Ready to hit the road on an adventure packed with mountain views, hidden waterfalls, and small towns bursting with personality?
This epic Atlanta to Smoky Mountains road trip is all about twisty highways, cozy pit stops, and outdoor fun that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.
You’ll wander through places that look like European villages, stand behind waterfalls without getting wet, and even ride vintage trains deep into the mountains.
Get ready for a journey you’ll never forget!
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a buzzing city famous for the World of Coca-Cola, the massive Georgia Aquarium, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
It’s packed with cool spots, like Piedmont Park’s green space, the colorful street art in Cabbagetown, and delicious eats at Ponce City Market’s food hall.
Fun fact: Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport with over 100 million passengers yearly, so your trip starts in America’s most connected city!
2. Don Carter State Park, Georgia
Next up is Don Carter State Park, Georgia’s newest state park, located on the north end of the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier.
You’ll find more than 12 miles of hiking trails winding through forests and along the lake, plus a sandy beach perfect for cooling off on a hot Georgia afternoon.
This park is also a gem for spotting deer and wild turkeys, and if you love fishing, you can reel in largemouth bass and catfish from the lake’s clear waters.
3. Helen, Georgia
After all the lakeside fun, roll into Helen which is a tiny mountain town that looks like a Bavarian village with timber-framed buildings and cobblestone alleys.
This place goes all-in on the German theme with bratwurst stands, fudge shops, and an annual Oktoberfest that fills the streets with polka music and lederhosen.
If you’re up for an adventure, hike the 0.8-mile Anna Ruby Falls Trail to see twin waterfalls crashing down 153 feet and 50 feet.
You can also rent a tube and float the Chattahoochee River through town for a lazy, laughter-filled ride.
4. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
Up next is Tallulah Gorge State Park, where a gorge nearly 1,000 feet deep and about two miles long showcases some of Georgia’s most epic views.
You can hike the Hurricane Falls Loop Trail and cross a swaying suspension bridge 80 feet above the roaring Tallulah River.
For an exciting challenge, snag a special permit to scramble down to the gorge floor.
Be sure to visit the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to see exhibits on people who crossed the gorge on tightropes and rare plants that grow only here.
5. Clayton, Georgia
Once you’ve conquered the gorge, cruise into the laid-back town of Clayton, where you can refuel with local goodies and soak up some small-town charm.
Stroll down Main Street, browse outdoor gear at Wander North Georgia, grab a burger at The Clayton Café, or search for antiques at Butler Galleries.
If you’ve got time, drive about 6 miles to Black Rock Mountain State Park, Georgia’s highest state park at 3,640 feet, offering sweeping views of four states.
6. Dry Falls, North Carolina
Leaving Clayton behind, head north into North Carolina for Dry Falls, a stunning 75-foot waterfall you can walk behind without getting soaked.
Just off U.S. Highway 64 near Highlands, this roadside wonder features a short path with stairs leading right up to the loud, crashing water.
It’s an absolute must-see for photos and a road trip moment you won’t want to miss.
7. Bryson City, North Carolina
Keep cruising through the mountains and roll into Bryson City, North Carolina, a super-friendly town famous for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Here, you can hop on a vintage train for a scenic ride through tunnels, over rivers, and deep into the Smokies.
In downtown, you’ll find cozy coffee shops like Mountain Perks, plus old-school fishing gear at the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians.
For outdoor thrills, swing by Deep Creek 3 miles from town, where you can hike to three gorgeous waterfalls or enjoy a tube ride down the chilly rapids.
8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
End your road trip in Gatlinburg, Tennessee—the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, packed with pancake houses and moonshine distilleries.
You can ride the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway for epic views or stroll the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
If you’d rather stay indoors, pop into Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for a walk-through shark tunnels and penguin encounters that’ll make you feel like a kid again.
Before you leave, head into Great Smoky Mountains National Park to experience breathtaking scenery, peaceful hikes, and the magic of the misty Smokies.
Related Posts
