📷 Photo by Cesar Pimentel on UnsplashNorth 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.
More road trips in Georgia · More road trips from Atlanta
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.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Atlanta → Amicalola Falls · 68 mi · 1 h 13 minOvernight nearby, for example: Amicalola Falls State Park Campground (< 1 km); Under the Hemlock (2 mi).
- Day 2: Amicalola Falls → Helen · 40 mi · 0 h 43 minOn the way: Dahlonega.Overnight nearby, for example: Paradise Valley Campground (8 mi); Dockery Lake Campground (14 mi).
- Day 3: Helen → Tallulah Gorge State Park · 47 mi · 0 h 51 minOn the way: Anna Ruby Falls, Brasstown Bald.Overnight nearby, for example: Chattooga River Lodge and Campground (7 mi); Terrora Campground (< 1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is North Georgia waterfalls and gold country?
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.
How many days do you need for North Georgia waterfalls and gold country?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 47 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does North Georgia waterfalls and gold country start and end?
It starts in Atlanta and ends in Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Which states does North Georgia waterfalls and gold country pass through?
Georgia.
Where can you camp along North Georgia waterfalls and gold country?
OpenStreetMap lists 123 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Toto Creek Campground, Frank Gross Recreation Area and Deep Hole Recreation Area.
When is the best time for North Georgia waterfalls and gold country?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
