The Best Places to Visit from Atlanta, Georgia to Hayesville, North Carolina

Driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Hayesville, North Carolina may not be the most scenic drive in the world, but there are still many sights worth stopping to see. This region has some of the finest natural attractions in the country, including mountains, rivers, and parks. If you're planning a trip from Atlanta to Hayesville, here's a list of the top places worth visiting.

1. Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald is located in Clay County, Georgia, and has an elevation of 4,784 feet above sea level. This place is the highest peak in the state and is a popular destination for hikers and sightseers. The hike to the top of the peak is easy, and visitors will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and streams.

There are several observation decks, picnic areas, and parking lots that offer a unique perspective of the famous Brasstown Bald. If you want to enjoy the view without the hike, take the Brasstown Bald Scenic Byway route. This road is open year-round, and it will take you from the bottom to the top of the mountain.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country. This parkway stretches for over 400 miles, and it connects two national parks, Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.

The parkway offers a range of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. The road is also famous for its scenic overlooks, where visitors can pause and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pisgah National Forest and the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

3. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park is located in Northeast Georgia and provides stunning views of a 1,000-foot-deep canyon. The park is home to one of Georgia's most iconic and most visited attractions- the Tallulah Falls Bridge, which gives visitors an adrenaline-charged experience as they look down the 80 meters to the rocky banks of the Chatooga River below.

Visitors can also take hikes down the gorge for picturesque views of waterfalls, creeks, and the rushing river. For the daring, there are also opportunities for rock climbing and whitewater rafting.

4. Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest covers over 530,000 acres and is home to some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in North Carolina. The forest boasts a range of outdoor adventures, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping.

No trip to the Nantahala National Forest is complete without visiting the famous Nantahala River, which is popular for its white-water rapids. Visitors can also access several fantastic lookout points in the forest, including the Wayah Bald Observation Tower and Wine Spring Falls.

5. Chatuge Lake

Chatuge Lake is a stunning 7,000-acre lake located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. This lake provides excellent opportunities for recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and boating.

The lake is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Visitors will have the chance to take in breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake, especially at sunset.

Conclusion

With so much natural beauty to explore, driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Hayesville, North Carolina is a unique experience. The drive is just over two hours, but with plenty of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities to indulge in, you could easily spend days exploring the area. From the Brasstown Bald to Chatuge Lake, make sure you put these top five places on your bucket list of things to see and experience while on your trip!