Hidden Gem Routes in Georgia

Georgia presents some of the most beautiful, challenging, and entertaining riding to be encountered anywhere in this great nation.

The “Peach State” is blessed with a diverse landscape, encompassing mountains, marsh, and everything in between. And some of it may look awfully familiar even while on your maiden ride through the state, with Georgia having developed into a powerhouse of film and television production in recent years.

This amazing riding doesn’t have to remain a hidden gem known only to Georgia natives and others from the Southeast. For example, you might want to consider extending your next cross-country road trip to Daytona by a day or two and devote some time and miles to discovering all that Georgia has to offer the enterprising two-wheeled explorer.

But you say you don’t know where to begin? Check out these routes to help get you started::

Suches Loop

Also known as Georgia’s Dragon or the Georgia Triangle, Suches Loop navigates the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vogel State Park, and Chattahoochee National Forest.

The route, which runs from U.S. Route 19 to GA SR-180 to GA SR-60, curves around the base of Blood Mountain. Along the way, you’ll negotiate a wide variety of hairpins and sweepers, along with some dramatic elevation changes, while enjoying the breathtaking sights of mountain tops and waterfalls.

Once you’ve run the loop, turn around and run it in reverse for a new vantage point on this epic ride.

State Route 60

If you’ve run the Suches Loop forward, backward, and forward again, and still find yourself looking to extend the fun, just continue on Georgia SR-60 north of Suches.

The curves follow the path cut by the Ocoee River, running through the southern Appalachian mountains all the way to Tennessee.

And if after all that you’re still looking for a challenge, how’s this? The Ocoee Whitewater Center served as the canoe slalom venue for the 1996 Summer Olympics, hosted by Atlanta, Georgia. 

So if you want to add a little whitewater to your whiteknuckles, this one is for you.

Lake Rabun to Lake Burton Loop

Here’s another amazing loop to get heart pumping and return you right back to where you started. Connecting three reservoir lakes created by dams on the Tallulah River, this ride takes you from Lake Rabun to Seed Lake to Lake Burton.

Starting at Old 441, follow Lake Rabun Rd to Seed Lake Rd to Burton Dam Rd to GA SR-197 to U.S. 76 to Charlie Mountain Rd to Bridge Creek Rd.

This adrenaline rush winds and curves around the lakes, offering an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And if you want to take your time, there are lakeside restaurants, beaches, trails, and campgrounds to explore all throughout the ride.

Georgia Adventure Trail

Are you feeling a bit more “adventurous?” If the more contained, paved rides above don’t meet your needs, give the Georgia Adventure Trail a try.

You’re going to need an ADV bike for this route that runs nearly 600 miles and links the mountainous north of the state bordering North Carolina to the coastal plains bordering Florida.

Nearly two thirds of that span consists of dirt, gravel, clay, and sand, connecting on- and off-road riding all the while. And if you can peel your eyes off the path, the Georgia Adventure Trail was intentionally designed by enthusiasts to hit a wide variety of historic sights, scenic views, and other attractions. 

The challenge level presented by the trail itself is not overwhelming, allowing those new to ADVs and off-road riding an unforgettable ride without being needlessly punishing.