One of the most stunning and exhilarating road trips you can take in Georgia is the Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway. This majestic route is listed as a National Scenic Byway and offers scenic vista views, multiple waterfalls to stop and indulge in, and so much more.
Located within Chattahoochee National Forest, this byway consists of a 40-mile loop through some of the most breathtaking places northeast Georgia has to offer. All you need to do is hop into your car, preferably one with off-roading capabilities, turn up the tunes, and roll the windows down. This exhilarating day trip is about to show you all the best Georgia has to offer.
Here's a link to an interactive Google Map that will serve as your guide for this road trip.
We’re kicking off this trek at the highest point in Georgia - Brasstown Bald.
Clocking in at 4,784 feet above sea level, this mountaintop vista provides views of the state that are practically out of a dream.
Visitors can drive up to Brasstown Bald and park before hiking up the 0.6-mile paved foot trail to the Viewing Platform and Visitor Center.
From there, it’s nothing but unobstructed views as far as the eye can see. We recommend visiting Brasstown Bald any season, but it's especially beautiful in the fall, when you can look out on the sea of colors highlighting the best of fall foliage in Georgia.
It’s time to hop back in the car and continue your travels along Russell Brasstown Bald Scenic Byway.
Lose yourself completely in the towering timberland as you take in the rolling mountains and lush forests.
Or if you wanted to take a quick detour to the southeast before moving on, there's a stop that offers some ultimate off-roading in the Unicoi Gap mountain pass.
If you have a vehicle with 4x4 capabilities like the Nissan Frontier, it's time for an exhilarating off-road excursion.
Make sure to prepare yourself for the next stop on this Georgia journey that's to the southwest: a hike on the actual Appalachian Trail.
As you enter into Hogpen Gap, you’ll cross the Appalachian Trail, the famous 2,100-mile trail that travels through 14 states starting in Maine and ending at Springer Mountain, Georgia.
Even if you only get out of the car and walk for a quick 15 minutes on the Appalachian trail, you’ve still hiked a piece of U.S. history! Also, keep an eye out for a spot past Appalachian Trail parking lot for a special surprise. You’ll find an overlook point offering up majestic views of the interior of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Looking to dive headfirst into some more Georgia nature? Things are about to get pretty steep as you roll on toward Raven Cliff Falls in Raven Cliffs Wilderness.
The trail to Raven Cliff Falls clocks in at 6.6 miles and follows along Dodd’s Creek, passing through smaller waterfalls and forested canopies.
This popular trail is a great place to reconnect with nature; you can enjoy the sounds of a nearby creek while your take in views of the looming rock cliff outcroppings.
Eventually, you’ll wind up at the highlight of the whole trail, the cascading waterfall known as Raven Cliff Falls.
This 40-foot-tall waterfall slices through the cliffside before eventually spilling into a shallow area of Dodd’s Creek.
Your final stop along this mountainous trek is none other than the Bavarian-style dreamscape that is Alpine Helen, Georgia.
Though this tiny mountain town only has a population of 430 residents, it is Georgia’s third most visited city.
It’s easy to see why Helen is so popular. With sprawling vineyards, Bavarian-style buildings, and tons of outdoor activities, people flock to this small town to feel like they are walking the village streets of Germany.
A few of the more popular events that take place in Helen each year include the Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival and Oktoberfest.
And what better way to end this day trip extravaganza than with a little rest and relaxation, floating down the Chattahoochee River?
Thanks to companies like Cool River Tubing, you can shoot the river rapids with ease. Come "Shoot the Hooch" as the locals say, floating your way through mountain landscapes in calm currents.
So, what do you think about this incredibly thrilling Georgia day trip? If you're itching to get out onto the road and travel this scenic byway, we suggest you don't delay. There is nothing better than hitting the open road in the Georgia mountains and drinking in the fresh air as you cruise.
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