Those of us who live, work, and play here in beautiful northeast Georgia are very fortunate.  We live within shouting distance of one of the busiest airports in the World, we can shop at the largest mall in the southeast, one of the most fantastic cities in the World is just down the road, we can be at the beach in no time, and right here in our own back yard is some of the most awesome mountain drives in the southeast.

Here are 3 of our favorite northeast Georgia drives:

1)  Hwy 75 between Helen and Hiawassee. If you get carsick very easy – this drive might not be for you.  This is hands down one of the most beautiful drives in our area.  It’s a relatively short drive of about 20 miles and will probably only take you about half an hour or so.  You begin when you leave Helen following the Chattahoochee River past Hwy 356 (This will be on your right as you leave town – this road takes you to Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls – The Unico Lodge is a great place for lunch) – You pass by Tray Mountain and then hit a section of some major curves and switchbacks – a very fun drive!  Be very careful and watch for both bicycles and motorcycles.  Before you get into Hiawassee you will pass Hwy 180 on your left – this would take you up to Brasstown Bald.  Coming into Hiawassee you will be surrounded by gorgeous Lake Chatuge.  You can stay on Hwy 75 and continue north up into North Carolina or you can take a left on Hwy 76 – this heads over towards Young Harris and Blairsville – Making a right on Hwy 76 will take you over towards Clayton.

2)  Hwy 197 Clarkesville to Hwy 76. This is a drive that you can do over and over and it never seems to get boring.  Starting in Clarkesville (one of our favorite towns in northeast Georgia) – this is about a 25 mile drive that dead-ends up on Hwy 76 at Lake Burton between Hiawassee and Clayton.  If you need help finding Clarkesville – just take I-985 North until it turns in to Hwy 365 / 441 – then take Hwy 197 north to Clarkesville.  Jennifer Anniston has just finished filming Wanderlust in this area – Hollywood was all over north Georgia!  Hwy 197 takes you by Mark of the Potter, Serendipity Stained Glass, Rustic Country Cabins, and on in to Batesville where you will find the really cool Batesville General Store.  Continuing north you will eventually drive past Hickory Flat Pottery and the North 40 Lodge.  Eventually you make your way along the shores of Lake Burton to Moccasin Creek State park.

3)  Hwy 180 Suches to Hwy 129 (Vogel State Park). It won’t take but about 20 mins or so to drive these 11 miles – but it’s one of those short drives up in the mountains that you don’t want to miss!  Just getting to Suches is an awesome drive from anywhere!  If you get the opportunity to drive it after a good snow – all the better.  Suches is nicknamed “The Valley above the Clouds” and sits about 3,000 feet above sea level.  This route takes you by beautiful Lake Winfield Scott, skirts the edge of Vogel State Park and is very popular with motorcycles.

What are some of your favorite drives here in northeast Georgia?