Is there anything more beautiful than fall foliage in Georgia? If you want to see the Peach State at its absolute best, now is definitely the time. We get it, we live in a beautiful place that’s lovely no matter what the season, but there’s something particularly special about taking the best scenic drives in Georgia in the fall. Taking a drive down a scenic country road has got to be added to your fall bucket list. There are so many beautiful day trips in Georgia, but we feel like these are the best opportunities to see the incredible colors of autumn.

1. Dahlonega to Helen
Flickr Jim Liestman
Either of these could make for a wonderful destination all on their own. Both of these charming small towns hold so much beauty. We suggest stopping at Anna Ruby Falls along the way so that you can get the full fall experience. The 154' foot drop is a beloved spot for North Georgians. This is easily one of the best scenic drives in Georgia, and you can check out a route on Google.
2. Cohutta Wilderness Loop
Flickr BY-YOUR-⌘
This incredible 75-mile drive takes you all the way from Chatsworth, Georgia along the border of Cohutta Wilderness Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest. From here, you can stop at Fort Mountain and see all the leaves changing color for miles in the distance. If you're a fan of hiking, there are some beautiful trails at Fort Mountain State Park.
3. Athens, Georgia to the North Carolina state line
Flickr B Rosen
During this country drive, you'll get to take in all the beauty that is the northeast Georgia mountains. Traveling north on Highway 441, you'll witness the leaves changing colors, spreading a fire of reds and oranges the likes of which you've never seen before. It's the perfect drive for a cool, crisp afternoon. Make sure to stop in Helen along the way!
4. Carters Lake Loop
Flickr Steve Harwood
This scenic drive runs about 50 miles in length and begins in Ellijay, Georgia. You'll circle the beautiful Carter's Lake, up the deep roads and narrows passages and end up at the very southern end of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Some of the very best fall foliage in Georgia is along this route.

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5. Helen to Brasstown Bald
Flickr ChattOconeeNF
This 50-miler is the type of scenic drive in Georgia that everyone loves. Not only will you visit the charming town of Helen, but you'll also reach Brasstown Bald, the very highest point in Georgia. You can find out more information about the route on the Discover Dahlonega website.
6. Pine Mountain to Callaway Gardens Loop
Flickr rjcox
If you think Callaway Gardens is beautiful in the springtime, then you absolutely have to see it during the fall. This scenic drive clocks in at around 56 miles. You'll go all the way from Pine Mountain through Callaway Gardens, Warm Springs, and southernmost Georgia. While the fall foliage in Georgia is most popular in the northern region, there's plenty to see in this part of the state as well!
7. Georgia Foothills Loop: Canton, Ellijay, Amicalola Falls
Flickr Possum1500
Perhaps one of the longer scenic drives in Georgia, this one might take most of a day. You'll travel over paved and country roads for around 105 miles. This trip will take you through both small towns and larger cities, plenty of opportunities for sight seeing. You'll get to travel along foothills that are filled with leaves bright with color.
8. Columbus to Providence Canyon
Flickr J. Griffin Stewart
This scenic drive is just short of 70 miles. You'll go through a few small towns and through the forested parts of Chattahoochee. You'll be able to see North Georgia color in each and every tree. Check out a map on Google. Providence Canyon State Park is one of the most underrated places in Georgia, and it's great for an overnight stay!

Talk about true natural beauty! There are many more scenic drives in Georgia that are pure bliss to drive through in the fall. Share your favorites in the comments! If autumn in Georgia is what you’re looking for, then check out this train ride that will show you all the best fall foliage in Georgia.

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Best Scenic Drives In Georgia

Lisa Sammons | June 30, 2021

What are some of the best scenic drives and day trips in Georgia?

Fall is the best time for day trips! The weather is cool enough to enjoy without roasting, and the fall foliage in Georgia can't be beat. We absolutely love Helen. It is such a unique town and you'll feel like you stepped foot into the Alpine Mountains instead of the North Georgia mountains!

What are some more scenic drives in Georgia?

Country roads, take me home! We've got so many great scenic drives in Georgia that it's impossible to list them all. The Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway is one of the best scenic drives in Georgia; it's incredible no matter what time of year it is.

What are the best areas to see fall foliage in Georgia?

If it's fall foliage in Georgia you're after, we have a whole road trip planned out for you! The entire North Georgia area has really incredible fall foliage and the leaf changes tend to be most dramatic there.

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Featured Addresses
Dahlonega, GA 30533, USA
Cohutta Wilderness, 2694 Old Hwy 2, Cisco, GA 30708, USA
Athens, GA, USA
Carters Lake, Georgia, USA
Helen, GA 30545, USA
Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17617 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, USA
Amicalola Falls, Georgia 30534, USA
Columbus, GA, USA
Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA