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.
Motorcycle
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!.
Motorcycle
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.
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.
Additional
Information:
-
View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo
weather.
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
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FFEJ - 2000 Kawasaki
Posted 851 days ago
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!
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.
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.
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 =]
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.
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.
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.
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
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 44 days ago
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.
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!
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.
This user rated the route: 6 out of 10
Posted 399 days ago
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.
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
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.