Georgia #1
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

This is indeed a scenic byway that circles through the Chattahoochee National Forest, heading up to the highest point in Georgia. The drive departs from the village of Helen, a former sawmill town that's been reinvented as a Bavarian village with German-style restaurants, inns and shops. From Helen, head north on Rte. 17/75 which hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River at the southern end of the forest.

In Robertstown, a three-mile detour on Rte. 356 takes you through the wilderness of the Unicoi State Park and some 12 miles of hiking trails. Just a bit farther up Smith Creek Road is Anna Ruby Falls, where a paved trail leads to a breathtaking twin waterfall. Back on Rte. 17/75, the drive ascends to the Unicon Gap, which crosses the Appalachian Trail. The High Shoals Scenic Area features a 1.2-mile trail winding past Blue Hole and High Shoals Falls. Back on the road, turn left onto Rte. 180 for a climb to the lower slopes of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak. Follow Rte. 180, spur for a view of the actual bald, a treeless area at the summit. The 4,787-foot summit, accessible by shuttle or on foot, features a visitor's center and breathtaking views of mountains stretching into Tennessee and the Carolinas.

Back on Rte. 180, the drive meanders through the spectacular Blue Ridge country. At Rte. 348, turn left onto the Richard Russell Scenic Byway, climbing up to Tesnatee Gap and Hogpen Gap at the top of the Blue Ridge Divide. Heading back down, the Raven Cliffs Wilderness provides commanding views of the back country. At Dukes Creek Falls, a short trail leads to an observation platform. Turn left just past the falls and head back onto Rte. 75A, which leads you back to Helen.

Starting Point:
Helen, GA

Distance of Drive:
49 Miles

Must Eat:
Mamie's Kitchen
Main St. South, Helen, GA 30545
Phone:    706-878-3438
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:    Best Peach Cobbler around

Best Time of Year for Drive:
All seasons

Points of Interest on Drive:
Chattahoochee National Forest
Unicoi State Park
Anna Ruby Falls
Unicon Gap
High Shoals Falls
Brasstown Bald
Blue Ridge Divide