Scenic Drives Near Helen
Winding mountain roads through the heart of the Blue Ridge
The short answer
The mountains around Helen are criss-crossed with roads that were made for slow driving. They climb through hardwood forest, cross gaps where the Appalachian Trail meets the pavement, and pass trailheads for some of north Georgia's best waterfalls. Every drive below starts and ends in or near Helen, so you can add one to your visit without a big detour.
Pack a camera, fill your gas tank and download your map before you go. Cell service is unreliable on mountain roads.
The drives at a glance
| Drive | From Helen | Time | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Scenic Highway (GA-348) | About 15 minutes to the first trailheads | Allow 1.5 to 3 hours with stops | Dukes Creek Falls, Raven Cliffs trailhead, Hogpen Gap, Tesnatee Gap |
| GA-75 north to Hiawassee | About 21 miles, 35 minutes to Hiawassee | Allow 2 to 4 hours round trip | Unicoi Gap (Appalachian Trail crossing), Lake Chatuge |
| GA-17 south to Clarkesville | About 15 miles, 25 minutes to Clarkesville | Allow 3 hours with stops | Nacoochee Indian Mound, Hardman Farm, Old Sautee Store, Stovall Bridge |
| GA-180 Wolf Pen Gap Road | About 40 minutes to Vogel State Park | Allow half a day | Vogel State Park, Brasstown Bald spur |
Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
If you only drive one road, make it this one. GA-348 is the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, named for the late U.S. senator, and it's the heart of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway. It takes you over Hogpen Gap and Tesnatee Gap, past the Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliffs trailheads, and on toward Brasstown Bald.
The road is paved but has sharp curves and a few blind turns, so give it more time than the map suggests. Our Russell Scenic Highway guide has the full loop.
Stops and fees
These are the stops people plan around, with the current costs.
| Stop | What to know | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dukes Creek Falls | A 2.2-mile round-trip trail with views toward Mount Yonah; sunrise to sunset | $4 per vehicle per day |
| Raven Cliffs trailhead | A trail of 2.6 miles each way into the Raven Cliffs Wilderness; the creek crossing can run calf-deep | $5 per vehicle per day |
| Unicoi Gap | About 2,940 feet on GA-17/75, where the Appalachian Trail crosses | Free |
| Hogpen Gap | About 3,461 feet on GA-348; Appalachian Trail crossing with parking | Free |
| Brasstown Bald | Georgia's highest point, 4,784 feet; 0.6-mile paved, very steep summit trail; open daily 10 AM to 5 PM | $10 per adult 16+, shuttle included |
GA-75 north to Hiawassee
Head north from Helen on GA-75 and the road climbs over Unicoi Gap, where the Appalachian Trail crosses the pavement, then drops into the mountain valleys toward Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge. It's about 21 miles and 35 minutes one way. The lake is the natural place to stop for lunch. See our Hiawassee guide for ideas.
GA-17 south to Clarkesville
This is the gentle drive. GA-17 runs south through the Sautee Nacoochee Valley, past the gazebo-topped Nacoochee Indian Mound and Hardman Farm State Historic Site, and on to Clarkesville, about 15 miles and 25 minutes from Helen. Stop at the Old Sautee Store and the little Stovall Mill Covered Bridge on the way. See the Sautee Nacoochee Valley guide for what's open, and our Clarkesville guide for the town.
GA-180: Wolf Pen Gap Road
Wolf Pen Gap Road is the western part of GA-180, starting at GA-60 in Suches and passing Vogel State Park. Georgia State Parks recommends it for fall scenery. It's curvy and slow, so it suits drivers who want the road itself to be the attraction. Vogel's Lake Trahlyta is drained for dam repairs right now, and the lake loop trail and waterfall are closed, though the cabins and campsites are open.
Driving tips
Take it slow
Sharp switchbacks, steep grades and blind curves. Use a lower gear on long descents.
Pull over for faster traffic
Use the overlooks and pull-offs to let others pass.
Expect fog and ice
Conditions change fast at higher elevations. Check the weather in winter and slow down in fog.
Plan around fall color
Peak is moving down about 1,000 feet a week from the highest peaks. See fall color near Helen.
For more photo stops, see our Helen photography spots. And a full-day plan is in the six-drive collection.
More to explore
Russell Scenic Highway
Our blog post on the road and the full loop guide.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls near Helen along these routes, including Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliff Falls.
Fall foliage
The fall foliage guide for timing by elevation.
Neel Gap
Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap on US-19/129.
