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Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tipsDiscover the top ten attractions and events to enjoy in Georgia during July 2023, from ziplining to beach visits.
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This remote scenic drive in Georgia will take you through the mountains and end at a beautiful lake.
Sometimes, the best places are the ones without specific names and far from cell phone service. That is what you will find with today’s featured scenic drive in Georgia. Since it is not very known, it is the very definition of a hidden gem and it may take a little effort to get there, but it is very much worth it. I love these types of drives where it feels adventurous and exciting so pack up the car and get ready to head to the mountains of Northern Georgia.
Right near the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, where our journey begins. The specific drive starts in the small town of Crandell and then quickly whisks you away into the mountains. The road is an old forest service road and will take you up the windy mountainside for a little over 27 miles.
The road is a gravel steep incline, so riders should be aware of the recent weather in the area. If it has been wet, the road could be very muddy and difficult to pass with a low 2-wheel drive vehicle, but most of the time, the road is well maintained, and you should have no problem getting up the mountain.
You can’t have a scenic drive without some gorgeous scenery! So prepare for the feast for your eyes as you witness mountain layers as far as the eye can see. These are some of my favorite places on earth when you get to look out and just see nothing but glorious wilderness. Rolling beautiful lush green hills and mountains range on for seemingly ever, so prepare to get your breath stolen as you drive.
Once you are at the lake soak in the view, take a dip in the water on a hot day, or stay awhile. You can camp in the area if you love what you see and enjoy the place for the night. There are lovely hiking trails in the area and plenty to do in this mountainous getaway. You will need a reservation to camp at Lake Conasauga so make sure you get a spot before you head up the road.
You might not find this trek on any other lists while looking for a scenic drive in Georgia, but it is a winner. With gorgeous mountain layers to ogle, a sparkling mountaintop lake to enjoy, and a campground to stay in, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a weekend. So next time you are looking for a unique Georgia adventure, keep in mind the 630 Forest Road. It would help to have the AllTrails app to navigate where to go, including the hiking trails on top, so don’t forget to download your maps before you go.
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Explore various train trips in Georgia, highlighting destinations and the state's rich railroad history.
Day train trips in Georgia make so much sense as our little state is littered with train tracks. Our railroad history is rich and fruitful, and what's so wonderful is there are still trains chugging along to this day that take passengers and families on excursions throughout the Peach State and even beyond. Here are a few of our favorite journeys in Georgia by train for some inspiration for planning your next railroad adventure! Check them out.
With the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the first hour of this trip takes passengers to the charming sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, sitting deep in the picturesque mountains on the state line. Spend the two-hour layover eating, shopping, and discovering each of the town's quaint offerings. Then sit back and admire the scenery on the one-hour return trip through the forested woods and back to the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Check out the Blue Ridge Scenic Byway website for more information, including ticketing and hours.
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes you to McCaysville, you can actually wander into Copperhill, Tennessee, too, and keep the day trips coming. Once Toccoa Avenue turns into Ocoee Street, then you're officially in Tennessee, so you might as well wander a bit. Explore a variety of shops and art galleries, or grab a delicious lunch at The Copper Grill, fit with belly-filling sandwiches, fries, and burgers.
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a popular train in Georgia to take day trips throughout the state. The last stop of the Watermelon Express winds up in Cordele, Georgia, a city with a unique and intriguing military history. Known as the watermelon capital of the world, you can travel to Cordele via train and spend the day at the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, or grab a bite at any one of the legendary local restaurants. The summer ride coincides with the Watermelon Days Festival. Visit the SAM Shortline website for more details.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad has a 6-hour round-trip adventure from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chickamauga, Georgia, and back. You can explore everything the beautiful mountain valley city offers, including loads of cultural and weekend events. Explore the Tennessee Aquarium, or snag some scrumptious Southern food at Public House Restaurant. Take a look at the TN Valley Railroad website for information about tickets, hours, and more.
The SAM Shortline also heads to Lake Blackshear, where you and the family can spend the weekend fishing, hiking, camping, or staying at the lakeside resort. This day trip can easily turn into a much-deserved weekend getaway. Relax and unwind on the banks of the lake, and enjoy the magical sunsets and sounds of lapping waves. Visit the SAM Shortline website for additional information, and to plan your trip.
Did you know you can get to Tampa, Florida on one of the day train trips from Atlanta in about eight hours? That's right folks, you can take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Tampa. Soak in the sun and the warm temps, while also exploring one of the most relaxed atmospheres on the east coast. Make sure before you head back to Georgia, you grab a sizzling plate of pad Thai at Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple. Find a schedule of the Amtrak day trips on the Amtrak website.
From Georgia Veterans State Park Depot folks head out to President Jimmy Carter's charming hometown of Plains, Georgia, just in time for July 4th Celebration - Southern style. For further information on these train rides Georgia, visit the SAM Shortline website.
Have you been on any of these train rides? Do you think you'll take any of these trips in Georgia anytime soon? How about by train? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
If you're on a budget, try out some of these inexpensive road trip destinations in Georgia. And if you need some ideas, consult our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/inexpensive-road-trip-ga/
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