If you’re driving from Atlanta to Chattanooga, don’t just hit the gas and zoom up I-75.
There’s a way better route, one that winds through hidden mountain towns, peaceful lakes, epic waterfalls, and places that’ll make your jaw drop.
It’s not the fastest drive, but it’s hands down the most fun.
From weird roadside finds to jaw-dropping views, let’s uncover the South’s best-kept secret.
1. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is a large, bustling city known for its crazy traffic, thriving food scene, and civil rights history.
It’s home to the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium (one of the largest in the world), and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
The city is also packed with tree-filled neighborhoods, over 100 miles of trails, and the BeltLine which is a 22-mile loop of parks, art, and food spots built on old train tracks.
2. Marietta, GA
Just 30 minutes from Atlanta, Marietta feels like a totally different world with its charming town square, antique shops, and cozy cafés.
You’ll find the Gone with the Wind Museum here, along with the historic Strand Theatre that still lights up the square with live shows and movies.
Marietta is also where you can hop on the Mountain to River Trail, a scenic path with sections that connect Kennesaw Mountain and the Chattahoochee River.
Oh, and speaking of mountains, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is just minutes away, offering 2,900+ acres of trails, views, and Civil War history.
3. Red Top Mountain State Park, GA
Keep cruising up I-75 and you’ll hit Red Top Mountain State Park, where things get real outdoorsy real fast.
It’s right on the shores of the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, so bring your swimsuit, kayak, or fishing rod and enjoy the water.
There are over 15 miles of trails here, including the Iron Hill Trail that loops through shady forests and hugs the lake for perfect picnic stops.
If you’re into cool facts, Red Top is named after the iron-rich red soil that made this area a mining hub in the 1800s.
4. Barnsley Manor House Ruins, GA
Next up is the Barnsley Manor House Ruins, a place that looks like it belongs in a fairytale.
Built in the 1840s by a cotton baron for his wife, this once-grand estate was torn apart by a tornado in 1906, but its crumbling stone walls still stand today.
You can walk right through the gardens, peek inside the ruins, and snap photos that look way fancier than your camera roll probably deserves.
It’s all part of Barnsley Resort now, so after exploring the ruins, you can chill with a round of golf, grab lunch, or even stay overnight in a cottage.
5. James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, GA
From there, make your way to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, which may have a funny name but is way cooler than it sounds.
Located at the base of Taylor Ridge, this peaceful park is all about calm lakes, forest hikes, and catching your breath away from the crowds.
The standout here is the 1.8-mile Marble Mine Trail, which leads to a waterfall spilling down a massive rock face into a clear blue pool.
You can rent a paddleboat, fish for bass, or simply hang out by one of the two lakes, surrounded by trees, birds, and peaceful vibes.
6. Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA
From peaceful lakes to stunning cliffs, Cloudland Canyon State Park is where things get seriously epic.
Set on the edge of Lookout Mountain, this spot drops into a 1,000-foot-deep canyon carved by Sitton Gulch Creek, with views that’ll make you stop and stare.
The 2-mile Waterfalls Trail is the main attraction here, featuring 600 metal stairs that lead down to two massive waterfalls—Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls.
You’ll also find cool yurts for overnight stays, along with trails, caves, and overlooks that turn a simple hike into a full-on adventure.
7. Rock City, GA
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Rock City swoops in with swinging bridges, gnome caves, and views that stretch across seven states.
Sitting close to the Georgia-Tennessee line, this place packs a lot into its cliffside paths, like the narrow Fat Man’s Squeeze and the 140-foot waterfall at Lover’s Leap.
Every twist of the trail brings something unexpected, from garden gnomes hiding in tunnels to a fairyland diorama glowing under blacklight.
It’s totally over-the-top, super fun, and the kind of touristy place you secretly love even if you pretend not to.
8. Ruby Falls, TN
Just 10 minutes from Rock City, Ruby Falls takes things underground (literally!).
An elevator takes you 260 feet down into Lookout Mountain, where winding cave tunnels lead to a glowing 145-foot waterfall hidden deep inside.
The space looks like nature’s version of a light show, with color-changing lights bouncing off the rock walls while the waterfall roars in the background.
It’s the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S. that’s open for public tours, and honestly, it’s one of those places that lives up to the hype.
9. Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga wraps things up with the perfect blend of city energy and outdoor adventure right on the Tennessee River.
It’s got one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges (the Walnut Street Bridge), the massive Tennessee Aquarium, and a downtown lined with spots to eat and shop.
You can take a riverboat cruise, ride the historic Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, or hop on a rental bike and cruise the 16-mile Riverwalk.
Don’t skip the Bluff View Art District, a tiny neighborhood packed with galleries, cozy cafes, and one awesome bakery that’s worth every single carb.
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