Overall Route Rating
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4.68 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.68
75 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on May 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
March 29, 2013
The Suches Loop makes a nice day ride from…
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bkp
August 23, 2013
The Suches Loop is a "rider definable" road, in…
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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.

Drive Enjoyment

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!.

Tourism Opportunities

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.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

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

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Guest
July 19, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
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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3 riders found this road review useful
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easterbran
September 19, 2017
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Incredible route, this was my first experience of real twisty roads as a new rider (6000 miles). The roads were clean except for tar snakes on the first quarter of the route and the forest and mountain scenery is gorgeous. Lots of cool places to stop and checkout, and there are a few small gas stations along the route, though I recommend gassing up in Dahlonega before you hit the route. I was definitely leaning off the bike a ton and was very sore in the legs the next day.

Wolfpen Gap Rd. does have a steep downgrade into some serious turns, so make sure you watch out for that. I found myself doing some serious trail braking into the apex because I misjudged my speed downhill.

Saturday afternoon wasn't too busy, but there were quite a few slower vehicles who refused to use the slow vehicle pull-offs, so watch out for other motorcyclists making passes. Most cars were nice and waved me by, though.

I did not see a single police car on the entire route, which was nice. I have two big warnings to anyone riding this route:

1. There are idiots crossing the double yellows pretty frequently, mostly car drivers taking turns too fast and overshooting the turn, so REALLY be on guard for that. Seemed to be tourists having fun in their minivans and not realizing what speed is required to make a tight turn. I saw a few other riders who crossed the center-line on blind-corners as well. Delaying the apexes is your friend and may save your life.

2. There is a notorious decreasing-radius left-turn that has claimed the lives and motorcycles of quite a few riders. If you go on YouTube and search "Suches Loop Crash" you'll see the exact turn I'm talking about. Here's one, for example (you can even see the white cross at 0:40). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLCDyjSBYY
Watch out for this turn! All the bends leading up to it are predictable, and if you don't catch the decreasing radius, you will have a bad time.
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2013K1600GT
September 3, 2016
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Wolf Pen Gap store does not currently have gas. Been out of gas more than a month.
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2 riders found this road review useful