Hike in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Bavarian village, breathtaking twin waterfalls, and mountain views.
This is indeed a picturesque byway that rings through the Chattahoochee National Forest, heading up to the highest peak in Georgia. The drive departs from the village of Helen, a former sawmill town that’s been reinvented as a Bavarian village with German-style shops, inns, and restaurants. From Helen, head north on Rte. 17/75 which hugs the shores of the Chattahoochee River at the southern end of the forest.
In Robertstown, a 3-mile detour on Rte. 356 takes you through the wilderness of the Unicoi State Park and some twelve miles of hiking trails. Just a little farther up Smith Creek Road is Anna Ruby Falls, where a paved trail advances to a breathtaking twin waterfall. Back on Rte. 17/75, the drive climbs to the Unicon Gap, which crosses the Appalachian Trail. The High Shoals Scenic Area features a 1.2-mile trail winding past High Shoals and Blue Hole Falls. Back on the road, head left onto Rte. 180 for a climb to the lower slopes of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point. Follow Rte. 180, spur for a view of the actual bald, a treeless portion at the summit. The 4,787-foot summit, accessible on foot or by shuttle, features a visitor’s center and breathtaking views of green mountains stretching into the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Back on Rte. 180, the drive zigzags through the spectacular Blue Ridge country. At Rte. 348, turn left onto the Richard Russell Scenic Byway, ascending up to Hogpen Gap and Tesnatee Gap at the top of the Blue Ridge Divide. Heading back down, the Raven Cliffs Wilderness offers commanding views of the back country. At Dukes Creek Falls, a short trail heads to an observation platform. Head left just past the falls and turn back onto Rte. 75A, which leads you back to Helen.
Starting Point:
Helen, GA
Distance of Drive:
49 Miles
Must Eat:
Mamie’s Kitchen
Main St. South, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: 706-878-3438
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Best Peach Cobbler around
Best Time of Year for Drive:
All seasons
Points of Interest on Drive:
Unicon Gap
High Shoals Falls
Anna Ruby Falls
Chattahoochee National Forest
Blue Ridge Divide
Brasstown Bald
Unicoi State Park
Tagged with: best time:yearround • forest • Georgia • mountains
Filed under: Best Road Trips