Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
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Drive Across Georgia
Whether you aim to immerse yourself in the lively scenes of downtown Atlanta, the exhilarating rides of the Georgia Mountain Coaster in Helen or the rich heritage of Savannah, the Peach State caters to every traveler and offers the perfect backdrop for the ultimate American road trip. So, get your luggage ready for this thrilling drive across Georgia.
The World of Coca-Cola museum
Atlanta
Our journey across Georgia starts in the state's capital, Atlanta. This buzzing metropolis is the largest and the most densely populated city in Georgia, with a metro area population of more than 6 million. Our first pitstop is the famous Centennial Olympic Park, located in the city's center, a place that hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. This 22-acre public park houses the must-see Olympic rings monument and the Fountain of Rings, which exhibits an awe-inspiring spectacle daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Three museums to consider visiting in Atlanta:
Be sure to save some time to appreciate the natural splendor of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This 30-acre park boasts numerous sections and exhibits to keep the whole family entertained. Kids love the Lou Glenn Children's Garden, with gorgeous blooms, a play area, a rope bridge and a splash pad. For those with a green thumb, a walk through the Japanese Garden or the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory is an absolute must.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
From Atlanta, head northwest for approximately 120 miles to Cloudland Canyon State Park. One of the grandest and picturesque parks in Georgia, it provides unmatched access to stunning landscapes.
Perched on the western tip of Lookout Mountain, the state park boasts 1,000-foot-deep gorges, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, flowing creeks, myriad wildlife and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike 64 miles of trails or rent a bike to explore 30 miles of bike trails.
For those willing to take on a strenuous 2-mile hike, which includes climbing 600 metal stairsteps, the park’s iconic Cherokee and Hemlock falls await. For a more relaxed walk, try the Meadowlands Trail, which takes you past a fishing pond and, in late June and early July, meadows brimming with wild blackberries ready to be picked.
Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Moving east from Cloudland Canyon State Park, it’s an 84-mile drive to the next destination, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. It is the sole national forest in Georgia, offering 867,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
Fancy trying your luck at fortune hunting? Almost all the streams in north Georgia are rumored to contain gold. Don’t miss the gold-panning experience at Crisson Gold Mine or the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which both harken back to one of America’s first gold rushes in this region of the state.
Town of Helen
Helen, a small settlement framed by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for the distinctive Bavarian-style architecture of its downtown area. This charming alpine village also hosts the United States' longest-running Oktoberfest, spanning from the first weekend in September through the last weekend in October.
A stop at the Georgia Mountain Coaster is a must for adrenaline junkies. This mountain coaster hits top speeds of 28 mph on a mile-long track filled with twists, turns and 360-degree loops. Each car is equipped with a hand brake, offering control over the pace, ensuring a fun ride regardless of your chosen speed.
Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Gorge State Park
From Helen, travel eastward for 30 miles to reach Tallulah Gorge State Park. This 473-acre park houses one of the eastern United States’ most breathtaking canyons, spanning 2 miles in length and nearly 1,000 feet deep.
Stop at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center early during your visit to secure one of the 100 daily permits to explore the gorge floor. If you fail to get a permit, don't worry: Both the North and South Rim trails provide stunning overlooks and photo-worthy views of the canyonlands below.
Skyline of Savannah
Savannah
Savannah is a quintessential Georgia destination teeming with Southern allure, indulgent cuisine, vibrant architecture and abundant history. Begin your Savannah exploration with a tour of the Historic Landmark District to witness the beauty of the city.
Forsyth Park, Savannah
Thirty-acre Forsyth Park presents an ideal starting point. Here, the fountain is the main attraction. Made of ornate cast iron and painted white, it is more than 100 years old. Don't miss other attractions in the area: the memorial commemorating the soldiers from Georgia who fought in the Spanish-American War, the 300-year-old Candler oak tree and the Mercer Williams House Museum, which showcases the district's antebellum history.
Savannah's River Street
Set foot on River Street and the cobblestone-paved waterfront for unique boutiques, galleries and eateries overlooking the Savannah River. Along the way, cross Chippewa Square, where a famous Forrest Gump scene was shot. You can relax on the bench where Forrest delivers the iconic line, “My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
History enthusiasts find Old Fort Jackson intriguing. This National Historic Landmark, built in 1808 and manned during the War of 1812, served as a Confederate fort during the Civil War and was eventually abandoned in 1905. It has since reopened as a museum, showcasing exhibits, providing education, and featuring daily cannon and musket firings.
Before leaving Savannah, drive roughly 30 minutes to Tybee Island, where the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum and the sea turtles of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center are must-visits. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, feeling the refreshing Atlantic Ocean breeze on your face, for a delightful conclusion.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
The Golden Isles
Located midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida, on Georgia’s coast, lie the mainland city of Brunswick and its four barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.
The Golden Isles are brimming with activities, from deep-sea fishing to lounging on one of the many local beaches. Looking for more family-friendly entertainment? Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island is just what you need. Experience the Frantic Atlantic Wave Pool or enjoy the twists and bends of Nature’s Revenge's water slides. This water park offers rides ranging from high to low thrills, catering to all ages.
St. Simons Island beach
Be sure to visit Jekyll Island’s Georgia Sea Turtle Center—the only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility in the state—to understand the conservation efforts being made to prevent these endangered creatures from becoming extinct. Nature lovers also appreciate visiting Little St. Simons Island, an 11,000-acre nature reserve with around 300 bird species where you can kayak the area’s tributaries and marshlands. The only way to get on the island is by making a reservation to stay at The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. Be ready to be captivated by the stunning natural beauty of the virtually untouched Georgia coastal wilderness.
Town of Columbus
Columbus
The final stop on this road journey is a 250-mile drive west to Columbus. History geeks appreciate the National Civil War Naval Museum, which offers a glimpse into the naval history of the Civil War; exhibits include a replica of the USS Hartford.
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center, a division of Columbus State University, is dedicated to enlightening the public about the marvels of space. Exhibits display NASA artifacts from the Space Shuttle program, and there are also two space mission simulators and a planetarium.
Lastly, the RushSouth Whitewater Express is the most extensive urban course for whitewater rafting. The dam releases water on a schedule, providing lower-flow, gentler rapids in the morning, and higher-flow, more challenging rapids later in the day. Guests can choose the kind of rapids they wish to encounter by deciding the time of their visit.
Getting ready for your trip to Georgia? Utilize your digital AAA TourBook for accommodations, attractions and dining.