Saturday North Georgia Curves and Falls

This drive can be more “Spirited” than “Moderate”, depending on the participants and how confident they are driving the curvy roads of North Georgia.

Leaving The Ridges Resort and Marina, we will go south on 76 to 197. 197 will bring us around Lake Burton, so it’s both a beautiful and interesting drive with many curves. We will then take a few back roads over to 17A, which will bring us to Toccoa Falls. At 186 feet, Toccoa Falls is 26 feet taller than Niagara Falls and one of the highest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. After a short stop at Toccoa Falls we will go north again, through Clarkesville and Cleveland, where we get on 129/11. Next stop will be “The Cottage Vineyard & Winery” where a lunch will be served. It’s a very small winery with a fantastic view, and people can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or just water with their lunch.

After lunch the fun will begin. We will continue north on 129 (Gainesville Hwy) and then take 180 to 348 (Richard B Russel Scenic Hwy). This part of the drive can be challenging, with many tight turns, and it also have multiple scenic overlooks. The roads are in very good condition, the corners are “banked” and a lot of fun. We will then get on Unicoi Turnpike (another great ride) back to 76 and back to The Ridges Resort and Marina.

This drive is 144 miles and around 3 hours and 30 minutes (not including stops).

Group Leader: Steen Olsen
Pace: Moderate to Spirited