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Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

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Ride Stats:

Distance: 44 miles / 70.8 km
Ride Time: 2-4 hours
Approximate Fuel Costs: $3.34
State: Georgia

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Ride Description
Route Map

Cool in the summer, mild in the winter, this Byway beckons you to lose yourself in its luscious timberland. Linger atop Brasstown Bald (Georgia's tallest mountain) to absorb all 360-degrees of rolling highlands. Escape the crowds and retire to the cooling mists of the Byway's numerous waterfalls. Got a hanker for a hike, but the Appalachian Trail isn't what you had in mind? Sparkling waterfalls and secluded valley views are just a short stroll from the main road. The average weekend hiker could spend years exploring these trails and never retrace a step. Share a meal at a cozy picnic site or break bread in a real Bavarian hamlet enveloped in the Georgian mountains. Whether you're looking to hike the hinterland or lounge in a lazy village, the Russell-Brasstown Byway is an ideal get-away.

Scenic wonders abound in this region of North Georgia. Venture into the Tray Mountain Wilderness, a 1,600 acre paradise for the whole family. Send your outdoorsmen to hunt the wild turkey, whitetail deer, quail, and even feral pigs that thrive in its rugged acres. Tramp down the paved path to Anna Ruby Falls and see where two creeks converge in the rare, 150-foot twin falls. Try to discover elusive Hidden Creek, which runs clear and cool for a day before it disappears. See the three tiers of Raven Cliff Falls, including its 100 foot cascade through a split in a solid rock outcropping. It is also an ideal destination for viewing dazzling fall color in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest encircling the Byway. State parks like Unicoi, a rustic haven of cottages and campgrounds, and Vogel, with its blazing expanse of wildflower trails, are easily accessible from the Byway.

Since most of the recreational areas are closed in the winter, summer and fall are the busiest seasons.

Information was obtained by permission from www.byways.org.

This is a motorcycle ride in the state of Georgia. This motorcycle route has 5 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by OpenRoadRider in February. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by OpenRoadRider

Rider Photos:

Ride Scenery:

Parks Fall Colors Forest Rural River

Best Time to Go

Spring, Summer, Fall

Road Characteristics:

Sweeping Curves Road

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Previous Comments from other Riders:

Anonymous_Motorcyclist says:

I took this route early in November during the middle of the week. The fall colors were outstanding while the road remained free of leaves. The road surface is good but there are spots with road tar. The turns are great, Most are not too tight and SR 348 is wonderful when going from SR180 to SR75.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM

fastrast says:

HELEN GA IS A GREAT PLACE TO START THIS RUN.HELEN LOOKS LIKE A TINY SWISS TOWN WITH GREAT FOOD AND LOTS OF SHOPS.THEY HAVE A GREAT BIKERS SHOP ON THE MAIN STREET WITH BIKER PARKING IN THE REAR.THE ROUTE IS REALLY NICE WITH SWEEPING CURVES AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS.THE ROAD UP TO BRASSTOWN BALD IS A TRUE 'TWISTY'.AT THE TOP YOU CAN SEE FOR MILES ON A CLEAR DAY(I HAVE BEEN THERE THREE TIMES AND HAVENT HAD A GOOD CLEAR DAY YET). THE RUSSELL-BRASSTOWN BYWAY ALSO HAS A NUMBER OF ROADS LEADING OFF THE MAIN ROUTE THAT ARE JUST AS THRILLING TO RIDE.IF YOU GET THIS FAR LOOK AT YOUR MAP AND TAKE A TRIP TO SUCHES GA.THIS ROAD IS REALLY GREAT!
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM

felon says:

Everything promised and then some! Have ridden this area for several years now, and it never gets old.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM

gacoonster says:

Great ride. I used 75 alt to get around Helen since in October this town can really congested.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM

thatdude says: