Discover Cornelia, GA

Where Tradition Meets the Mountains.

Welcome to Cornelia – A Sweet Slice of Georgia Life

Tucked into the foothills of Northeast Georgia, Cornelia is a small town with big character. Visitors are greeted by the iconic Big Red Apple—a proud symbol of the town’s agricultural roots—and invited to explore a community that blends history, charm, and mountain views.

Stroll through the historic train depot and museum, climb Chenocetah Tower for sweeping scenery, or spend the afternoon discovering shops, murals, and local flavor downtown. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, Cornelia offers a peaceful getaway with a story to tell.

Explore

the scenic beauty of the North Georgia foothills

Enjoy

our small town charm and southern hospitality

& Visit

iconic landmarks that tell our town’s story

30 Second Trailer

Elevation

City Founded

Population

Stevensville, MT

Things To Do in Cornelia, GA

Cornelia is full of sights that tell a story—from the towering Big Red Apple to the scenic views at Chenocetah Tower. Step back in time at the Historic Train Depot & Museum, then take a stroll through downtown to explore colorful murals and local shops. Whether you’re here for the history, the views, or the small-town charm, there’s something special waiting around every corner.

The Big
Red Apple

Snap a photo with Cornelia’s 7-foot-tall tribute to its apple-growing heritage.

Historic Train
Depot & Museum

Step inside a restored 1914 depot filled with railroad history and local artifacts.

Chenocetah
Tower

Climb this stone tower for panoramic mountain views and a peaceful forest escape.

Downtown Cornelia Shopping & Mural Walk

Stroll through local shops, cafés, and colorful murals in the heart of downtown.

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The Big Red Apple

Standing proudly in the heart of downtown, The Big Red Apple is more than just a photo op—it’s a symbol of Cornelia’s rich agricultural past and community pride. Weighing 5,200 pounds and standing over seven feet tall, this striking monument honors the town’s role as a major apple shipping hub in the early 1900s. Surrounded by a charming plaza with benches, flowers, and a small fountain, it’s the perfect spot to pause, take in the town’s character, and snap a memorable picture before exploring nearby shops and restaurants.

Loved seeing the Big Red Apple in small town Cornelia, GA! My friend took me here after telling me about it and it was great seeing it in person! There's also a cute little train nearby as well.

Maggie T. - Google Review

Historic Train Depot & Museum

Built in 1914, the Historic Train Depot & Museum is a beautifully preserved reminder of Cornelia’s railroad legacy. Once a bustling hub for the Southern Railway, the depot now houses fascinating exhibits featuring model trains, historical artifacts, and photos that tell the story of the region’s growth. Step inside to experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era, or admire the classic red caboose parked just outside. It’s a must-visit for history buffs, families, and anyone who loves the golden age of rail travel.

We stumbled upon this place after exploring Cornelia, and found it to be a very cool experience! Admission is free and there are a couple of rooms to look at with artifacts. It was relatively small and I think we may have spent 15-20 minutes there overall, but there were a lot of cool things to look at inside. Peter, the person working there, was very informative and had a lot of cool knowledge to share with us. They also have small souvenirs, and we got a magnet and a poster. I would highly recommend stopping in here for a visit.

Mar P. - Google Review

Chenocetah Tower

Perched high above Cornelia, Chenocetah Tower offers one of the most breathtaking views in Northeast Georgia. Built in 1937 by the WPA as a fire observation tower, this historic stone structure now serves as a scenic lookout over the surrounding mountains and treetops. The name “Chenocetah,” meaning “see all around” in Cherokee, lives up to its promise. Surrounded by peaceful woodland, it’s a favorite spot for quiet reflection, photography, and soaking in the natural beauty of the region—especially during fall when the leaves burst with color.

Gorgeous views. I ended up here as a stop on a surprise roadtrip and I was speechless.

Peyton - Google Review

Downtown Cornelia Shopping & Mural Walk

Downtown Cornelia is the kind of place where every storefront has a story and every sidewalk turn leads to something delightful. Wander through locally owned boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafés, each offering a taste of the town’s unique charm. Along the way, you’ll spot vibrant murals that celebrate Cornelia’s heritage—from apples to trains to mountain life. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind find or just enjoying the relaxed pace of small-town life, downtown Cornelia invites you to slow down and take it all in.

Additional Attractions in Cornelia & the Surrounding Area

Loudermilk
Boarding House

Unique museum with memorabilia from Elvis Presley and the boarding house that once served railway workers.

Nancy Town
Falls

A scenic, tucked-away waterfall trail near Cornelia, ideal for a quiet hike and photos.

Cornelia
Community House

A historic 1936 stone building used for community events, weddings, and cultural gatherings.

Cornelia City Park

A peaceful local park with walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a splash pad.

Annual Events in the Cornelia Area

St. Anthony’s annual events capture the charm of small-town life. Pioneer Days celebrates history with parades and rodeos in July, while Summerfest offers local food and fun downtown. In spring, the Fisherman’s Breakfast kicks off the fishing season, and April’s Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering highlights Western storytelling and art. These events bring the community together year-round and offer visitors memorable experiences.

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Historical Events of Cornelia, GA

Habersham County Established

Habersham County was created from Cherokee land and named after Colonel Joseph Habersham.

Arrival of the Charlotte-Airline Railroad

The Charlotte-Airline Railroad extended to the area, leading to the establishment of the town initially known as "Blaine."

Incorporation of Cornelia

Completion of the Tallulah Falls Railway

The railway connected Cornelia to Franklin, NC, boosting regional trade and tourism.

Installation of the Big Red Apple Monument

A 5,200-pound apple monument was erected to honor the local apple industry.

Construction of Chenocetah Fire Tower

Built by the WPA, this stone tower served as a fire lookout and remains a historic landmark.

December 15, 1818

Early 1870s

1887

1907

1925

1937

Drag the scroll bar to view historical information.

Sources:

Habersham County – Georgia Encyclopedia
Cornelia, Georgia – Wikipedia
History of Cornelia – City of Cornelia
Tallulah Falls and Gorge – Georgia Encyclopedia
The Big Red Apple Monument – Explore Georgia
Chenocetah Fire Tower – Wikipedia

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Dining & Drinking

Cornelia, Georgia, offers a diverse dining scene that caters to various tastes. For a nostalgic experience, Fenders Diner serves classic American comfort food in a lively 1950s setting. Those craving international flavors can visit Ruen Thai for authentic Thai cuisine. Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of brews at Community Brew & Tap, known for its cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Southern dishes or global flavors, Cornelia’s eateries provide a welcoming and satisfying experience for all visitors.

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Lodging & Rentals

Cornelia, Georgia, provides a range of lodging options to suit various preferences and budgets. The Hampton Inn Cornelia offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities, making it a top choice for travelers. For those seeking affordability, the Super 8 by Wyndham Cornelia provides convenient accommodations. Visitors looking for a boutique experience can consider the Fairfield Inn & Suites Cornelia, known for its well-appointed rooms and quality service. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Cornelia’s lodging establishments ensure a comfortable stay.