This road trip of Georgia’s Historic Piedmont Region is filled with hidden gems that you wish you knew about sooner.
This stretch of backroads and small towns is packed with surprises like old mills hiding in the woods, massive rock eagles, and porches straight out of a dream.
The Piedmont region isn’t full of billboards or busy highways, just quiet roads, scenic views, and places with stories to tell, and this road trip will take you to the places worth stopping at.
1. Washington
Washington is a tiny town loaded with big history, located just off U.S. Route 78.
It’s famous for having more antebellum homes than almost anywhere else in Georgia, including the stunning Tupper–Barnett House.
You can walk around the peaceful town square, check out the Robert Toombs House Historic Site, and grab a delicious meal at The Pig & Bull Grill.
Fun fact: Washington (at Georgia State Bank, to be exact) hosted the Confederate cabinet’s last meeting in 1865 before the Civil War officially ended!
2. Callaway Historic Site
Just a few minutes outside of town, the Callaway Plantation Historic Site transports you straight to the past.
This 56-acre site has everything from a tiny log cabin from 1785 to a massive brick Greek Revival mansion built in 1869.
You can tour the blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and even see original farm tools that were actually used back in the day.
It’s super photogenic and full of stories that make Georgia’s farming past come alive.
3. Scull Shoals Historic Site
Next up is the Scull Shoals Historic Site, where crumbling brick ruins peek out from the forest like a scene out of an adventure movie.
This spot was once a full-blown mill village along the Oconee River, complete with a grist mill and cotton mill that were active in the early 1800s.
Today, you can hike the easy 0.8-mile trail, explore the old foundations, and imagine what life was like before the town vanished into the trees.
It’s spooky, super cool, and definitely one of the most unexpected stops in the region.
4. Hard Labor Creek State Park
Up next is Hard Labor Creek State Park, where you trade ghost towns for hiking boots and lake views.
The park spans 5,804 acres and has more than 24 miles of trails, including the 1-mile Brantley Trail that winds through shady hardwood forests.
There’s also a 275-acre lake perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just kicking back on the small beach with a snack.
It’s a serene place now, but rumor has it the name “Hard Labor” echoes the hardships of enslaved people who once worked this land.
5. Madison Historic District
After enjoying the outdoors, you’ll find that the Madison Historic District delivers all the Southern beauty you could ask for.
This downtown area is lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, many of which survived Sherman’s March during the Civil War.
You can stroll along brick sidewalks, pop into cute local shops like Madison Markets, or grab some ice cream at Original Scoops Madison.
It’s one of those places where even the gas lamps and porches have stories to tell.
6. Rock Eagle Effigy Mound
As if this road trip wasn’t already packed with surprises, the Rock Eagle Effigy Mound swoops in with something unexpected.
This massive stone formation shaped like a bird was estimated to have been built by Indigenous peoples around 1,000–3,000 years ago, long before Georgia was even a state.
Spotting the eagle from ground level isn’t easy, but the nearby observation tower gives you the full view of its 120-foot wingspan.
Nobody knows exactly why it was built, but standing there feels like you’re part of something wild, ancient, and powerful.
7. Lockerly Arboretum
Your next stop is Lockerly Arboretum in Milledgeville, a peaceful spot where nature steals the show.
This 50-acre arboretum has walking trails, ponds, and a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including massive magnolias and ancient oaks.
The star of the grounds is Rose Hill, a Greek Revival mansion built in 1852 that looks like it belongs in a classic Southern film.
Whether you’re into plants, photography, or just want a chill spot to stretch your legs, this place is an absolute must.
8. Hamburg State Park
Are you ready to slow things down?
Hamburg State Park is a quiet little getaway near Jewell, known for its calm lake, shady campsites, and one seriously cool old grist mill.
The 225-acre lake is great for fishing (especially if you’re after crappie or bream), and you can even rent a boat and paddle around.
That vintage 1920s water-powered mill still runs on certain weekends, and seeing it in action feels like flipping back the pages of time.
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