Best Scenic Drives Near Atlanta

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A drone shot of a beautiful winding road through forests in the summer in Georgia.

The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

We’re lucky enough to live in one of the most dynamic countries on the planet, full of not only an incredibly diverse populace but one of the most geographically remarkable slices of our great blue planet. Big thriving cities often delicately intersperse with stunning vistas of deep, green luscious forests, canyons, and valleys, and the Atlanta area is a fantastic example of this melding of metropolis and mother nature. Forests of maple, birch, and cedar mix with rushing rivers that are begging to be explored via fantastic roadways that seek to envelop the driver in all things Peachtree state. 

For sheer sensory overload, there is nothing better than enjoy a scenic drive in the beautiful Georgia wilderness and we can’t wait to tell you about three of the absolute best scenic drives near Atlanta:

  • Route #1: Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
  • Route #2: Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway
  • Route #3: Georgia Mountain Parkway

Buckle in and come along for the ride! 

Driving tours Atlanta

Route #1: Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

For sheer impact, there are few roads in the United States (let alone Georgia) that can outshine the Russell – Brasstown Scenic Byway

Winding out for 40.6 miles, this incredible drive envelopes drivers in the dripping beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Southern Appalachia Mountains. Stand-out features along the Russell – Brasstown Scenic Byway include a trek up to Brasstown Bald (the highest point in the state) with a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, nearly endless vistas, and short hikes that can bring you face to face with the cooling mists of waterfalls or sheer granite cliffs. Of course, for those that love to drive, there are over 40 switchbacks along the route, along with some serious elevation changes to keep even the keenest drivers on their toes. 

This route is one of the best mixes of nature and pure driving joy in the country and it absolutely deserves to be at the top of any person’s “must drive” list. 

Driving tours Georgia

Route #2: Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway

Combining beautiful surroundings with a dose of history and country charm; the Cohutta – Chattahoochee Scenic Byway delivers all things Georgia. 

Snaking for 54 miles through the Northwest Georgia landscape, this stunning road mixes historic sites with stunning mountain roads and quaint country towns. For a true taste of all things Northwest Georgia, this is a can’t miss experience. Praters Mill, an 1855 grist mill, begs an exploration by those who want to see a slice of the way life used to be in America. A run-up to Fort Mountain State Park is a must for not only any nature lover but any driver who enjoys switchbacks and steep elevation changes. At the top, the view is simply stunning! Towns like Dalton and Chatsworth allow drivers a great place to enjoy some local Southern Food, pick up fresh local produce, and even explore some civil war history. 

Nature, history, southern charm, and some unbelievable driving roads; does it get any better? We didn’t think so either. 

A winding road on a wet day in Georgia.

Route #3: Georgia Mountain Parkway

Conveniently located only a few miles outside of Metro Atlanta, the Georgia Mountain Parkway connects the thriving metropolis with the rugged mountains of North Georgia. 

For 65 miles, the Georgia Mountain Parkway transports drivers from a thriving metro area to a place where time seems to have seemingly stood still for the last 100 years. Along the way, a scenic 4 lane highway divulges into a winding country road that snakes its way into Georgia’s stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. For Fall foliage, the Blue Ridge Mountains remains one of the country’s top locations due to the region’s dense array of maple, birch, and cedar broadleaf forests. Small towns rule in North Georgia, and they each have their own set of “must-see” attractions, legendary eats, and charming seasonal activities. Cities along the route include Jasper, East Ellijay, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Morganton, McCaysville, Blairsville, Young Harris, and Hiawassee.

We love this amazing road because it makes it easy to escape the city, and experience a slice of Southern Hospitality; all while enjoying a wide selection of road types. 

Xperience The Ultimate Drive

We’d say there’s only one thing better than driving a scenic drive near Atlanta; driving a scenic road near Atlanta in a red-blooded supercar! 

Imagine all the sites and sounds of these incredible roads brought to 11 by the wailing soundtrack of some of the most incredible machines on planet earth. Machines that are built to handle the switchbacks, sweepers, high-speed straights, and steep elevation changes with ease. Machines that are designed to quicken the pulse. Machines that are meant to move you. 

Well, you don’t need to imagine this for another second because Xtreme Xperience is here to make this dream a reality with Open Road supercar tours! We’re offering the opportunity to drive a full-fledged supercar on some of the best scenic roads in the Atlanta metro area! This is the Open Road. 

Ready to experience this for yourself? 

Loved reading about the best scenic drives near Atlanta? Check out our other blogs about the best driving roads!

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