This Scenic 17-Mile Drive Just May Be the Most Underrated Adventure in Georgia

Many unpleasant roads in Georgia can make you regret ever getting in your car to take a drive. From traffic (we're looking at you, I-285) to pothole-laden back roads, driving along certain routes around the state can be quite a pain. However, there are also plenty of scenic drives in Georgia, which are incredibly pleasant. One of the state's most beautiful roads is the Altamaha Scenic Byway. Tucked away in McIntosh and Glynn Counties, this lovely 17-mile journey takes you through some of the most historic — and gorgeous — parts of the state. It's an adventure that's perfect for any time of year. Check it out:

At times, the beauty of Georgia's coastal region seems overshadowed by our magnificent mountains. Don't get me wrong, while I adore North Georgia, there's also something incredibly special about cities like Darien that are situated along the coast. The Altamaha Scenic Byway will take you right through this charming area. There's so much to see and do along the route that it's hard to know what to mention first.

If it's open during your visit, make sure to visit the Ashantilly Center while you're in the area. This educational and cultural historic site has a historic printing letterpress, known as The Ashantilly Press, and is only open by appointment and for special events. Visit the Ashantilly Center's website to arrange a tour.

If you enjoy wildlife, you're in for a real treat because another stunning place you'll pass right by is the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area. This 30,000-acre undeveloped preserve is home to countless species of wildlife and has so much natural beauty that includes bottomland hardwoods and cypress-tupelo swamps. Additionally, recreational opportunities are abundant at Altamaha — you can go hiking, boating, hunting, canoeing, fishing, geocaching, and camping.

I grew up near the Georgia coast, and seeing pictures like the one above always reminds me of home. You can almost smell the fresh Southern air and beautiful marsh when you see that view!

Along this scenic driving route, you can also visit the oldest surviving English fort on the Georgia coast at the Fort King George State Historic Site. A tour here is a fascinating way to learn about the area's history and how the fort served as a British outpost under from 1721 until 1736. What remains today is a reconstruction of the original fort — old drawings and records were used. You can learn more about For King George on the Georgia State Parks website.

The Altamaha Scenic Byway consists of State Route 99 and US-17. It is not only one of the most stunning drives in Georgia but also a big part of the state's history. Have you ever explored the Altamaha Scenic Byway in Georgia? Would you agree that it is among the most scenic drives in Georgia? The Georgia Department of Transportation website has more about it and other scenic byways to help you plan your next road trip adventures.

Many people who love scenic drives also love to go camping. If you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. Whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!