North Georgia is home to charming Southern towns, local foods, wineries, orchards, outdoor fun, beautiful and cozy cabins, and breathtaking scenery – from mountains, valleys, and lush trees to waterfalls, vivid wildflowers, and flowing streams. On those warm summer days, a scenic drive through North Georgia is the perfect way to enjoy the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains while staying cool. From lovely main streets to winding back roads, you’ll find plenty of things to see along your drives in North Georgia. Below are a few of the most popular and scenic drives in North Georgia – in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, the Cohutta Wilderness, Blairsville, and beyond.
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Blue Ridge, Georgia
Start at the intersection of Highway 5 and US 76 in Blue Ridge, Georgia, heading east towards Blairsville, Georgia. This 36-mile scenic drive will take you along winding county roads with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The drive takes about one-and-a-half to two hours, so it’s great for an afternoon outing. You’ll travel down Weaver Creed Road, a winding Snake Nation Road, and past Deep Gap and the start of the Appalachian Trail.
Blairsville, Georgia | Beasley Knob OHV
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this trail ride is for the adventurers who want a scenic drive off the beaten path. The Beasley Knob OHV offers almost 11 miles of trails for ATVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles. It’s just 30 minutes east of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Be sure to check ahead for any trail closures – heavy rains can make the trails challenging or impossible.
Cohutta Wilderness
West of Blue Ridge, Georgia, the Cohutta Wilderness features winding gravel roads and steep grades. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, give it a try, but be sure you’re well prepared for challenging conditions. Don’t forget to have plenty of gas and food for this three-hour ride.
Ocoee Byway | Eastern Tennessee
Along the beautiful 26-mile Ocoee Byway, you’ll find some of the copper roads that the area is famous for. Enjoy lake and mountain scenery, or stop by the Ocoee Whitewater Center to see kayakers and rafters on the waves.
Georgia Mountain Parkway
For a more involved scenic drive, check out the 65-mile Georgia Mountain Parkway. It follows I-575 from Atlanta north, running through Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Young Harris, and Hiawassee. Along with rolling mountains, you’ll find apple orchards, antique stores, art galleries, and beautiful blooming wildflowers.
Southern Highroads Trail
A loop drive through Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, the 360-mile Southern Highroads Trail takes about three days to complete in entirety. You can hit the road for a weekend trip, or you can just check out part of the trail. It will take you through Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Chatsworth, Blairsville, Young Harris, Hiawassee, Clayton, Dillard, and Mountain City.
Fannin County self-guided driving tours
Want to learn more about the history of Fannin County? Take a self-guided tour through Fannin County and Copper Basin. You’ll find information about the drive at the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Self-guided tours range from one-and-a-half to five hours, allowing you to see a wide array of scenery – wildlife, mountains, countryside, forests, and more.
Stay in a Beautiful Morning Breeze Cabin Rental
A day on the road will leave you ready for some rest in a beautiful cabin in North Georgia. Browse our cabins to find the location (on the water or with mountain views, in Ellijay or Blue Ridge) and the amenities you want on vacation. You’ll find game rooms, hammocks by the water, outdoor hot tubs, screened-in decks with rocking chairs, comfortable king-size beds, bunk rooms, and great outdoor spaces for romantic escapes, getaways with friends, and family vacations. We have something for everyone in the scenic Blue Ridge area. Take a scenic drive, and then head back to your cozy cabin for a night of rest and relaxation.
