The next time you plan a trip through Georgia, make time for a Six Gap motorcycle ride. The 80-mile route takes you through six mountain gaps, including Wolfpen Gap, Woody Gap, Neels Gap, Hogpen Gap, Unicoi Gap, and Jacks Gap. Much of your trip will be in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
The Sights
Elevation changes will take you through several different environments, including forests, farms, historical sites, and more. The road offers fun twists and turns, smooth riding, and several places to pull off the road and snap some pictures for the shutterbug in your group.
Pull off at any of the trailheads and stretch your legs for some hiking. Don’t miss any of the markers for the famed Appalachian Trail during your stops on your Six Gap motorcycle ride.
You’ll also be near three other notable trails: the Bartram Trail, the Benton McKaye Trail, and the Pinhoti Trail.
The Route
Riding straight through this figure-8 double-loop will only take about two hours, although the scenery will justify several stops to pull over and take some pictures of the breathtaking views.
Start at Six Gap, which is 8.5 miles north of Dahlonega, GA, on US-19N. From here, head northwest onto GA-60. Follow it seven miles to Suches, then take a right onto GA-180. Follow GA-180 for 11 miles, then turn left onto US-129N/US-19N for 2.5 miles through Blairsville. Make a right onto GA-180 toward Choestoe. Follow GA-180 12.5 miles to make a right on GA-17S/GA-75S.
Follow GA-17S/GA-75S approximately ten miles before turning right at GA-75A. In two and a half miles, turn right at GA-348 W and take it 14 miles to make a left onto GA-180 toward Choestoe. Pass through Choestoe, turn left onto US-129S/US-19S, and follow it 13 miles to Cleveland. Turn right onto US-19S and follow it five miles back to Six Gap.
The Attractions
This double-loop route offers lots of opportunities to pull off the road for some hiking, especially around the Appalachian Trail markers.
Don’t miss a visit to the Vogel State Park for camping, museums, and hiking around the 22-acre lake. If your riding buddy has four legs, take them for a walk around Smithgall Woods State Park and watch for diverse wildlife in the preserve.
Go off-route for a visit to the nearby North Georgia Wildlife Park in Cleveland, GA. See exotic animals, farm animals, educational tours, and more.
If you’re heading south through Dawsonville, don’t miss out on the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The museum features information about racing in Georgia, from moonshiners to NASCAR, and more.
The Eats
When you get hungry on the road, stop at one of several dining options available. Don’t miss the Riverside Tavern at Turners Corner in Cleveland, serving burgers, fries, barbecue, breakfast, and more.
Just outside of Scorpion Hollow in Helen, you can find Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub, serving traditional German fare and beer with riverfront patio dining.
Head north on GA-19 to Blairsville for barbecue at Jim’s Smokin’ Que. Note limited hours, but if you’re driving through at the right time, get some delicious pulled pork, ribs, macaroni and cheese, chicken, brisket, baked beans, banana pudding, and more.
Contact the Law Tigers for Motorcycle Legal Advice in Georgia
Plan a Six Gap motorcycle ride on your next visit to Georgia for stunning views of the Southern Appalachian mountains. For motorcycle law in Georgia and around the country, contact us at The Law Tigers. We’re lawyers who ride and represent bikers and their families after a motorcycle accident.
Call us at The Law Tigers today at 1-888-863-7216 or contact us online for a free motorcycle accident case evaluation. Always stay safe on the road with our free Rider Benefit Kit.