Trip.
This road trip spans all five corners of the state, offering mountaintop views, serene beach sunsets, and hidden destinations you may not have realized exist in Georgia.
If you love hidden gems, breath taking nature, and charming small towns, this adventure is meant for you—so let’s get going!
- Miles: 1177
- Start: anywhere on loop
- End: anywhere on loop
- Time: 2 to 5 days
- Suitability: adventure, cruiser, tourer
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- Sky Valley
- Tybee island
- Saint Marys
- Seminole State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park rests on the edge of Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, just beyond the town of Trenton.
Famous for its stunning natural beauty, the area features canyons dropping 1,000 feet, massive sandstone cliffs, and two gorgeous waterfalls—Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls—that stand out as iconic highlights of the breath taking scenery.
Visitors can choose to hike the Waterfalls Trail, which features over 600 steps and offers a challenging workout that will certainly engage the leg muscles, or opt for the more leisurely 1-mile Overlook Trail, providing an easy walk along the rim with scenic views.
Encompassing 3,485 acres, the park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, including guided wild cave tours, scenic mountain biking trails, and unique yurt accommodations for those seeking to experience sleeping under the stars without the need to pitch a traditional tent.
Sky Valley
Next up is Sky Valley, the highest city in the state, perched at 3,100 feet in the northeast corner near the North Carolina border.
This charming mountain town is defined by its crisp, refreshing temperatures, meandering scenic drives, and breath taking panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching out in every direction.
The area is home to the Sky Valley Country Club, an ideal destination for high-altitude golf enthusiasts, and is located just minutes from renowned hiking destinations such as Rabun Bald, Georgia’s second-highest peak. The region is particularly captivating in autumn, when the hills are ablaze with vibrant shades of red and gold, creating a stunning seasonal landscape.
Tybee Island
Journey to the state’s easternmost point and experience the inviting charm of Tybee Island, where soft sandy shores meet the invigorating scent of the ocean breeze, offering an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Just 25 minutes from Savannah, this coastal gem offers plenty of fun, from dolphin tours and beach bike rides to soft sand perfect for afternoon naps.
For breath taking panoramic views, ascend all 178 steps of the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1736, and take in the sweeping coastal scenery. Alternatively, visit the nearby pier to enjoy freshly caught seafood, offering a quintessential taste of the region’s maritime charm.
It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are acceptable everywhere and sunsets over the Back River stop you in your tracks.
St. Marys
From the coast of Tybee, cruise down to coastal Georgia’s southern end and roll into the sleepy, waterfront town of St. Marys.
This charming spot is your gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, where wild horses roam free and 17 miles of beach feel like your own private paradise.
In town, you can wander the oak-lined streets, step inside the historic 1830-era Orange Hall, or catch a ferry to soak in Cumberland’s charm. Though St. Marys may be small, it’s packed with surprises, from the intriguing Submarine Museum to shrimp so fresh it feels like it jumped straight onto your plate.
Seminole State Park
Conclude your journey by traveling west into the heart of southwest Georgia, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty and recreational opportunities of Seminole State Park, experiencing the quintessential charm of lake life.
This tranquil park is situated along the expansive 37,500-acre Lake Seminole, renowned for its abundant population of largemouth bass.
Rent a kayak, take a swim at the sandy beach, or explore the 2.2-mile Gopher Tortoise Nature Trail. Wrap up the day in a cozy lakefront cabin, sipping coffee as the sun rises over the water with nothing peace and quiet all around.