Are you looking for an outdoorsy vacation idea that will level up your entire summer? Or perhaps you need some last-minute Memorial Day adventures in your life. Regardless of the why, we have the what—the ultimate North Georgia adventure that will take you to some of the best and most enticing spots in the northern part of our great state. Bask under waterfalls, grab a delicious glass of wine, or tube your way down the Chattahoochee. Sounds like heaven, right? The entire trip takes about 5 hours roughly, perfect for a long weekend getaway. To find the itinerary and mileage, click here.
Google Maps
Otherwise, we’re off!
Google Maps
Tubing the Chattahoochee River
Flickr/Steve Hardy Tubing the Chattahoochee River is almost like a rite of passage for Georgians. While there are many different points of entry to the river to tube down, we recommend Helen, Georgia, the most charming Alpine town in the country.
Hike DeSoto Falls Trail in Vogel State Park
Flickr/Jeff Gunn The beauty of this hidden gem trail is well-worth the time it takes. Which, compared to other Georgia hiking trails, clocking in at less than two miles isn’t all that bad. Especially when you are able to catch a few waterfalls along the way.
Walk the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River - Hwy 60, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
Flickr/The_Gut One of the most famed bridges in the state of Georgia is the suspension bridge, or swinging bridge, over the Toccoa River. As you hike the Benton MacKaye Trail, test your courage once you make it to this bridge, sitting high over the rushing rapids of the Toccoa River. It’s a life-affirming rush!
Take a Ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Flickr/Alan One of the best ways to see North Georgia in one shot is through the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This train ride will take you to the Tennessee/Georgia border and back, with a few stops along the way. You’ll see everything there is to North Georgia on this one scenic ride.
Shop for Antiques in Ellijay
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM Ellijay, Georgia is a quaint little mountain town with big opportunities for antiquing. If you’re an avid antique shopper, or simply enjoy exploring for the perfect trinkets and collectibles, then this is the place for you. A few notable antique shops worth checking out in Ellijay include Black Bear Antiques, Main Street Antiques, and Outback Antiques.
Spend the Night at Amicalola Falls Lodge - Top of the Falls Road, Dawsonville, GA, 30534
Flickr/J Stephen Conn At the very top of Falls Road, you’ll find the exceptionally gorgeous Amicalola Falls Lodge. This is the perfect place to spend a night in the middle of the Georgia forest, enjoying breathtaking sunsets in a little slice of natural heaven. Wake up in the morning and hit the trails to see one of the most stunning waterfalls in the state.
Grab a Glass at Wolf Mountain Vineyards - 180 Wolf Mountain, Trl Dahlonega, GA, 30533
Yelp/Jae V. All this antiquing and hiking has probably got you thirsty, right? Why not satisfy that thirst with a refreshingly delicious glass of wine at Wolf Mountain Vineyards? This premier Georgia winery and vineyard has sweeping views of the mountains, palate-pleasing plates, and of course, state-sourced and grown wine that will make you think you’ve hit the south of France.
Snag a cone at Mountain Fresh Creamery - 6615 Cleveland Hwy, Clermont, GA, 30527
Facebook/Mountain Fresh Creamery As this natural road trip comes to a close, what better way to celebrate your adventures than with a chillingly delicious ice cream cone?! Mountain Fresh Creamery has been serving up insanely creamy ice cream with the freshest ingredients for years now. It is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, tasting a few of their specialty ice cream flavors outdoors.
Hike the Yonah Mountain Trail
Flickr/TranceMist It’s time to end this natural road trip through North Georgia with one last hike. Yonah Mountain is easily one of the most underrated spots in the state, which is hard to imagine why with sweeping views like this. The forest is filled with beautiful wildflowers along this trail, which clocks in at under 5 miles roundtrip. Make sure to bring your camera, because this summit scenery is worth revisiting.
How about that for an incredibly fun North Georgia road trip?! If you complete the trip, send us your photos and adventures! We’d love to hear from you. Otherwise, if you want more adventure for a long weekend, then check out this epic natural waterslide in Georgia..
Flickr/Steve Hardy
Tubing the Chattahoochee River is almost like a rite of passage for Georgians. While there are many different points of entry to the river to tube down, we recommend Helen, Georgia, the most charming Alpine town in the country.
