Georgia's Dragon - The Suches Loop | Georgia Motorcycle Roads and Rides

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Georgia's Dragon - The Suches Loop

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 19 visitors

State: Georgia
Date Submitted: June 1, 2007
Submitted by: Tim
Motorcycle Road Length: 42 Miles

Written Directions

Start in Dahlonega, GA (not a bed destination itself) and head north out of Dahlonega on Route 60. Stay on 60N (it merges with GA 19) as it splits off to the left towards Suches, GA. Follow it (If you can) up to Suches, GA and hang a right on Route 180 (Wolfpen Gap Road). Stay on that till it dead ends in to US Highway 129/19. At that point take a right on to US 129/19 and follow it south back down into Dahlonega.

Scenery

The route is in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest and drives around the base of Georgia's Blood Mountain. This is an exceptionally beautiful area in the fall as the foliage turns into a picturesque tapestry of red, gold, and green. And you'll have some incredible views up there as you pass through three mountain passes along the way: Neel's Gap, Hester Gap, and Stonepile Gap. If you want to get a feel for the views up there, visit a couple of the web cams from the nearby Brasstown Bald observation points.

Road Quality

This is the road to ride if you are looking for a challenge, and it should have been the first route submitted for Georgia. Either an oversight or a vain attempt to keep it a secret. GA 19 is great because it is 2 lanes up the mountain, allowing for very easy passing. 180 is much tougher as it is the width of a driveway with countless blind turns and steep elevation changes. The multiple memorials on the side of the roads are a testament to the challenge that lies before you and a strict warning to ride within your abilities, for your safety and for the safety of those you share the road with. Overall this is mountain road traveling at its best!.

Roadside Amenities

At the intersection of SR60 and 180 are two excellent motorcycle resources. TWO (Two Wheels Only) is a great bike restaurant and motorcycle hostel that serves up a fine burger and friendly service. Across the corner is Dale's, the spot where most of the bikes stop to refuel and the bikers stop to caffeinate. Along the route there are several pullouts to stop and enjoy the view. Also, along the way (where route 180 meets US 129) you will find beautiful Vogel State Park.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Tim

