Established in 1732 as the thirteenth of the original American colonies, Georgia is a state rich in history. It’s also rich in terms of geography, with terrain ranging from beaches and barrier islands along the Atlantic coast to the Okefenokee swamp along its southern border with Florida, vast tracts of farmland throughout the middle and southern parts of the state, and rolling foothills and mountains in the north.
Because we motorcyclists gravitate towards areas with roads characterized by curves and elevation changes, North Georgia has the greatest draw for us. It is here, within a small region, that you’ll find the top five motorcycle roads in Georgia. These roads are within striking distance of each other, so they can be easily linked together.
Scan QR codes above or click Route #1, Route #2, Route #3, Route #4, or Route #5 to view routes on REVER
The Appalachian Mountains, which span nearly the entire length of the eastern states, begin their northeasterly march in Georgia. Within the Appalachians is a region known as the Blue Ridge Mountains that forms a gnarled, upturned finger from North Georgia up through parts of Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
See all of Rider‘s Georgia touring stories here
#1 Georgia Triangle
What better place to begin a list of top motorcycle roads than Two Wheels of Suches, a lodge, campground, and restaurant that caters to motorcyclists? Located near the junction of State Route 60 and Wolf Pen Gap Road (State Route 180), the western corner of the Georgia Triangle, Two Wheels of Suches (and its earlier iteration, Two Wheels Only) has been a gathering place for motorcyclists since the early 1980s.
Located within Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the 35-mile loop of the Georgia Triangle goes around Blood Mountain. Starting at Stonepile Gap, which is six miles north of Dahlonega, the three legs of the triangle – SR-60 from Stonepile Gap to Suches; Wolf Pen Gap Road/SR-180 to Vogel State Park; and U.S. Route 19 back to Stonepile Gap – are anything but straight. Curves range from diabolically tight hairpins to fast sweepers and everything in between. Do yourself a favor: Ride it in one direction, then turn around and ride again the other way.
#2 Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
The northern terminus of this 14-mile scenic highway (State Route 348) begins just 3.3 miles from the northern corner of the Georgia Triangle, and the southern terminus is less than 4 miles from Helen, a kitschy Bavarian-themed village (a great place for lunch). The northern part of SR-348 is a mix of gentle curves and sweepers, while the southern part has tighter corners and several scenic overlooks. If you’re into hiking, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail crosses SR-348 at Hogpen Gap.
#3 Lake Rabun to Lake Burton Loop
This 31-mile route follows the shoreline of three reservoirs – Lake Rabun, Seed Lake, and Lake Burton – that were formed by hydroelectric dams on the Tallulah River. Starting near Lakemont where Old 441 becomes Lake Rabun Road, the route winds along the northern shore of Lake Rabun, follows the eastern shore of Seed Lake, and then goes entirely around Lake Burton, forming a lollipop-type loop. It provides views of the lakes and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as access to beaches, marinas, parks, campgrounds, trailheads, restaurants, and hotels.
#4 State Route 60
Starting at Stonepile Gap, the first 7.3 miles of SR-60 form the southwestern side of the Georgia Triangle (#1 on this list). But the fun doesn’t end there. Continuing north beyond Suches, SR-60 continues for nearly 40 more miles, following the contours of the Toccoa River and various creeks on its way to Blue Ridge Lake and the town of Morganton, and then onto McCaysville on the Tennessee state line.
#5 Dahlonega to Amicalola Falls to Ellijay to Chatsworth
Part of North Georgia’s charm are the towns that are tucked within the bosom of the lush Blue Ridge Mountains. This 67-mile route, which includes plenty of curves to keep you entertained, starts in Dahlonega, home to a gold museum housed in a 19th-century former courthouse and a renowned family-style eatery called the Smith House. It follows State Route 52 to the scenic 729-foot Amicalola Falls and continues to Ellijay, a town that’s the seat of Gilmer County, known as the “apple capital of Georgia,” and then via State Route 2 to Chatsworth.
Georgia Stories from the Pages of Rider
- North Georgia Triangle Motorcycle Ride
- North Georgia’s Highway 52
- Appalachians Motorcycle Ride: Backroads Bonanza
- Riding the Georgia Triangle
- North Georgia Colors