Flickr/Jeff Gunn
The beauty of this hidden gem trail is well-worth the time it takes. Which, compared to other Georgia hiking trails, clocking in at less than two miles isn’t all that bad. Especially when you are able to catch a few waterfalls along the way.
Flickr/The_Gut
One of the most famed bridges in the state of Georgia is the suspension bridge, or swinging bridge, over the Toccoa River. As you hike the Benton MacKaye Trail, test your courage once you make it to this bridge, sitting high over the rushing rapids of the Toccoa River. It’s a life-affirming rush!
Flickr/Alan
One of the best ways to see North Georgia in one shot is through the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This train ride will take you to the Tennessee/Georgia border and back, with a few stops along the way. You’ll see everything there is to North Georgia on this one scenic ride.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Ellijay, Georgia is a quaint little mountain town with big opportunities for antiquing. If you’re an avid antique shopper, or simply enjoy exploring for the perfect trinkets and collectibles, then this is the place for you. A few notable antique shops worth checking out in Ellijay include Black Bear Antiques, Main Street Antiques, and Outback Antiques.
Flickr/J Stephen Conn
At the very top of Falls Road, you’ll find the exceptionally gorgeous Amicalola Falls Lodge. This is the perfect place to spend a night in the middle of the Georgia forest, enjoying breathtaking sunsets in a little slice of natural heaven. Wake up in the morning and hit the trails to see one of the most stunning waterfalls in the state.
Yelp/Jae V.
All this antiquing and hiking has probably got you thirsty, right? Why not satisfy that thirst with a refreshingly delicious glass of wine at Wolf Mountain Vineyards? This premier Georgia winery and vineyard has sweeping views of the mountains, palate-pleasing plates, and of course, state-sourced and grown wine that will make you think you’ve hit the south of France.
Facebook/Mountain Fresh Creamery
As this natural road trip comes to a close, what better way to celebrate your adventures than with a chillingly delicious ice cream cone?! Mountain Fresh Creamery has been serving up insanely creamy ice cream with the freshest ingredients for years now. It is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, tasting a few of their specialty ice cream flavors outdoors.
Flickr/TranceMist
It’s time to end this natural road trip through North Georgia with one last hike. Yonah Mountain is easily one of the most underrated spots in the state, which is hard to imagine why with sweeping views like this. The forest is filled with beautiful wildflowers along this trail, which clocks in at under 5 miles roundtrip. Make sure to bring your camera, because this summit scenery is worth revisiting.
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Address: 4349 Abbotts Bridge Rd, Duluth, GA 30097, USAAddress: Vogel State Park Road, Vogel State Park Rd, Georgia 30512, USAAddress: Toccoa River, Georgia 30572, USAAddress: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USAAddress: Ellijay, GA 30540, USAAddress: Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd, Georgia 30534, USAAddress: Wolf Mountain Vineyards, 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533, USAAddress: 6615 Cleveland Hwy, Clermont, GA 30527, USAAddress: Yonah Mountain Road, Yonah Mountain Rd, Georgia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Georgia Road Trip April 07, 2021 Sarah What are some unique day trips in Georgia? Exploring Georgia is always worth it. We try to encourage as many Georgians as possible to get out and explore their great state because there is so much to see. Truly. There are certain trips and experiences you will have in Georgia that will change your life, and you won’t even have to go that far. Some of our very favorite day trips in Georgia include the Swan House, known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta. This sophisticated, classically-styled mansion was built in 1928 for the Inman family, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. Now, you can travel just outside of Atlanta, to explore this beautifully restored historic house along with the gardens, fountains, and mesmerizing views. Another incredible day trip is Providence Canyon State Park, AKA, Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. This 1,003-acre state park, located in Stewart County in southwest Georgia, is as underrated as it gets. But those who know about Providence Canyon State Park hike the trails, enjoy the views, and camp overnight whenever they can. What are some must-visit places in North Georgia? Georgia is a big state, and it’s best approached strategically (as with the North Georgia Road Trip outlined above). With Atlanta falling in this region of the state, there really are endless opportunities for adventure in North Georgia. Atlanta’s Botanical Garden is a 30-acre flora and fauna paradise that’s perfect for a day trip for the entire family. And about a mile outside of Midtown Atlanta, you’ll find the Bellwood Quarry. The area was mined for centuries, before filling with blue water and becoming an out-of-towner’s paradise. Going forward, the city has purchased the quarry and has big park plans in store. What are the best road trips through Georgia? Road tripping to and through Georgia is a great way to see the state. There are tons of day trips you can take to give you a different experience entirely. For instance, check out these 12 picture-perfect fall day trips for a seasonal adventure. Or, you can also just go for broke with these 12 best day trips in Georgia. Also, if you happen to be driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando, Florida, there are tons of exciting Georgia attractions you’ll find along the way.
