North Georgia waterfalls and gold country
From Atlanta to Georgia’s tallest waterfall, a gold-rush town, an Alpine village and a deep gorge.
- Distance
- 251 km (156 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 47 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- States
- GA
- Updated
- May 6, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 251 km (156 mi) with 7 stops, from Atlanta to Tallulah Gorge State Park. About 2 h 47 min of driving in total.
Route description
Leave Atlanta north on GA-400 and follow State Road 53 and 52 to Amicalola Falls State Park, where a stair trail climbs beside a 729-foot cascade. The Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail starts at the visitor center.
State Road 52 winds east to Dahlonega, site of America’s first major gold rush in 1829; the old courthouse on the square is now a gold museum, and the hills around it are dotted with wineries. Continue to Helen, a former logging town rebuilt in Bavarian style, with tubing on the Chattahoochee in summer.
From Helen, a short road leads to Anna Ruby Falls, then the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (State Road 348) climbs over the Blue Ridge to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The spur road to the summit lot is steep; trailers should stay below.
Head east via Hiawassee and US-76 to Clayton and down US-441 to Tallulah Gorge State Park, where rim trails and a swaying suspension bridge look into the canyon. October is peak color and busy; weekdays are calmer.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Atlanta
GA - 2110 km
Amicalola Falls
NatureDawsonville, GAGeorgia’s tallest waterfall, a 729-foot cascade with stairs and a paved path to a footbridge across it. The approach trail to the Appalachian Trail starts here.
- 329 km
Dahlonega
GA - 436 km
Helen
GA - 58 km
Anna Ruby Falls
NatureHelen, GATwin waterfalls where two creeks meet, reached by a paved half-mile trail through the forest above Unicoi State Park.
- 619 km
Brasstown Bald
ViewsHiawassee, GAGeorgia’s highest point at 4,784 feet, with a tower giving views into four states. A steep paved trail or a shuttle climbs the last half mile from the parking lot.
- 749 km
Tallulah Gorge State Park
NatureTallulah Falls, GAA two-mile gorge nearly 1,000 feet deep with rim overlooks and a suspension bridge above the river. Gorge-floor permits are limited and handed out daily.
