Georgia, Your Destination for Epic Drives & Stunning Views

Brunswick, GA; Photo Credit: Explore Georgia

Georgia’s Scenic Byways: Drive Among the State’s Breathtaking Scenery

Drive through the mountains of Northwest Georgia: Cohutta to Ellijay

Spanning from Cohutta to Ellijay, the 56-mile Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway travels through the Chattahoochee National Forest, plus several charming towns.

Drive east to Chatsworth, where you can break for lunch and explore the Chief Vann House Historic Site, a restored mansion built in 1804. This town is also home to Fort Mountain State Park, a great place to stretch your legs on more than 3,700 acres of trails.

Finish your road trip by picking apples in Ellijay, Georgia’s Apple Capital, where you may also buy jams and baked goods to take home.

See Georgia’s Natural Beauty along the Woodpecker Trail: Augusta to Folkston

The Woodpecker Trail is named for the abundant woodpeckers inhabiting pine forests along Georgia State Route 121. This 204-mile drive passes through Eastern Georgia.

Stop in Folkston to visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a 396,000-acre home for endangered cranes, hawks, owls, and bald eagles.

When you reach Reidsville, explore Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park, a favorite for picnicking, fishing, and spotting beaver dams.

In historic Metter, take a meditative stroll through Guido Gardens, which boasts three acres of footpaths and waterfalls.

Leave the Interstate for Stunning Coastal Views: Savannah to St. Marys

Avoid the traffic and hop onto Coastal Highway U.S. 17, which runs through Richmond Hill south to Darien, past Butler Island to the port city of Brunswick.

Detour here to St. Simons Island and Sea Island, or cross the cable-stayed Sydney Lanier Bridge – with 360-degree views of the Brunswick River –to the causeway entrance for Jekyll Island.

Meandering past forts, rivers, and salt marshes, U.S. Highway 17 also serves as a scenic drive for the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Stop by Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge or 17 other viewing spots to observe more than 300 species during migration and nesting season.

Surprising Ways to Experience North Georgia’s Beautiful Fall Foliage
Take a train ride

The North Georgia mountains are ideal for experiencing some of the finest views. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers fall leaf excursions each October. Beginning at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, wind your way along the Toccoa River in a vintage rail car, observing the canvas of bright colors.

Overlook a gorge

Memorable scenes are on display at Tallulah Gorge State Park, one of the Southeast’s most popular canyons. Hike on trails overlooking the rim and waterfalls, and take in the glimmering yellow oaks and red-tinted maple trees. In November, watch the biannual “whitewater releases” when expert kayakers brave the rapids. Find more insider tips for your trip with this Guide to Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Go to the state’s highest point

A stop by Brasstown Bald is a must to see the autumn landscape from the highest natural point in the state. Get tips for this visit here: Escape to Brasstown Bald.

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