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"When my mood gets too hot and I find myself wandering beyond control I pull out my motor-bike and hurl it top-speed through these unfit roads for hour after hour. My nerves are jaded and gone near dead, so that nothing less then hours of voluntary danger will prick them into life..."~T.E. Lawrence - April 1923
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Some of the best motorcycle roads in the United States are found along both sides of the Appalachian Trail. Beginning in north Georgia, venturing either east or west along the Blue Ridge and beyond, extends a network of roads with origins as animal trails. Later used by the Indians as footpaths and later still, developed by settlers as roads. Once only a shoulder width across, now these black ribbons of asphalt still dance over the ridges and peaks of the oldest mountain range in North America. Temperatures can vary ten degrees or more between the valleys and the mountain tops. With the milder winters at this latitude, our roads are not as susceptible to the freezing and thawing (and cracking and crumbling) as roads further north. Commercial traffic will usually opt for the larger state highways leaving hundreds and hundreds of miles of smooth twisting black top largely to the local traffic. And us Moto Hobos.
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Talledega Scenic Drive - The backbone of the Horseblock and Cheaha Mountains, the southernmost tip of the Appalachians. Map
Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway - An extension of the Talladega Scenic Drive north to Lookout Mountain. Directions
Lookout Mountain Parkway - 93 mile drive across Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Directions
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Georgia's Old Federal Highway - In 1805, the United States and the Cherokee Nation agreed in the Treaty of Tellico to establish the Federal Road through Cherokee territory. This Driving Tour should help today’s traveler drive along or close to the route of the Federal Road. Driving the tour takes about 3 ½ hours. Map
Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway - Runs for 17 miles through McIntosh and Glynn Counties and the City of Darien. Traveling from the Sapelo Island Visitors Center to the historic Needwood Church and School, the Byway passes Fort King George, Butler Island and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantations, the Darien waterfront, sweeping marsh views, and majestic Live Oaks draped with Spanish Moss. This Byway lets visitors explore both the rich cultural heritage and the diverse marsh ecosystems found along Georgia's coast. Map
Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway - Beginning at historic Prater's Mill in Whitfield County, the byway follows State Route 2 past rolling pastoral lands into Murray County. Breathtaking views of the Cohutta Mountains emerge as the route continues along US 41 and quiet county roads into the Chattahoochee National Forest. The 54-mile route skirts the town of Chatsworth before traveling up State Route 52, passing Fort Mountain State Park and ending at a beautiful mountaintop overlook. Spurs off the route take visitors to the Cohutta Fish Hatchery and to a Forest Service camp site along Holly Creek. Map
Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway - Traveling through Putnam and Hancock Counties, the Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway stretches for 82 miles, following State Highways 15, 16 and 77, and rural county roads which link the county seats of Eatonton, Sparta and the communities of Linton, Culverton, and Jewell. From the Rock Hawk effigy, built by Native Americans thousands of years ago, to Glen Mary Plantation and other antebellum homes, this route reveals a region of Georgia that is rich in historic and cultural qualities. The scenic and natural beauty of the Piedmont is also on display as the byway travels through the Oconee National Forest, across the Oconee and Ogeechee Rivers, and past acres of rolling farmland. (See Warrenton County – Piedmont Scenic Byway Extension below) Map
Interstate 185 - Provides travelers with a view of gently undulating, mixed pine forest terrain as well as numerous opportunities for exploration of the intrinsic qualities found in the local region beyond the limits of the interstate route. Rich cultural and natural attractions may be found in the vicinity of the Byway, such as Pine Mountain and Franklin Delano Roosevelt State Park. Map
Meriwether-Pike Scenic Byway - This 55-mile route beings at Warm Springs, Georgia on SR 85 and continues north to Gay, moving west on the SR 109 spur back to Gay. From Gay, the route extends eastbound along Flat Shoals Road across the Flint River and turns southwest on SR 18 to Molena. The route follows SR 18 back to SR 85 south of Woodbury to Manchester and proceeds to follow SR 190 back to Warm Springs. The Meriwether-Pike County Scenic Byway offers several attractions including the Little White House(a state historic site), the Red Oak Covered Bridge, the Oakland Baptist Church, and Jones Mill, where a large grist mill and mill pond are the only reminders of a once-thriving farm community. In May and October, the Cotton Pickin' Fair and the Great Gay Marketplace attract thousands from around the Southeast. Map
