This Georgia Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
The Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway traverses the heart of Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, providing travelers with a 40.64-mile journey through some of the most remarkable scenery in the Southeastern United States. This nationally designated byway connects the charming town of Helen to the mountain community of Blairsville, winding through the Chattahoochee National Forest and climbing to Georgia's highest point. Visitors who navigate this route discover a perfect blend of nature, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures that transform a simple drive into an unforgettable experience.
The byway presents travelers with cascading waterfalls, mountain vistas, and trails that beckon exploration. Whether you seek the vibrant colors of fall foliage, the fresh blooms of spring, the lush greenery of summer, or the occasional winter snowfall, this route delivers year-round beauty and maintains accessibility throughout all seasons. This article guides you through each essential stop, ensures you experience the byway's most remarkable features, and helps you create lasting memories along one of Georgia's most scenic byways.
Helen
Begin your Russell-Brasstown adventure in Helen, a unique Alpine-themed village that transported Bavarian architecture to the Georgia mountains. This town underwent a transformation in the 1960s, evolving from a struggling lumber community into a destination that now welcomes millions of visitors annually. You can stay in this town for a couple of nights to explore the cobblestone streets lined with Alpine buildings, visit specialty shops selling European imports and local crafts, and sample authentic German cuisine at restaurants like the Bodensee Restaurant or Hofer's Bakery. The town sits along the Chattahoochee River, and you can enjoy tubing during warm months through the Cool River Tubing Company or other local outfitters. You should also visit the Hardman Farm State Historic Site on the edge of town, where you can tour a preserved 19th-century farmstead that offers insight into mountain life before tourism transformed the region.
Smithgall Woods State Park
Make your first official stop on the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway at the Smithgall Woods State Park, located approximately five miles from Helen. This conservation area protects one of the finest trout streams in the Southeast. You can access limited-capacity trails that ensure a peaceful hiking experience; the park limits daily visitor numbers to preserve the natural environment. You should hike the Martin's Mine Trail, which leads you past remnants of a gold mining operation and offers interpretive signs explaining the area's mining history. Alternatively, you can reserve a guided fly-fishing experience on Dukes Creek, where native and stocked trout thrive in pristine waters. The park remains open year-round; however, please call ahead during the winter months to confirm trail conditions and visitor center hours.
Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls
Continue northward to Unicoi State Park, a full-service recreation area that serves as an ideal base for exploring the byway. The park features a lake where you can swim, relax at the sandy beach, rent kayaks and paddleboards, or fish for bass. You should hike from the park to Anna Ruby Falls, one of Georgia's most popular waterfalls, located a few miles from the main park area via a connecting trail. The Anna Ruby Falls Trail leads you to a double waterfall where Curtis and York Creeks converge and plunge over separate ledges. You can visit this attraction year-round, though winter occasionally brings ice formations that make the falls even more spectacular.
Brasstown Bald
After around 20 miles into your journey, you reach the highlight at Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point at 4,784 feet in elevation. You should park at the visitor center and either hike the paved trail to the summit or ride the shuttle bus. The observation deck at the summit rewards you with views spanning four states on clear days. You can identify landmarks using interpretive panels that explain the geography, and you should visit the museum inside the summit building to learn about Cherokee history, Appalachian ecology, and mountain culture. The site is open year-round, but the access road closes during winter weather events, and the shuttle operates only during peak season. You should call ahead during the winter months to verify road conditions before making the climb.
Vogel State Park
As you descend from Brasstown Bald and drive for around 10 miles, you will arrive at Vogel State Park, one of Georgia's oldest state parks, established in 1931. The park centers around a lake surrounded by mountains that reach 4,000 feet. You should hike the Bear Hair Gap Trail, a loop that takes you through diverse forest ecosystems and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Alternatively, you can tackle the more challenging Coosa Backcountry Trail, which connects Vogel to other wilderness areas for multi-day backpacking adventures. The park operates year-round, offering camping, cottages, and a seasonal swimming beach. You can rent paddleboats and canoes from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and you should visit the park office museum to view the Civilian Conservation Corps artifacts that tell the story of the park's Depression era construction.
Blairsville
The last stop of the tour can be Blairsville, the Union County seat, with a mountain town atmosphere. The town hosts farmers' markets from May through October every Saturday morning at the Union County Farmers Market, where you can purchase local honey, jams, produce, and handmade crafts. You should also visit Track Rock Gap Archaeological Area, located just outside town, where you can view ancient petroglyphs carved by indigenous peoples centuries ago. These mysterious soapstone carvings, featuring animal tracks, footprints, and geometric designs, continue to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike.
The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
The Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway delivers an exceptional road trip experience that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure into a single journey. You can complete this drive in a single day, but you should consider extending your visit to fully appreciate the hiking trails, water activities, and views that make this byway special. The route remains accessible throughout the year, though you will find fall foliage season particularly spectacular and spring wildflower displays equally impressive. You should pack layers, regardless of the season, as temperatures at higher elevations can differ dramatically from those in valley communities.
