Introduction
Some weekends call for mountains. Some for waterfalls. Some for quiet drives where the road opens up, music fills the car, and life finally slows down.
If you’re in Atlanta, you’re blessed — within a few hours, you can reach some of the most scenic places in the entire Southeast. From twisting mountain roads to peaceful lakes and charming small towns, these 7 scenic road trips from Atlanta give you everything you need for a refreshing 2–3 day escape.
And because everyone travels differently, this guide includes:
Short drives inside Georgia
Nearby state routes
Longer scenic adventures for full weekends
Table of Contents
Why These Road Trips Are Perfect for a Weekend
- All destinations are 2–6 hours from Atlanta
- Affordable for couples, families, and solo travelers
- Packed with nature, food, viewpoints, and small-town charm
- Great weather most months of the year
- Easy routes with plenty of stops
Whether you want waterfalls, mountain overlooks, beaches, or cozy towns — there’s a perfect scenic road waiting for you.
Best Time to Do These Road Trips (2026)
March–June:
Spring blooms, perfect for waterfalls and mountain roads.
September–November:
Fall foliage — the BEST season for scenic drives in Georgia.
December–February:
Great for quiet winter escapes; cozy cabin season.
July–August:
Hot, but ideal for lake trips and shade-covered hikes.
How to Reach (General Guidance)
By Car (Preferred Option)
Most routes are 60–250 miles, easy to cover with scenic stops.
Best highways for scenic trips:
- I-985 → US-23 → GA-365 (North Georgia Mountains)
- US-441 (Tallulah Gorge, Clayton)
- US-129 (Brasstown Bald region)
- I-75 → US-41 (Tennessee & Chattanooga)
- I-20 → US-278 (Alabama & Talladega region)
Travel Time: 1–6 hours depending on destination.
By Flight (If Starting Outside Atlanta)
Nearest Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Average One-Way Flight Cost: $120-$250 domestic
Car Rentals at ATL: $45-$70/day
1. Atlanta – Blue Ridge (Georgia)
Distance: 93 miles
Drive Time: 1 hr 45 min
A classic Georgia mountain drive filled with forests, lakes, wineries, and overlooks.
Why Go
- Mountain views
- Scenic rail ride
- Lake Blue Ridge
- Great food + luxury cabins
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive to Blue Ridge via I-575 – GA-5
- Explore Downtown Blue Ridge
- Walk the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
- Sunset at Lake Blue Ridge
Day 2:
- Scenic Train Ride (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway)
- Visit Mercier Orchards
- Lunch at Harvest on Main
- Drive back to Atlanta
Budget (1 Person / Couple)
- Fuel: $18 – $25
- Stay: $90-$180
- Food: $40-$80
- Activities: $0-$65
Total: $150-$350
2. Atlanta – Helen & Unicoi State Park
Distance: 87 miles
Drive Time: 1 hr 40 min
A Bavarian-style mountain town with rivers, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Why Go
- Waterfalls everywhere
- German-style food
- Tubing + hiking
- Romantic cabin atmosphere
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive to Helen via US-23
- Explore Bavarian village
- Walk to Anna Ruby Falls
- Dinner at Bodensee Restaurant
Day 2:
- Morning hike at Unicoi State Park
- Drive Russell-Brasstown Scenic Highway
- Explore Yonah Mountain Winery
Budget
$140-$320 total for a couple.
3. Atlanta – Tallulah Gorge (Best Scenic Views in Georgia)
Distance: 95 miles
Drive Time: 1 hr 50 min
This 1,000-foot canyon is one of the most stunning places in the Southeast.
Why Go
- Waterfalls
- Rim views
- Suspension bridge
- Scenic highway US-441
Itinerary
- Stop at Tallulah Point Overlook
- Rim Trail views
- Drive to nearby Clayton for food
- Optional: Black Rock Mountain State Park overlook
Budget
$10-$25 for activities.
Stay in Clayton: $70-$130/night.
4. Atlanta – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Distance: 118 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours
A scenic drive with mountains, rivers, and historic sites.
Why Go
- Lookout Mountain
- Tennessee Riverwalk
- Ruby Falls & Rock City
- Budget-friendly food
2–Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Hike Lookout Mountain
- Rock City Gardens
- Sunset at Hunter Museum viewpoint
Day 2:
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Walnut Street Bridge
- Lunch at Maple Street Biscuit
Budget
$180-$350 total.
5. Atlanta – Highlands, North Carolina
Distance: 145 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours
One of the most scenic drives anywhere near Georgia.
Why Go
- Dozens of waterfalls
- Cool mountain weather
- Charming downtown
- Amazing food
Major Scenic Stops
- Dry Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Cullasaja Gorge
- Sunset Rock
Budget
$200-$380 total.
6. Atlanta – Great Smoky Mountains
Distance: 197 miles
Drive Time: 3 hr 40 min
America’s most visited national park – and it’s free.
Why Go
- Cades Cove loop
- Clingmans Dome
- Waterfalls everywhere
- Elk viewing near Cherokee
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Drive to Gatlinburg → explore town.
Day 2:
Cades Cove loop, picnic, sunset photography.
Day 3:
Clingmans Dome + Newfound Gap scenic drive.
Budget
$180–$350 total.
7. Atlanta – Savannah + Tybee Island
Distance: 249 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours
Mountains are beautiful – but sometimes you want ocean air.
Why Go
- Beaches
- Historic streets
- Sunset pier
- Classic Southern food
Itinerary
Day 1: Savannah
- Forsyth Park
- River Street
- Historic district
Day 2: Tybee Island
- Lighthouse
- Beach time
- Sunset pier
Budget
$220-$420 total.
What to Eat (Local Food Guide)
Recommended items during these scenic trips:
- Southern fried chicken
- Trout and mountain fish
- Apple pie (Blue Ridge & Ellijay)
- Bavarian schnitzel (Helen)
- Fresh seafood (Savannah/Tybee)
- Local craft beer + wine
Budget Guide (Per Person & Couple)
| Expense | Solo Traveler | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $18–$35 | $25–$50 |
| Food | $40–$80 | $70–$120 |
| Stay | $70–$180 | $90–$250 |
| Activities | $0–$60 | $0–$120 |
| Total (Weekend) | $130–$320 | $180–$450 |
Best Road Trip Route (General)
Atlanta → North GA Mountains → Tennessee → North Carolina → South Georgia Coast → Back to Atlanta.
Return Route (Mandatory)
Take the same scenic route back or choose:
US-441 → I-985 → Atlanta,
or I-75 South → Atlanta depending on your final destination.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most scenic road trip from Atlanta?
Blue Ridge and Tallulah Gorge are the most scenic short drives.
Q2: What is the best month for a scenic drive?
October for fall colors; April–June for clear weather.
Q3: Are these road trips good for couples?
Yes — especially Helen, Blue Ridge, and Savannah.
Q4: Can beginners drive these routes?
Yes, all routes are safe with well-maintained roads.
Q5: What is the cheapest scenic road trip from Atlanta?
Helen, Tallulah Gorge, and Chattanooga are budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Some road trips are about the views. Others are about the memories you make along the way — the coffee you grab before leaving Atlanta, the playlist you listen to, the unexpected overlooks you stop at, and the quiet moments when the world feels simple again.
These 7 scenic road trips from Atlanta give you all of that.
Whether it’s mountains, waterfalls, small towns, or oceans, each route offers something special — something that stays with you long after you’re home.
Pack lightly. Drive slowly. Make space for surprises.
Your next unforgettable weekend starts the moment you turn the key.