Millen-Jenkins County Scenic Byway - This 35-mile Scenic Byway begins in the Downtown Millen Historic District, with its railroad depots dating from the early 1900s and the Millen-Jenkins County Museum, featuring local histories, Native American Indian artifacts, tools, and cotton mill equipment. Proceeding to SR 23 and Perkins Green Fork Road, scenic character is exhibited by woodlands, pasture lands, and historic farmhouses in small and scattered communities. Varied and distinctive viewsheds are found on Herndon Road, along with several historic churches, and SR 17 heading back to Cotton Avenue is characterized simply by wide-open farmland stretching for miles. Magnolia Springs State Park is located 3 miles from the intersection of SR 17 and US 25, and features crystal clear springs, hiking/biking trails, and the Historic Fort Lawton, an 1864 prisoner-of-war camp. The Fort Lawton Historic Trail and the Bo Ginn Aquarium are also found in the park. Map
Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway - Pine forests and rolling pastures dominate the views along the Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway as it runs through Jasper County. This 29-mile Byway emphasizes the rural and historic qualities of the area as it follows State Highways 11 and 83 heading north from the town of Monticello. Native Americans as well as evangelical Methodist Circuit Riders once used these routes as they crossed the state. Highway 83 was also part of the Seven Island Stage Coach Road that ran from Augusta to New Orleans and the Natchez Trace. Map
Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway - The Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway begins in downtown Gray on Highway 11. The route continues north on Highway 11 for about nine miles, where it passes through the communities of Bradley, Wayside, and Round Oak. It next turns west on Round Oak – Juliette Road, proceeding for approximately 12 miles before ending at the Ocmulgee River in Juliette. The Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway traverses 200 years of Jones County history as well as the pre-historic and historic sites of the Creek Indians that lived there in the 17th and 18th centuries. What is now SR 11 was formerly an Indian trail and a major north-south route between Hillsboro in Jasper County and Clinton, Jones County’s 19th century county seat. In 1864, during the Civil War, opposing forces met along this road at the Battle of Sunshine Church and later that year General Sherman followed this route through Jones County on his “March to the Sea”. The Round Oak-Juliette Road portion of the Byway was originally an Indian trail and now travels through the pristine pine forests of the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, which is inhabited by several species of endangered wildlife. East Juliette, the endpoint of the byway, is a small late 19th/early 20th century mill village community located on the Ocmulgee River. The town of Juliette, on the other side of the river, was the setting for the 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes. While in Juliette, be sure to stop by the Old Mill Motorcycle Museum. Map
Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway - The Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway provides a chance to experience the varied terrain of northwest Georgia over the Armuchee ridges of the Appalachian’s. Mountain overlooks and fertile farmlands can be found along the 51-mile Byway as it travels U.S. 27, State Highways 156 and 136, and rural county roads. Don’t miss the Keown Falls Scenic Area, the Pocket, and John's Mountain Overlook and Wildlife Management Area. The surrounding countryside holds the histories of the native Cherokee Indian Nation, Civil War battles, and early settlers whose 1800's farmhouses still stand. Map
Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway - Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest in northeast Georgia, its 41-mile loop reveals some of the most dramatic scenery in the state. The Russell-Brasstown route was awarded National Scenic Byway Designation on June 15, 2000. Included on this route is Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest mountain. Located near the byway is the Bavarian-themed town of Helen. Following State Highways 348, 180, and 17/75, the loop encircles Wildlife Management Areas, the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Map
South Fulton Scenic Byway - This 29-mile loop in south Fulton County highlights the rural character and lifestyle of the surrounding area. Situated among rolling hills, forested ridges, and serene pastures, the South Fulton Scenic Byway uses Cochran Mill Road, Hutcheson Ferry Road and State Highway 70 to guide visitors through this quiet corner of metropolitan Atlanta. In addition to the historic communities and farmhouses found along the Byway, visitors can enjoy Cochran Mill Park, Cochran Mill Nature Center, and the nearby Chattahoochee River. Map
Warren County-Piedmont Scenic Byway Extension - A continuation of the Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway (located in Putnam and Hancock counties). The route was once part of the old Native American Okfuskee Trail, which connected what is now Augusta with the Mississippi River. The Byway traverses eleven miles of gently rolling hills on State Route 16 from the Hancock/Warren County line to the intersection of State Route 12 in the City of Warrenton, passing a wildlife management area, farmland, rivers, and historic properties. Included on the Byway are the Cities of Jewell and Warrenton, both listed as districts in the National Register of Historic Places. The Byway has been featured on the Tour de Georgia race route two times and offers ample opportunity for recreation such as cycling, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and equine activities. (See Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway above) Map
