A couple years ago now my wife and I moved down to Florida from the Chicago burbs. I really love it here but one thing that Florida sorely lacks is roads that are anything other than straight as an arrow and mind numbingly boring. It's been in the back of my mind since we got here that I would make the trip up to northern Georgia in the stang and drive some of the epic mountain roads. I took off Memorial day week and plan to head up there on the 28th after Memorial day. I will most likely be going without the wife who doesn't like aggressive driving, especially around mountainous terrain. I'm wanting to stay in a cabin in the woods near the Suches Loop "Georgia’s Dragon" and just have a blast over the next few days doing what I bought my stang for. Was thinking of possibly staying at the Barefoot Hills Hotel or maybe further up in the Blood Mountain Cabins. Below are some links to the roads I plan to drive mapped out in google maps. Has anyone driven these roads or have any advice on what else to check out in the area? I do some amateur photography too so looking for suggestions where to get the best views for mountain landscape pics.
Northbound from Florida - Georgia State Route 112
Google Maps
The rolling curves of 112 run through several smaller counties in southwest, central and northeast Georgia. Checking in at 195 miles from end-to-end, it provides plenty of scenic views of cities like Dublin and the older section of Milledgeville. The historic state highway also offers long straight stretches for acceleration and a few twists and curves to test your car’s versatility. Normally a 3.5-to-4-hour drive, you can extend your ride with a pick-me-up at one of the many south Georgia mom and pop restaurants and coffee shops along the route.
The Suches Loop Known as “Georgia’s Dragon"
Google Maps
Known to locals as “Georgia’s Dragon,” the Suches Loop is found smack dab in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains. The loop is essentially a little over 50 miles of twists and elevations. TSL is well known in the state for drawing auto enthusiasts due to its numerous blind turns and steep elevations. Driving up the mountain on GA-19, there are two lanes. Once drivers connect with Route 180 the road gets narrower. Although the path can be challenging even for veteran drivers, it is a must-drive for those who want to push the handling limits on their vehicle. You shouldn’t feel bad about taking it down an RPM or 500 here; Suches Loop is a great route for viewing three of Georgia’s mountain passes -- Neel's Gap, Hester Gap, and Stonepile Gap. The drive is exceptionally beautiful in the fall.
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway (SR 348)
Google Maps
The Russell-Brasstown is routinely ranked as one of the best driving roads not only in the state of Georgia, but the United States. Although the name promises a ton of scenic views that the byway delivers, this highway made its reputation with its nearly 40 switchbacks, making it ideal for the most daring of drivers. The road allows you to experience several different paths, ranging from valleys to forest land to the southern Appalachian Mountains.
North Georgia Scenic Highway 197
Google Maps
Popular for its scenic beauty, 197 also has historic significance. During prohibition, bootleggers used it to transport moonshine. Nestled in the mountains, the road is perfect for touring because of its well-paved and minimal traffic flow. There are some twists, but 197 has far more sweeping curves, making it a steady but attention-demanding drive. Three nearby lakes (Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, and Lake Seed) and plenty of small shops and hotels also make it an excellent weekend getaway. Some drivers have even claimed to see a bear or two along the way.
Northbound from Florida - Georgia State Route 112
Google Maps
The rolling curves of 112 run through several smaller counties in southwest, central and northeast Georgia. Checking in at 195 miles from end-to-end, it provides plenty of scenic views of cities like Dublin and the older section of Milledgeville. The historic state highway also offers long straight stretches for acceleration and a few twists and curves to test your car’s versatility. Normally a 3.5-to-4-hour drive, you can extend your ride with a pick-me-up at one of the many south Georgia mom and pop restaurants and coffee shops along the route.
The Suches Loop Known as “Georgia’s Dragon"
Google Maps
Known to locals as “Georgia’s Dragon,” the Suches Loop is found smack dab in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains. The loop is essentially a little over 50 miles of twists and elevations. TSL is well known in the state for drawing auto enthusiasts due to its numerous blind turns and steep elevations. Driving up the mountain on GA-19, there are two lanes. Once drivers connect with Route 180 the road gets narrower. Although the path can be challenging even for veteran drivers, it is a must-drive for those who want to push the handling limits on their vehicle. You shouldn’t feel bad about taking it down an RPM or 500 here; Suches Loop is a great route for viewing three of Georgia’s mountain passes -- Neel's Gap, Hester Gap, and Stonepile Gap. The drive is exceptionally beautiful in the fall.
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway (SR 348)
Google Maps
The Russell-Brasstown is routinely ranked as one of the best driving roads not only in the state of Georgia, but the United States. Although the name promises a ton of scenic views that the byway delivers, this highway made its reputation with its nearly 40 switchbacks, making it ideal for the most daring of drivers. The road allows you to experience several different paths, ranging from valleys to forest land to the southern Appalachian Mountains.
North Georgia Scenic Highway 197
Google Maps
Popular for its scenic beauty, 197 also has historic significance. During prohibition, bootleggers used it to transport moonshine. Nestled in the mountains, the road is perfect for touring because of its well-paved and minimal traffic flow. There are some twists, but 197 has far more sweeping curves, making it a steady but attention-demanding drive. Three nearby lakes (Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, and Lake Seed) and plenty of small shops and hotels also make it an excellent weekend getaway. Some drivers have even claimed to see a bear or two along the way.
