You
will be traveling along a couple different official US
Government designated scenic byways on this route so you
know it’s got to be beautiful. You’ll see Georgia’s tallest
mountain and travel through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The area is very hilly and the forests are thick. There are
also many waterfalls in the area. The best time to check
out this area is in the fall.
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
This
route travels along some perfect motorcycle roads – steep,
very curvy and in relatively good condition. Also because
of its remote location traffic doesn’t seem to be an issue.
I give it a solid 5 by Georgia standards.
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
You’ll
want to start and end your travel along this route in Helen
Georgia. Helen is an old sawmill town that has been refurbished
in a German motif. The town offers visitors inns, craft
shops and beer gardens. Unicoi
State Park (706-878-2201) is off of Rte. 356 (just east
of Robertstown GA) and offers a lot of hiking into the surrounding
hills. Nearby is the Anna Ruby Falls (706-878-3574) where
you pay a small fee to drive up to twin waterfalls.
Up the road is High Shoals Scenic Area and off of Rte. 180
you will drives along the side of Georgia’s highest mountain
– 4,784 ft Brasstown Bald. Watch for the signs that will
lead you to the parking lot where you can hike a half-mile
to the peak or wimp out and take the shuttle. At the
peak there is a museum and observation area where you can
see into Tennessee and both North and South Carolina.
Further along the route you will find the Dukes Creek Falls
and take a short hike to an observation platform. Overall
this route offers a lot to see in terms of nature yet because
of its remote location, there isn’t a lot of other “off-bike-entertainment.”
Directions:
This
route is located about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta off
of Interstate 85. From the starting point in Helen
Georgia, go north on Route 17. Take a detour on to
Route 356 heading east if you want to visit Unicoi State
Park. Continue to take 17 north till you see Route 180
on the left (heading west). Take 180 west till shortly
before you get to the town of Choestoe, you will see Route
348 on the left and heading south. Take 348 south as it
twists and turns until it meets Route 75. Take Route 75
to the left (should be heading north) back towards Helen.
You will meet Route 17 once again and want to go left (south)
into Helen.
Additional
Information:
-
View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo
weather.
- Georgia Department
of Tourism - 1-800-847-4842.
Do you have any pictures of this area? Contribute a photo and show other riders what they’ll see along the way.
Have you ever filmed video along this ride or in the area? Contribute the video and show riders what the area looks like.
Comments page 1 of 0
Click here to add a rating and/or comment
Ben - 2007 Kawasaki
Posted 256 days ago
I dropped down out of N.C. on 17, turned West on 180 and traveled to 348, turned left and stayed the night in Helen. I got on 180 at 6 pm and was driving right into the sun. I was still able to enjoy most of the views, and they were good. No traffic to speak of. The leaves are catching some good color now.
I just did this loop in early may 08 with my father(05 Goldwing). It was beautiful, scenic and very relaxing. Traffic was minimal(we hardly had anyone in front of us or behind the whole trip). Helen provides some good eats and a nice spot for a good break. Ive ridden in many places in this country and can say this is one worth going back to. I look forward to seeing this area in the fall...