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Reviewed by Guest on April 28, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Larry B.
motorcycle_year: 2000
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: I have traveled all over the Appalachians trails and this is one of my favorites. Challenging ride, but very relaxing and enjoyable with incredible scenery. I highly recommend for everyone including beginners but know your capabilities and limitations. If you don't know yet, you will by the time you finish.
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Reviewed by Guest on April 11, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Richard
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: WOW!! I have only been riding 3 years and just 4 months on my Suzuki Intruder 1500. My wife and I rode Hwy. 19 and Hwy. 60 from Dalonega thru Morganton. I have to say that I was riding WAY above my skill level. I learned a lot about riding very quick. I found myself mentally exhausted and ready for some straight rodes by the time I get to Morganton. It was a wonderful ride and I hope to do it again soon.
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Reviewed by Guest on February 10, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Duffy
motorcycle_year: 1997
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Who had friendly service at TWO? Never seen it there. We go there, but never expect or get friendly service. jmho
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Reviewed by Guest on September 29, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Mike South
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Did this ride today 9/29/2010 and it was a really nice ride, will do the extended loop next time but for a day trip from Atlanta this is the best ride going. the roads are well maintained, the stops are good, the people friendly. Gonna take a camera next trip.
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Reviewed by Guest on September 6, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: mike
motorcycle_year: 1987
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Rode this ride on July 4th, and it was awsome. The trees provided pretty good shade, and the recommended stops were friendly and good food. If your not a experienced going on a holiday is not a good idea, the traffic was very crowded and has some very aggressive drivers. Riding in the fall or if your headed to Helen for Octoberfest its much better views. Overall very fun and a challenge for all riders.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 21, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: charlieG
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: This is THE RIDE!!! Growing up we used to spend entire days riding this loop. You WILL like this loop more than "The" Dragon. Less crowded, less commercial and every bit of (if not more) fun. Be CAREFUL right after a rain... lots of stuff washes on the road on 180.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 18, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Bodymanpainter
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Wife and I rode this road twice and loved it. We liked it better than the Dragon. Great ride!
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Reviewed by Guest on July 11, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Doug J
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: All roads around Helen are nice and the food is great. We stayed at Cabin Rentals of Helen and Sautee AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND LODGING WITH THEM. They do not honor their cancellation policy. There are lots of other nice places that we have stayed
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Reviewed by Guest on July 30, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Tony
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Great ride through the mountains of Georgia, those looking for a longer ride might head over and add the Richard B. Russell scenic Hwy into Helen for lunch before swinging back through to Dahlonega.
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Reviewed by Guest on January 9, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Carlos
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Great riding anywhere in the area & beyond. I get up here every other month as I have my 2nd home in the area. I have been riding these roads for years have never been bored. Little traffic on week days but the cycle traffic does get thick during weekends & holidays. 129 seems to get the most attention as it gets very techincal the closer it get to Blood mountain. Very curvy & fast. Be sure to visit Turners Corner for lunch @ 129 & 180
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Reviewed by Guest on December 26, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Cracker10r
motorcycle_year: 2004
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: Did it yesterday in my all wheel drive. WOW!! What a blast. Just moved from florida and can't wait for spring to take the bikes. Gonna be a great way to take to deal's gap =]
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Reviewed by Guest on October 20, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Ben
motorcycle_year: 2007
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: It was a challenging ride. A little crowded, and cars do cross double yellow, so use caution. The few chances I had to look at the view generated pure, WOW's. I was mentally exhausted at the end of the ride.
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Reviewed by Guest on October 9, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: terrawhistle
motorcycle_year: 1985
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Nice, challenging road. However, it is populated and has regular car traffic as well as side roads and driveways and a couple of parks at the end of the first part of the ride. If you can get on when nobody is in front of you, there are some pretty challenging twisties. You will also meet some very aggressive riders from time to time.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 19, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Andy
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: Been there once before, and going back up tomorrow. My first time awhile back I don't even know what road we were on, but it was a great first bike trip and unforgettable. Going back up and defeat the whole thing. If your ever in Helen, take the trip over the mountain and be prepared for some smooth beautiful roads and scenery. Long sweeping curves and some sharpuns to. Ride safe everybody.
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Reviewed by Guest on May 18, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Mark
Comment: This is a road that emphasises the old saw "ride your own ride"- you must know the limits of your ability and your bike's performance in the twisties or you'll be in trouble on the Wolf Pen, but the challenge and the scenery are worth it. Best done at low traffic times, especially if on a cruiser.
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Reviewed by Guest on May 5, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: FFEJ
motorcycle_year: 2000
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: First time in the N. Georgia and what an introduction! Now that I've been on it with my cruiser, my chopper is next. Not to be missed! Deal's Gap is next, then I'm back here. See you there!
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Reviewed by Guest on April 6, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: wc
motorcycle_year: 1997
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: This is a great area for motorcycle riding both street riding and the gravel/dirt forest service roads. Our group goes up from Milton, Fl. at least twice yearly to ride the paved twisties and the dirt. The forest service roads on dual sport and some adventure bikes are outstanding. Dale's at the Suches intersection has all the info you would ever need for rides, lodging,camping, rv parks, food and general bench racing from hundreds of riders.
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Reviewed by Guest on March 7, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: jb
motorcycle_year: 2000
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: This is an excellent loop! about 15 of us made this ride last year. Easy one day trip from north side of atlanta, but expect to be tired! Also if more time on your hands, T.W.O is great and all the roads in the area r fun to ride!
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Reviewed by Guest on February 22, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Drbone641
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Ducati
motorcycle_type: Standard
Comment: Dales at the intersection of 180 and 60 is a very Motorcycle oriented gas/food stop. They are especially friendly to riders and very reasonably priced. Good rest facilities with lots of BS'ing bikers.
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