If you’ve never experienced the breathtaking beauty of the North Georgia mountains in the fall, this is your year. There are, of course, plenty of fantastic things to do in the area, including hiking, biking, chasing waterfalls, attending fun fall festivals, and so much more. But we find so many of our guests at this time of year love to get out for scenic drives through the countryside – and there is a particularly beautiful stretch of road running from Atlanta to Asheville.
As you drive along winding roads that meander through the Blue Ridge Mountains, every twist and turn reveals something new to admire, from dense yet colorful forests to scenic valleys covered in a blanket of leaves. Every twist and turn of the mountain road brings you a new vista, each more beautiful than the last, all adorned with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The crisp, cool air and the earthy scent of fallen leaves are a welcome change after the hot and humid summer months, too.
There’s another reason to travel from Atlanta to Asheville in the fall, though. It’s a journey that can easily be done in a day, as the cities are only about 4 hours apart. However, take your time on this magnificent route and explore the charming towns that dot this scenic landscape. Towns like Clarkesville, Clayton, and Helen offer a blend of historic charm and vibrant local culture, where visitors can explore quaint shops, indulge in regional cuisine, and participate in seasonal festivals celebrating the harvest and the beauty of fall. The numerous state parks and natural reserves along the route provide ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.
While you’re here exploring, give yourself plenty of time to recharge. There’s no better place to have a restful getaway than our historic North Georgia Bed and Breakfast. We offer guests a cozy, intimate mountain retreat, personalized service, and a touch of local hospitality that will leave a lasting impression. Spending a couple of days with us at Glen-Ella Springs allows you to explore the region at a more leisurely pace, with time to visit local wineries, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy plenty of unplugged time in nature. Above all else, a stay with us promises to be an enriching experience, enhancing your scenic drive through one of the most picturesque regions in the southeastern United States. Book your stay today!
A Scenic Drive from Atlanta to Asheville
The drive from Atlanta to Asheville is anything but mundane. Rather, the four-hour journey navigates through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeastern United States and is a drive that’s particularly enchanting during the fall.
As you leave behind the bustling cityscape of Atlanta, you’ll soon be surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, are the state’s highest and oldest mountains. Though only 90 minutes north of Atlanta, they feel quaint, historic, and a million miles away.
Though the natural beauty outside your car window is undoubtedly the star of the show as you go from Atlanta to Asheville, don’t miss out on the hundreds of things to do along the way! There are several notable attractions to visit along the way, including the famed Tallulah Gorge State Park, not to mention plenty of charming mountain towns worthy of exploration. We encourage you to take this drive slow, stopping to stay at our Inn and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this region.
There’s no reason to take the quickest route from Atlanta to Georgia—you have options! These routes also offer a great alternative to busy interstates. Below, we’ve listed two of our favorite ways to get between the two cities, including some of the stops we encourage you to make as you travel.
The Richard B. Russell Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway that winds through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This route from Atlanta to Asheville is filled with breathtaking vistas, and you can make the journey even more special by making a pitstop at the famed Brasstown Bald. A hike to the top of the Bald leads you to the highest point in Georgia, not to mention panoramic views that simply can’t be beaten in the fall. This is one of North Georgia’s most scenic drives!
- You can also take Georgia’s Scenic Highway 197 from Atlanta to Asheville. If nothing else, we recommend you hop on this route as you cross the North Carolina-Georgia line! This scenic drive includes plenty of those magnificent mountain views you’ve been looking for, but it also offers a fantastic introduction to charming mountain towns. This route passes through our hometown of Clarkesville, where you’ll enjoy plenty of quaint shops, antique stores, and fantastic restaurants. Another highlight of this route is Moccasin Creek State Park.
As you continue towards Asheville, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a region renowned for its scenic beauty. This area is perhaps best known for the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most popular scenic drives in the country. In the fall, the parkway becomes a corridor of color, with panoramic overlooks that showcase the rolling mountains blanketed in autumn hues. Asheville itself is a vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene, eclectic architecture, world-renowned restaurants, and the majestic Biltmore Estate.
Make a Stop at our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast
The scenic North Georgia Mountains are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Not only that, but these scenic mountains offer a welcome respite away from the busy din of city noise, offering an unparalleled destination in which to relax and unwind. Spending time in these mountains is all about slowing down and connecting with those you love the most, surrounded by beauty that is beautiful and inspiring. So why make a quick journey from Atlanta to Asheville when you can stop, savor, and enjoy this magnificent area instead?
Turn your trip into a long weekend, and take the time to discover the area’s vast hidden gems as you go. Our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast offers award-winning accommodations just outside the towns of Clarkesville and Clayton and not too popular from the popular Bavarian-themed town of Helen. We’re minutes from the Tallulah Gorge State Park and offer beautifully decorated accommodations perfect for those looking to retreat in these beautiful mountains.
Our historic Inn offers a quaint, rustic elegance befitting our mountain surroundings but with all the modern amenities you crave in a getaway. You’ll love wandering our scenic property, where you’ll find beautiful views of the mountains and plenty of well-landscaped gardens, a refreshing pool, a cozy fire pit, and even a trickling mountain stream. If hunger hits, our on-site restaurant is one of the best fine dining establishments in the area! Our dishes feature the freshest local produce, so you can enjoy a farm-to-table meal in an unpretentious setting.
What are you waiting for? Plan the ultimate road trip from Atlanta to Asheville this fall and discover the timeless beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Book your room at our North Georgia Inn today!
