GOT A CASE OF CABIN FEVER? Well, we’ve got five scenic drives through North Georgia that will satisfy your wanderlust, while helping you remain a good citizen. All you need is a tank of gas, some tasty snacks, a good music mix and an appreciation for the beauty of North Georgia.
1. Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
You may want to pack a picnic lunch for this nearly 41-mile driving tour through White, Towns and Union Counties that traverses past scenic vistas within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Follow SR 75 South from Hiawassee to the junction of SR 180/348 South that rolls past mountain peaks and valleys of the famed Southern Appalachians. If open and willing to practice your best social distancing, you may enjoy stretching your legs around the 2-mile roundtrip hike to Duke Creek Falls or even a nature respite exploring the Appalachian Trail. For more information, click here.
2. The Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway
Traveling through the Chattahoochee Scenic Byway that spans from Cohutta to Ellijay will take you through the scenic beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest as well as several charming towns that you can wave to as you pass through or stop for takeout. Sites along the 56-mile byway include Prater’s Mill in Dalton, Fort Mountain State Park and Chief Vann House Historic Site. Make sure to add some apples to your picnic basket as Ellijay grows 600,000 bushels of apples each year! For more information, click here.
3. Scenic Highway 197
Winding through the backroads of Rabun County into Habersham and along the shores of Lakes Burton, Rabun and Seed, this picturesque journey between Clayton and Clarkesville feels like a journey through a majestic, magical forest. Pack a picnic—or your fishing gear—to rest a while or cast a line in Moccasin Creek State Park along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the historic Grandpa Watts’ Water Ground Mill on the Soque River, now a local art and gift shop called Mark of the Potter, which is a great spot for a photo opp. For more information, click here.
4. Toccoa Ranger District Driving Tour
Crossing Blue Ridge to Dahlonega and Ellijay, the U.S. Forest Service has produced this driving tour through the Chattahoochee National Forest to enjoy the trees and beautiful countryside. If you start in Blue Ridge, the tour will be a round trip of 102.4 miles. Click here for a self-guided Toccoa Ranger District Driving tour.
5. Four-Wheel Drive Tour Through Cohutta Wilderness
This 3- to 5-hour trip from Blue Ridge is for skilled, four-wheel (SUV preferred) drivers only, so be sure you are fully equipped for this wilderness tour. The road will take you through a thick hardwood mountain forest to a beautiful secluded lake, so be sure to pack your camera along with some chairs and picnic supplies for this adventure. For a Driving Tour Map, click here.
