Overall Route Rating
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4.78 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.78
11 Reviews

Northern Georgia Scenic Byway Loop

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Apr 14, 1998

Rider Reviews

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RandyRi
10 McR Points
January 19, 2013
The GA-348 Richard Russell Scenic Parkway portion…
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Guest
May 10, 2008
I just did this loop in early may 08 with my…
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Written 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.

Scenery

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.

Drive Enjoyment

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.

Tourism Opportunities

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.'

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Georgia Department of Tourism - 1-800-847-4842.
 

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RandyRi
January 19, 2013
10 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
The GA-348 Richard Russell Scenic Parkway portion of this is one of my favorite rides.

Be aware that there is a major bicycle race on these roads every year see https://dahlonega.org/index.php/six-gap/three-gap-bike-ride.html for the dates which is Sept 29, 2013
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Guest
May 10, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
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...
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atlfireblade
September 27, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
This is by far my favorite route in GA. I normally avoid Helen and arrive from the north, traffic backs up for miles on the weekend going into Helen. Be careful of gravel on Route 348 on the south side. Traffic on this route is very minimal. The most traffic you will experience is on Route 17.
When on Route 180 I would recommend making the short trip up to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in GA. High elevation change, very twisty road, and crazy bump in the road towards the beginning on the way up.
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