Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Rabun County, Georgia's northeastern most county, claims the title to the state's Farm-to-Table Capital and five Best Chef America award recipients. But with three state parks, rivers, lakes, trails and more than two dozen waterfalls, resorts, golf courses, four wineries and two distilleries, there is so much more to discover in this mountain paradise.

Rabun County's designation as Georgia's Farm-to-Table Capital is well-earned. The county's mountain climate, rich soil, and agricultural heritage have produced a community of farmers and chefs who are deeply committed to local sourcing and seasonal cooking.

The county's restaurants celebrate the bounty of the surrounding mountains — wild ramps and morels in spring, heirloom tomatoes and corn in summer, apples and root vegetables in fall. The chefs who have earned national recognition here have done so by honoring these ingredients and the farmers who grow them.

Rabun County is home to some of Georgia's most spectacular waterfalls. Tallulah Gorge State Park features a dramatic 1,000-foot deep gorge carved by the Tallulah River, with hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and the gorge floor. Amicalola Falls — the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi — is just a short drive away.

The Chattooga River, which forms the county's eastern border with South Carolina, is one of the Southeast's premier whitewater rivers. The river's upper sections offer excellent trout fishing, while the lower sections provide thrilling Class III-V rapids for kayakers and rafters.

Rabun County's four wineries and two distilleries reflect the region's growing reputation as a craft beverage destination. The mountain climate is surprisingly well-suited to viticulture, and the local wineries produce distinctive wines that reflect the terroir of the southern Appalachians.

For more information, visit explorerabuncounty.com.