Discover the boreal forest, Red and White pines, Paper Birch, Big-tooth Aspen, hayfields, Mississippi River, 400 lakes within a 50-mile radius, and many stores.
The Great River Road (GRR) stars in Lake Itasca State Park, Minnesota. Driving through Minnesota on the GRR takes you past the northern boreal forest, hayfields and tree farms, running along the Mississippi River. Farther south, the Big-tooth Aspen, the Red and White pines, and Paper Birch fade away as more and more farms make up the scenery.
Next you’ll travel through Bemidji on your way to Grand Rapids, traveling through the backcountry, crossing U.S. 2 two times. The road touches the shores of 6 lakes, crossing the Mississippi 8 times. There are a number of nice resorts that can’t be seen from the highway. Just remember, they won’t be luxurious, but minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers abound for those who must fish. South of Grand Read more . . .
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.