Location: Loops through North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest
Length: 40.6 miles (65.4 km)
Time To Allow: 3 hours

Description/Highlights/Points of Interest

Surrounded by the scenic and natural beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the byway winds its way through the fertile valleys and mountain gaps of the Southern Appalachians. From the breathtaking vistas found atop Brasstown Bald to the cooling mist of the byway's numerous waterfalls, scenic wonders fill this region of Northern Georgia. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the many recreational opportunities such as hiking the Appalachian Trail or fishing in a cool mountain stream.


Suggested Itinerary

Your tour begins on Georgia State Highway 348 at Raven Cliff Falls and Wilderness Area which cascades a total of 100 feet (30.5 m) down Dodd Creek. Raven Cliff Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls. The middle section flows through a split in a solid rock outcropping. Other waterfalls are found on the creek with the largest having a drop of 70 feet (21.3 m). The surrounding Wilderness Area, measuring over 9,100 acres, is federally protected land designed to preserve the wilderness character of the region. Hiking trails to the falls are accessed from the parking area alongside Highway 348.

Dukes Creek Falls is located 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Raven Cliff Falls. Dropping 250 feet (76.2 m) down a steep granite canyon, it is a memorable stop for byway travelers. Following the one-mile (1.6 km) trail from the parking area into Dukes Creek Gorge brings visitors to the base of the falls. The trail is handicapped-accessible to the first waterfall overlook. A picnic area and restroom facilities are provided at the parking area.

Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area lies about 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Robertstown on state Route 356. Flowing down Tray Mountain, Curtis and York Creeks come together dramatically at Anna Ruby Falls. The twin waterfalls are a memorable sight with Curtis Creek dropping over 150 feet and York Creek falling 50 feet to form Smith Creek. The falls are the highlight of this 1,600-acre scenic area, though visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, picnic facilities and the visitors center.

The fourth and final waterfall on the tour is located 9 miles (14.4 km) north of Roberstown. Near the intersection of state Routes 17/75 and 180, Forest Service Road 283 leads visitors through the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area to the High Shoals Creek Falls Scenic Area. The two waterfalls on High Shoals Creek are the highlight of this 170-acre site. A 1.2 mile (2 km) trail takes visitors down to the falls.

Following state Route 180 Spur up its steep and curving terrain, we reach Brasstown Bald. Rising 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald is Georgia's tallest mountain. Obviously, the main attraction at the mountain top is the scenery. An observation deck allows a spectacular 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and fertile valleys of North Georgia and neighboring states. The Visitors Center provides video presentations, exhibits and interpretive programs on the natural and cultural history of the area. The parking area offers visitors picnic areas, concessions, restrooms and a gift shop and bookstore. Shuttle buses offer service from the parking area to the summit. Hearty travelers can take the steep half-mile (.8 km) trail to the mountain top. Three other hiking trails also radiate out from the site.

The following organizations offer trips in Georgia:

Atlanta...Heart of the South
North America Journeys
Entertaining and Educational Days for Everyone including a visit to the World of Coca-Cola, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Zoo Atlanta and mega-shopping destinations.

Charleston & Savannah
Tauck World Discovery
A vacation to the renowned resorts of Georgia and the Sea Islands of South Carolina brings you to the elegant Jekyll Island Club, Savannah's charming antebellum architecture, Hilton Head Island and the beautiful seaport town of Charleston.