The 10 Best Backroads In Georgia For A Long Scenic Drive
By Marisa Roman|Updated on June 23, 2023(Originally published June 21, 2023)
×
Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
It doesn’t have to be a particular season of the year like fall or spring to enjoy the best scenic drives in Georgia. There are so many great back roads and country roads in Georgia that sometimes all you want to do is hop in your car and blast some of your favorite music while enjoying the drive. Time to hit the road (with the family or alone!) and enjoy these daytime adventures. And don’t forget to snap a few pictures!
This is one of our favorite day trips to take in the state, one of the best scenic backroads in Georgia. You'll go on a full 75-mile trek through the entire Cohutta Wilderness Area. You'll start in Chatsworth and continue on through the Chattahoochee National Forest. There's some amazing hiking in this area if you want to venture out from your vehicle and explore by foot on a beautiful hiking trail.
This winding loop drive will give Georgians a chance to escape some of the most heavily-congested traffic spots in Atlanta. You'll start in Campbellton and drive for about 30 miles. The scenery is beautiful, with wooded landscapes, pastures, and rolling hills. This is one beautiful drive in Georgia you won't soon forget! A drive down South Fulton Scenic Byway 120 will take you miles and miles away from it all.
You'll start your drive in the beautiful city of Savannah on U.S. Highway 17. Taking that road all the way through Townsend, Darien, and Brunswick will give you a real treat. You'll go from the coast to small town life in just a few miles, and there's so much local cuisine in this area. Originally, parts of this highway were the Ogeechee Road. Construction on the road began in 1735 and it is thought that this was Georgia's first real road! Take a peek at more of what you'll see when you drive the Coastal Highway.
The 50-mile drive through Helen to Brasstown Bald is a regular contender for the title of best scenic drive in Georgia. This one is great for those who can pack a picnic and make stops along the route. There are a lot of neat little towns along this path that make for great Georgia day trips, not to mention the views of Raven Cliff Falls if you venture out of the car for a hike along the drive.
This scenic back road journey will take you through a few charming Georgia towns. From Sparta to Wrightsville, also known as the friendliest small town in Georgia, you'll be able to see some really great little communities. Stop by a few of the mom and pop shops and make sure to admire the old architecture. This route goes all the way from the northern border of the Peach State down to the south, just east of the center line.
One of the most scenic roads in Georgia, you'll travel over 100-miles down paved roads and on major highways, yet riding through the ridges of Georgia mountainsides is probably the best scenery you'll see yet.
7. Georgia Highway 177 from Fargo to Okefenokee Swamp
Driving by the largest blackwater swamp in the United States is something to marvel over. If you get to take Georgia Highway 177 from Fargo to Okeefenokee Swamp, you'll be able to see just that. This drive will give you beautiful, unobstructed views of the swamplands like you couldn't imagine.
A drive from Columbus to Georgia's Little Grand Canyon is always a treat. This 68-mile trek through secondary roads is probably the best way to do it. You'll travel south through the forested parts of the state and end up at one of Georgia's best hidden attractions. Providence Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders in Georgia.
The Armuchee Byway is a bit of a lesser-known country road in Georgia. It passes through some truly stunning spaces. You'll be privy to some of the most fertile farmlands in the state, and you'll wind up at John's Mountain Overlook. This gives you one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the state, making it one of the best driving roads in Georgia!
This one is a definite doozy. It takes you through some truly fascinating towns in Georgia. It's a 42-mile trip that winds in and out of North Carolina. You'll see some of the most stunning mountain towns in this area. Did you know there are 33 waterfalls in Rabun County?
Let’s keep this list going! What are some of your personal favorites of the best scenic drives in Georgia? Add them in the comments and get started planning your next road trip!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Georgia Day Trips
Lisa Sammons|July 07, 2021
What are some great Georgia day trips?
There are so many day trips in Georgia that one can take! One that we love in particular is the charming little town of Helen. It might just be the most unique town in Georgia! And if you want to make a whole weekend out of it, we've got a great North Georgia road trip planned out.
What are some natural wonders in Georgia?
There are a number of beautiful natural wonders in Georgia that are worth crossing the state for. Anna Ruby Falls is a short hike with a beautiful payoff. Georgia's Little Grand Canyon is incredible.
What are some interesting museums in Georgia?
We're loaded down with great museums! Graveface Museum in the beautiful city of Savannah has all kinds of oddities, with a focus on true crime. The Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum is one of the largest quilt museums in the southeast.
