s no shortage of good tee times to enjoy.
Once you’ve played your final round and grabbed one more meal, it’s time to pack the car and head home — taking with you a little bit of everything that makes Cherokee County special: mountain views, outdoor recreation, local food, and that unmistakable small-town Southern hospitality.
Stay nearby
Need a place to spend the night close to your favorite Cherokee County locations? Visit our lodging options to find your next home away from home. In addition, more information on all of the locations in Cherokee can be found at DestinationCherokeeGA.com.