5-Day Scenic Road Trip in North Georgia (Excluding Atlanta)

Day 1: Charming Helen

Helen, Georgia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Schwarzwald Cafe

Kickstart your day with a hearty traditional German breakfast at Schwarzwald Cafe, known for its sausage links and pretzel rolls.
Located in the heart of Helen.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Helen's Alpine Village

Stroll through Helen’s picturesque village, taking in the Bavarian architecture and unique shops.
Walk around the village area.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Heidelberg

Savor classic German dishes such as schnitzel and bratwurst at The Heidelberg, a local favorite.
Located in downtown Helen.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Unicoi State Park

Spend an afternoon hiking or picnicking at Unicoi State Park, where you can soak in stunning lake views.
About a 10-minute drive from Helen.
USD5 (parking), 3 hours

5:00 PM

Head to the waterfall at Anna Ruby Falls

Enjoy a short hike to Anna Ruby Falls, where two waterfalls meet in a spectacular display.
5 miles from Unicoi State Park.
USD3, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Bigg Daddys Restaurant

End your day with a relaxed dinner featuring Southern comfort food including fried chicken and catfish.
Located near the entrance to Helen.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Serene Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, Georgia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Enjoy a delightful breakfast of fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit.
A short drive from your accommodations in Helen.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for breathtaking views along the Toccoa River.
Boarding at the Blue Ridge Train Depot.
USD49, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Filling Station

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at The Filling Station, known for its sandwiches and burgers.
Located in downtown Blue Ridge.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Hike to Long Creek Falls

After lunch, take a leisurely hike to Long Creek Falls, a lovely and peaceful spot for photos.
10-mile drive followed by a short 0.5-mile hike.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Harvest on Main

Dine at this renowned eatery known for its farm-to-table approach with locally sourced ingredients.
Back in downtown Blue Ridge.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Gold Rush Days

Dahlonega, Georgia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Picnic Cafe

Start your day with a healthy breakfast including yogurt parfaits and homemade baked goods.
Less than 30-minute drive from Blue Ridge.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Dahlonega Gold Museum

Discover the rich history of the gold rush in this restored courthouse, now a museum.
Located in the town square.
USD7, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Wine Tasting at Wolf Mountain Vineyards

Enjoy tastings at one of the area's premier wineries with beautiful views.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
USD15, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Ocoee Restaurant

Satisfy your appetite with classic American fare at this popular eatery.
Back in downtown Dahlonega.
USD18, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Consolidated Gold Mine

Experience panning for gold and learn about historic mining techniques.
Drive 5 minutes from lunch location.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Corkscrew Cafe

Indulge in a cozy dinner setting with an array of pasta and grilled meat dishes.
In the heart of Dahlonega.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Picturesque Clayton

Clayton, Georgia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Gather

Visit Gather for a comforting breakfast with homemade biscuits and gravy.
Short drive from Dahlonega.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Short Hike at Tallulah Gorge State Park

Discover the stunning views and waterfalls at Tallulah Gorge on this accessible trail.
20-minute drive from breakfast location.
USD5 (parking), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Country Café

Enjoy Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and tasty sandwiches.
5 minutes from the park.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Main Street Clayton

Wander through the charming shops and galleries on Main Street, soaking in the local vibe.
Located in downtown Clayton.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Scenic Drive through Rabun County

Take a leisurely drive through the beautiful Rabun County, stopping for photos of the mountains.
A loop back towards Clayton.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Rusty Bike Cafe

Taste some local favorites including burgers, salads, and exquisite craft beer.
In downtown Clayton.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature's Majesty

Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at BaseCamp Restaurant

Fuel up with a fresh breakfast featuring omelets and pancakes before exploring.
Close drive from Clayton.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike to Amicalola Falls

Segway into nature by hiking the beautiful trail leading to the majestic Amicalola Falls.
On-site at Amicalola Falls State Park.
USD5 (parking), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic from local delicacies and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
Bring your items to Amicalola Falls.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center

Learn more about the park's flora and fauna in the visitor center.
At Amicalola Falls.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Optional Zip-lining Adventure

Experience an exhilarating zip-lining adventure through the treetops.
Book ahead at the activity center.
USD70, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Lodge Restaurant

End your trip with a fulfilling dinner, enjoying Southern cuisine with a stunning view.
Located on site at Amicalola Falls State Park.
USD30, 2 hours
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