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Blue Ridge Parkway - The Parkway provides spectacular mountain and valley vistas, quiet pastoral scenes, sparkling waterfalls and colorful flower and foliage displays as it extends through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Map1 Map2
Cherohala Skyway - The Skyway offers the cultural heritage of the Cherokee tribe and early settlers of the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy mile-high vistas, brilliant fall foliage, and picnic spots in magnificent and seldom seen portions of the southern Appalachian National Forests. Map
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway - Highlighted by beautiful mountain scenery and rich local history in the Pisgah National Forest. Map
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway - Along the winding mountain roads of North Carolina is a beautiful stretch of scenic byway that leads through hardwood forests, river gorges, and rural countryside. Map
Waterfall Byway - Aptly named, over 200 waterfalls in the area. How many can you find? 98 miles long. One of my personal favorite rides! Map
Nantahala Byway - 43 miles long and passes through the Nantahala River Gorge which offers world class whitewater rafting. Map
Indian Lakes Scenic Byway - Connects the Nantahala Byway with the Cherohala Skyway…don’t miss. US129 is the section south of Deals Gap and SR 28 is just as awesome. Map
Whitewater Way - Drastic changes in elevation, heavy precipitation, and dense foliage make the Whitewater Way a trip through some of the most striking and lively scenery in North Carolina. The near-tropical rainfall and the dramatic, rocky gorges create a signature environment for this part of North Carolina. Map
Appalachian Medley - Many of North Carolina's most prominent peaks are located along this 45 mile byway. Map
French Broad Overview - The byway is a popular destination for cyclists with little traffic and beautiful scenery. During the summer months, the French Broad River is an excellent site for white-water rafting and canoeing. Map
Historic Flat Rock Scenic Byway - The most recent designated Byway in Henderson County, consists of two roads intersecting as a “T.” The main road, U. S. 25, runs north and south along the byway and through the Village of Flat Rock. This portion of the byway route begins at the intersection of Highland Lake Road (S.R. 1783) and continues south to State Route 1812. Just past the Flat Rock Playhouse, also known as the “North Carolina State Theater,” the byways reaches the Little River Road (State Route 1123) or “T” intersection of the byway. Travelers may continue west on Little River road past “Connemara,” the Carl Sandburg National Memorial Site, for four miles from U.S. 25 to its terminus at Kanuga Road (State Route 1127) or continue on U.S. 25 to Pinnacle Mountain Road (State Route 1114). As the newest byway, no official maps are available yet...use your North Carolina highway map for route.
Drovers Road - Drovers Road remains a unique site today passing through Hickory Nut Gap. This is one of the only two gaps in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and visitors are sure to see some of the highest peaks in North Carolina along this route. Map
Black Mountain Rag - This byway is near the Blue Ridge Parkway and has several points of interest that will make the drive worthwhile. Map
Pacolet River Byway - Old railroad depots, log cabins and other historic buildings can be found in the towns of Saluda and Tryon. Map
South Mountain Scenery -This country route meanders through cornfields and apple orchards, and into North Carolina's Civil and Revolutionary War past. Map
Mission Crossing - Don't miss the Mast Farm Inn, one of the best preserved 19th Century farms in North Carolina, and the Mast General Store, opened in 1882. The store now offers outdoor supplies to visiting skiers. Map
Little Parkway - Also known as the Yonahlossee Trail, the Little Parkway travels through undeveloped wilderness areas in the Pisgah National Forest. The road was constructed in 1889 by man and mule for a toll road and was the link between Blowing Rock and Linville until 1987. Map
New River Valley Byway - As the road winds from Boone to Laurel Springs, travelers drive "the Old Buffalo Trail" on NC 194. The byway is named for the New River, which is the oldest river in the country and second oldest in the world (the Nile is estimated to be the oldest). Map
Upper Yadkin Way - This rural route travels along the Upper Yadkin River from the mountains to the foothills. Map
Pisgah Loop Scenic Byway - A series of scenic, sweeping curves, with three tunnels on the BRP. NC 151 and US 276 add twisties and fun rolling hills as you make your way to and from the Parkway. Rich in scenery and history. A++. Map
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Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway - From the 1,000 foot high sheer rock face of Glassy Mountain to the 100-foot waterfall of Issaqueena Falls, this 112 mile byway has a visual beauty that is not easily forgotten. Map
Savannah River Scenic Byway - Running along the western edge of South Carolina, the Byway is a beautiful country drive through the dense wooded Hickory Knob State Park and Sumter National Forest. Map
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Cherohala Skyway - From Cherokee to British history, you can tread in the footsteps of the past while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Skyway. MapTN Section
Ocoee Scenic Byway - The first National Forest Byway winds through the Cherokee National Forest, passing Parksville Lake, the Ocoee River Gorge and rising to magnificent views of the Tennessee Valley, the Cumberland Plateau and the Blue Ridge Province. Map
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