Location

Why Big Canoe

The Indians called the mountains and valleys of Big Canoe “the Enchanted Land”. When the community of Big Canoe came to life, all who entered were awed by its natural beauty. Today, thirty-five years later, Big Canoe is still inspiring us with its beauty.

What a tribute to all of us who have helped build such a special place. The economic downturn has given us a reason to pause and reflect on how fortunate we are to be in a community that is still on course with its vision and fiscally fit.

The Big Canoe Property Owners Association creates value for owners and visitors via its adept management of amenities and delivery of exceptional customer service.  With over $40 million in assets, the POA has been judicious in maintaining Big Canoe’s facilities and infrastructure.  We frequently hear from visitors and owners returning to Big Canoe that it looks better than ever - another compliment to all of us.

We are unaware of another residential resort development that has had an active developer, Big Canoe Company, working jointly with the POA for over twenty-three years. A key to Big Canoe Company’s survival during this downturn has been its conservative management which includes zero debt. 

Why is a strong, healthy developer important to a community? Simple - the developer ensures that the community is current, fresh and viable. Big Canoe Company continues to invest in the community through marketing dollars, infrastructure development, neighborhood development, home construction, and sales of existing and new properties.  Recent show homes have included Atlanta Magazine’s Dream Home, the Street of Dreams, Cooking Light Fit House, Southern Living Idea House and the Bob Timberlake Show Home.
As professional developers, how we develop and build is our highest priority. The Wildcat and Choctaw Village neighborhoods are “Certified Wildlife Habitats” by the National Wildlife Federation. Our timber bridges have won national awards.  Big Canoe worked with U.S. Fish & Wildlife & UGA to study the effects of erosion on trout streams. For this we were named as an “ally in the quest for the protection of endangered species protection” in the North GA Area.

Conservation-friendly development practices come with varied labels these days:  Low Impact, Green Urbanism, Conservation Design, LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Infrastructure, Light Imprint, and others.  Many are talking about it, but few have practiced it.  Conservation development practices have been used for over 35 years in Big Canoe. As noted at the 2010 Georgia Planning Association Conference, BC was a conservation subdivision long before the term was even invented.
All homes built in Big Canoe observe strict guidelines as to removal of trees and natural foliage so our forest canopy is protected. Additionally, all homes built in Choctaw by Big Canoe Building Group, a subsidiary of Big Canoe Company, are Earthcraft certified and Energy Star certified.  EarthCraft House is a green building program that serves as a blueprint for healthier, more comfortable homes, which reduce utility bills and protect the environment.

While Big Canoe is in a perfect position to benefit from a carefully planned build-out, it is also in the unique position of being adjacent to two million acres of protected state and federal lands. The Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 28,000-acre wildlife and natural resource preserve to the north and east of Big Canoe. These areas are used for fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking and more. Part of the WMA is the Wildcat Tract (4,500 acres) that joins Big Canoe along its northern side. There you will find camp sites adjacent to the Amicalola River, six trails over varying topography and six sets of picturesque waterfalls.

North Georgia is blessed to have the Chattahoochee National Forest (CNF). Minutes from Big Canoe these 750,000 acres are protected for and available to you.  With over 430 miles of trails, there is a trail for every level. CNF includes over 2,200 miles of rivers and streams, of which 1,370 are trout streams. 

If the CNF isn’t enough, just over the Tennessee border is the 640,000 acre Cherokee National Forest. North Carolina offers the Nantahala National Forest with its 530,000 acres. All three of these national forests are quick trips from Big Canoe.

Even closer, just ten miles from Big Canoe’s North gate is the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge.  There you will find the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River plus an approach trail to the Appalachian Trail; the longest (2,135 miles) and most famous hiking trail in the world.

Want more? There are another 12 state parks/historic sites within 60 miles of Big Canoe.