Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway: Waterfalls, Gaps and Overlooks

If you only have time for one drive near Helen, make it GA-348. In a short stretch it takes you past two waterfall trailheads, up to a ridge-top gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road, and down the far side toward the Blairsville end of the mountains.

What the road is

GA-348 is officially the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. It forms part of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, a loop that follows parts of GA-17, GA-75, GA-180 and GA-75 Alternate, plus the entire length of GA-348. The Forest Service describes the loop as about 40 miles and suggests at least three hours of driving. The byway became a National Forest Scenic Byway on June 5, 1989, a Georgia State Scenic Byway in 1992 and a National Scenic Byway on June 15, 2000.

The road is named for Richard B. Russell Jr. (1897 to 1971), a Winder, Georgia, native who was governor from 1931 to 1933 and then a U.S. senator for almost 40 years. He was a leading Southern opponent of civil rights legislation, a part of his legacy that Georgians still debate.

The stops, from east to west

Starting from the Helen side, the main stops come in this order. Drive times are from downtown Helen.

Our Dukes Creek Falls trail guide and Raven Cliff Falls trail guide cover the walks, and the waterfalls roundup puts them next to the rest of the area. Remember that both trailheads charge their own fees, and the Georgia ParkPass doesn't cover Forest Service day-use areas.

Hogpen Gap

Hogpen Gap is the stop people remember. At 3,461 feet it's about 2,000 feet above downtown Helen (roughly 1,440 feet), and the Appalachian Trail crosses the road here. You can park, stretch your legs on the trail and look out over forested ridges. It's also where fall color usually shows up first along this road, ahead of the valley. In January the gap hosts the Hogpen Hillclimb, an 18K running race (with a 5K) up the road; the 48th race is on January 16, 2027, per runthehogpen.org.

For more on hiking the trail from the gaps, see our Appalachian Trail guide.

Making it a loop

From the western end, GA-180 leads to Vogel State Park (about 45 minutes from Helen) and the Brasstown Bald turnoff (about 40 minutes from Helen). Georgia State Parks lists Vogel at about 2,500 feet, with a $10 daily ParkPass. Note that Lake Trahlyta is drained for dam repairs right now, and the lake loop trail and waterfall there are closed. Cabins, campsites and other park facilities remain open, though a new visitor center under construction limits parking.

Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest point at 4,784 feet. Admission is $10 per adult 16 and up during regular hours, shuttle included, and it's open daily 10 AM to 5 PM in the staffed season (last shuttle up at 4:30). The summit trail is 0.6 mile, paved and very steep. Parking is limited on fall-color weekends, so go early.

Fall color on this road

The Georgia Forestry Commission's first 2026 report expects peak color in northeast Georgia around the end of October to the first of November, give or take a week. The Forest Service's rule of thumb is that peak drops about 1,000 feet in elevation each week. In practice that means Hogpen and Tesnatee Gaps usually turn before Helen does. Check the commission's weekly Leaf Watch reports and our Helen area fall color guide before you drive.

Parking at the gaps and waterfall lots fills up on peak weekends. A weekday or an early start makes the day easier.

Driving tips

• Take your time. The road is curvy and narrow in places, with limited sight lines. Pull over fully at overlooks rather than stopping in the lane.
• Watch for cyclists and riders. The road is popular with both. Pass only where you can see clearly.
• Expect spotty cell service in the high stretches. Download an offline map.
• Check conditions in winter. Ice and snow can make the road dangerous or close it; see Georgia 511 before you go.
• Bring food and fuel. There are no services on the road itself, so fill up and pick up lunch in Helen first.