Small road trip around Atlanta - selecting route?

Question

Hi,

In a few weeks I will spend some time in Atlanta. During that time, I was hoping to spend a 4-5 days driving around to see different place. I would like to know if anyone have suggestions or comments to my inital thoughts about this:

What I'm thinking:

- I'm European, not previously been in neither Georgia nor US in general. Want to see both a big city like Atlanta, and to see more rural/small-town side of the state.

- Not particularly interested in "the tourist trail", but cultural and natural sights can be nice to see. Most important to find charming small towns to spend the nights.

- I've been recommended to head north of Atlanta, to see part of the Appalachian mountains. Places like Dahlonega, Clayton, Blairsville and Madison has been mentioned as examples of small towns to visit - while Blue Ridge Parkway and Russel-Brasstown Scenic Byway is mentioned for scenic landscapes.

- Does these examples make sense, or are there better suggestions out there?

- Should accommodation be booked ahead (I'm not that fussy, and flexibility has a value - but not if it would be a struggle to find accommodation on the day)

- Is Google Maps from a to z my friend, or are there any route suggestions around this area?

- Particularly good things to do along the way?

Answer

Your plan to explore Georgia over a few days sounds fantastic, and you've picked some great places to consider! Georgia has a rich mix of both urban and rural experiences, so you're in for a treat. Here’s some feedback on your initial thoughts:

1. North Georgia & The Appalachian Mountains Heading north is definitely a great idea. The Appalachian foothills are beautiful and have charming small towns with rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Dahlonega, Clayton, Blairsville, and Blue Ridge are all excellent choices. Additionally, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway are two of Georgia's most scenic drives, offering stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Dahlonega: A historic gold rush town, Dahlonega is quaint with a small-town charm. It’s also near several vineyards, and you can hike around the mountains or visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum.
Clayton: Known for its proximity to Tallulah Gorge State Park and Rabun Bald (the second-highest peak in Georgia), Clayton is great for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers numerous trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Blairsville: Nestled in the mountains, Blairsville is perfect for those who want to escape to nature. It's close to Vogel State Park and has great hiking options like the Appalachian Trail.
Madison: A charming town known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, Madison is a lovely place to explore Georgia’s historic side, with beautiful homes, local parks, and museums.

2. Accommodation Since you're not too fussy about where to stay but appreciate flexibility, it's generally fine not to book in advance if you're traveling in the off-season or mid-week. However, weekends or peak travel times may make finding accommodation a bit trickier, especially in popular tourist destinations like Blue Ridge or Dahlonega. In general, booking a few days ahead, especially in smaller towns, can be a good idea to ensure you have a place to stay, but for the most part, Georgia has plenty of charming inns, B&Bs, and motels to choose from.

3. Route Suggestions Google Maps will be helpful, but consider exploring some of Georgia’s scenic byways to get a more immersive experience. The following routes will show you a mix of both scenic landscapes and small-town charm:

The Georgia Mountain Parkway: This scenic route will take you through picturesque mountain landscapes, especially around towns like Blue Ridge and Blairsville.
The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway: Known for its beautiful views, this route will lead you through the Appalachian foothills, passing near waterfalls, forests, and lakes.
The Historic High Country: This route covers small towns like Ellijay, Jasper, and Woodstock, giving you a nice mix of history, nature, and culture.
The Antebellum Trail: If you want to add a historical touch, consider adding the Antebellum Trail, which runs through Georgia's historic towns, including Madison, Milledgeville, and Macon.

4. Things to Do Along the Way: Georgia offers plenty of scenic spots and hidden gems, so here are some highlights you might enjoy:

Amicalola Falls State Park: One of Georgia's tallest waterfalls, perfect for a quick hike or just to enjoy the view. The park also connects to the Appalachian Trail.
Tallulah Gorge State Park: A must-see, Tallulah Gorge offers dramatic views and hiking opportunities. There are also suspension bridges to cross over the gorge, which is a unique experience.
Georgia Wine Country: The area around Dahlonega and the Appalachian foothills is home to a burgeoning wine scene, with numerous vineyards offering tastings and tours.
Lake Blue Ridge: This picturesque lake offers a chance to relax, rent a boat, or go kayaking while taking in the stunning mountain backdrop.
Unicoi State Park: Located near Helen, this park has hiking, fishing, and opportunities to see wildlife in a beautiful mountain setting.
Helen, GA: Although more touristy, Helen is an interesting stop with a Bavarian theme and plenty of outdoor activities like tubing, hiking, and exploring the local shops.

Overall, your proposed route looks like a wonderful blend of adventure, nature, culture, and small-town charm. North Georgia is full of surprises, with scenic byways, outdoor adventures, and quaint towns offering a great balance to the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your road trip! It will be a beautiful experience, full of hiking, exploring, and immersing yourself in Georgia's natural beauty and local culture!

Small road trip around Atlanta - selecting route?

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