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Georgia Road Trip
April 07, 2021
Sarah
What are some unique day trips in Georgia? Exploring Georgia is always worth it. We try to encourage as many Georgians as possible to get out and explore their great state because there is so much to see. Truly. There are certain trips and experiences you will have in Georgia that will change your life, and you won’t even have to go that far. Some of our very favorite day trips in Georgia include the Swan House, known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta. This sophisticated, classically-styled mansion was built in 1928 for the Inman family, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. Now, you can travel just outside of Atlanta, to explore this beautifully restored historic house along with the gardens, fountains, and mesmerizing views. Another incredible day trip is Providence Canyon State Park, AKA, Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. This 1,003-acre state park, located in Stewart County in southwest Georgia, is as underrated as it gets. But those who know about Providence Canyon State Park hike the trails, enjoy the views, and camp overnight whenever they can. What are some must-visit places in North Georgia? Georgia is a big state, and it’s best approached strategically (as with the North Georgia Road Trip outlined above). With Atlanta falling in this region of the state, there really are endless opportunities for adventure in North Georgia. Atlanta’s Botanical Garden is a 30-acre flora and fauna paradise that’s perfect for a day trip for the entire family. And about a mile outside of Midtown Atlanta, you’ll find the Bellwood Quarry. The area was mined for centuries, before filling with blue water and becoming an out-of-towner’s paradise. Going forward, the city has purchased the quarry and has big park plans in store. What are the best road trips through Georgia? Road tripping to and through Georgia is a great way to see the state. There are tons of day trips you can take to give you a different experience entirely. For instance, check out these 12 picture-perfect fall day trips for a seasonal adventure. Or, you can also just go for broke with these 12 best day trips in Georgia. Also, if you happen to be driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando, Florida, there are tons of exciting Georgia attractions you’ll find along the way.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring Georgia is always worth it. We try to encourage as many Georgians as possible to get out and explore their great state because there is so much to see. Truly. There are certain trips and experiences you will have in Georgia that will change your life, and you won’t even have to go that far. Some of our very favorite day trips in Georgia include the Swan House, known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta. This sophisticated, classically-styled mansion was built in 1928 for the Inman family, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. Now, you can travel just outside of Atlanta, to explore this beautifully restored historic house along with the gardens, fountains, and mesmerizing views. Another incredible day trip is Providence Canyon State Park, AKA, Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. This 1,003-acre state park, located in Stewart County in southwest Georgia, is as underrated as it gets. But those who know about Providence Canyon State Park hike the trails, enjoy the views, and camp overnight whenever they can.
What are some must-visit places in North Georgia?
Georgia is a big state, and it’s best approached strategically (as with the North Georgia Road Trip outlined above). With Atlanta falling in this region of the state, there really are endless opportunities for adventure in North Georgia. Atlanta’s Botanical Garden is a 30-acre flora and fauna paradise that’s perfect for a day trip for the entire family. And about a mile outside of Midtown Atlanta, you’ll find the Bellwood Quarry. The area was mined for centuries, before filling with blue water and becoming an out-of-towner’s paradise. Going forward, the city has purchased the quarry and has big park plans in store.
What are the best road trips through Georgia?
Road tripping to and through Georgia is a great way to see the state. There are tons of day trips you can take to give you a different experience entirely. For instance, check out these 12 picture-perfect fall day trips for a seasonal adventure. Or, you can also just go for broke with these 12 best day trips in Georgia. Also, if you happen to be driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando, Florida, there are tons of exciting Georgia attractions you’ll find along the way.
