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(link is external) to Ellijay(link is external), the 56-mile Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway(link is external) travels through the Chattahoochee National Forest, plus several charming towns.

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

Finish your road trip by picking apples in Ellijay(link is external), 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(link is external) 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(link is external) to visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge(link is external), a 396,000-acre home for endangered cranes, hawks, owls, and bald eagles.

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

In historic Metter(link is external), take a meditative stroll through Guido Gardens(link is external), 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(link is external) south to Darien(link is external), past Butler Island(link is external) to the port city of Brunswick(link is external).

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

Meandering past forts, rivers, and salt marshes, U.S. Highway 17 also serves as a scenic drive for the Colonial Coast Birding Trail(link is external). Stop by Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge(link is external) 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(link is external) offers fall leaf excursions each October. Beginning at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge(link is external), 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(link is external), 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(link is external).
Go to the state’s highest point

A stop by Brasstown Bald(link is external) 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(link is external).

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Emily Murrary, Senior Communication Specialist, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
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