Drive from Atlanta to Oak Ridge, TN

Question

Hi from the UK.

We (2 adults) will be visiting Atlanta for a few days at the start of October, we will then collect a rental car and our next stop will be Oak Ridge TN. Rather than just make the drive a 'point to point' journey via the fastest route, we are open to making a day of it and are looking for ideas for a more scenic/interesting route with things to see/places to call in to, even somewhere good to stop for lunch.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. (Also posted in Tennessee & Roadtrip forums).

Answer

Driving from Atlanta to Oak Ridge, TN is a great opportunity to explore some of the scenic beauty and interesting spots in the southeastern U.S. Instead of taking the fastest route, consider taking a detour through some charming towns, historic sites, and natural wonders. Here’s a suggested scenic route with interesting places to stop along the way:

1. Start in Atlanta Before you head out, spend a bit more time in Atlanta if you haven’t already. The city offers some great attractions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the Georgia Aquarium, or Piedmont Park. Grab a quick breakfast or coffee in Midtown before you hit the road.

2. Head North to Dahlonega (approx. 1 hour) Your first scenic stop could be in Dahlonega, a charming mountain town in the North Georgia mountains. This area is known for its historic gold mining past and beautiful mountain views. You can visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum, stroll around the historic town square, or take a walk on the Appalachian Trail if you’re up for some light hiking. For lunch, consider stopping at The Picnic Café, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious fresh options.

3. Take Highway 129 to Blairsville and Suches (approx. 1 hour from Dahlonega) If you want to enjoy some more mountain views, take Georgia Highway 129 up to Blairsville, which is a lovely town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through Suches, which is known as the "Valley Above the Clouds." Blairsville offers a great stop for nature lovers, and you can visit the Vogel State Park for a peaceful walk or a scenic picnic by the lake. If you have time, try a local favorite, Two Wheels of Suches, for a hearty meal before continuing your drive.

4. Drive through the Cherokee National Forest (approx. 2.5 hours to Oak Ridge) Continuing your drive north, head toward the Cherokee National Forest. This area offers winding roads through beautiful forests, rivers, and mountain views. If you enjoy scenic drives, consider taking a short detour on the Skyway Road, which offers spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy the scenery.

5. Stop in Chattanooga, TN (approx. 2 hours from Blairsville) Before heading straight to Oak Ridge, a stop in Chattanooga is highly recommended. It’s a vibrant city with a lot of history and natural beauty. You can visit the Lookout Mountain for stunning views of the surrounding area, or explore the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. For lunch, try The Blue Plate in downtown Chattanooga, known for its Southern-style comfort food and laid-back atmosphere.

6. Final Stretch to Oak Ridge (approx. 1 hour) From Chattanooga, head east to Oak Ridge. If you're into history and science, once you arrive in Oak Ridge, take a quick visit to the American Museum of Science and Energy to learn about the area’s role in the Manhattan Project. Oak Ridge is also surrounded by beautiful natural areas, so if you have time, you could explore Frozen Head State Park for a peaceful hike or take a drive through the Clinch River area.

### Route Summary: - Atlanta to Dahlonega (1 hour) – Explore Dahlonega's historic town square and museum. - Dahlonega to Blairsville/Suches (1 hour) – Scenic mountain drive, picnic or light hiking at Vogel State Park. - Blairsville to Cherokee National Forest (2.5 hours) – Take a detour for the Skyway Road and enjoy scenic mountain views. - Cherokee National Forest to Chattanooga (2 hours) – Stop for scenic views and explore the city. - Chattanooga to Oak Ridge (1 hour) – Final leg, enjoy a museum or explore Oak Ridge’s nature spots.

In conclusion, taking a more scenic route from Atlanta to Oak Ridge will allow you to explore some of the best mountain scenery in the Southeast, visit charming small towns, and enjoy beautiful parks and historic sites. Make sure to stop for lunch in Dahlonega or Blairsville, and take your time on the drive through the Cherokee National Forest. The trip is a perfect way to make the most of your road trip experience!

Drive from Atlanta to Oak Ridge, TN

More Georgia (GA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions