It's Time for a Georgia Road Trip

Fall is the most wonderful time of year in North Georgia, with apples ripe for picking, leaves at their peak, and crisp air providing the perfect backdrop for leisurely drives down winding country roads. Whether you want to hike to stunning summits, sip wine on a patio with panoramic views, or simply roll down the windows as you pass through the state’s brilliant scenery, these routes take you to some of the area’s most beautiful outdoor places.

Start in Georgia’s northwest corner, and follow winding roads that hug the western edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest from Chatsworth to Blue Ridge. Stop along the way for mountain hikes and sips at award-winning local wineries.

From Blue Ridge, take the long way to Blairsville, and experience some of North Georgia’s most enticing curvy mountain roads. Then, from nearby Hiawassee, wind through rolling peaks and valleys to Bavarian-inspired Helen, where Oktoberfest will be in high gear through the end of October. Continue through the forest to the charming streets of Dahlonega, site of the country’s first Gold Rush. In Georgia’s far northeast corner, explore the small town of Clarkesville before heading north to Dillard, taking in the scenery of deep gorges and mountain lakes along the way.

Lucky for you, there’s no need to rush and every reason to slow down and enjoy the ride. Take time to hike, picnic, shop, eat and take photos at some of Georgia’s most popular destinations this fall.