Points of Interest between Blue Ridge, Georgia to Huntsville, Alabama

picture of Blue Ridge, Georgia

The Ultimate Road Trip: Discovering the Best Places between Blue Ridge and Huntsville

There's nothing like the freedom of a good old-fashioned road trip, filled with excitement and promise. With stunning natural beauty, charming small towns, and fascinating historic sites, the drive from Blue Ridge, Georgia, to Huntsville, Alabama, is one of America's best. As you set out on this cross-state adventure, be prepared to discover the top places to stop along the way.

Here are our top picks for the best places to see from Blue Ridge, Georgia, to Huntsville, Alabama:

Natural Beauty Along the Way

  1. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests - Home to more than 850,000 acres of sprawling forest, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is a must-see for nature lovers. Located in the northern part of Georgia, this destination offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and picnicking, making it an ideal place to break up the road trip.

  2. Cathedral Caverns State Park - Drive a little farther south, and you'll come across Cathedral Caverns State Park. Here, you'll find one of the largest cave entrances in the world, with more than 125 feet wide and 25 feet tall. This massive cave system is a must-see, with stunning geological formations and a guided tour that takes you 2 miles deep into the cave.

  3. Shiloh National Military Park - As you cross into Alabama, you'll want to stop and visit Shiloh National Military Park, which commemorates one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Visitors can watch a film that provides an overview of the battle and then visit the battlefield site, where they can explore the park's many walking and driving trails.

Small Town Charm

  1. Mentone - One of the best parts of a road trip is exploring the small towns that dot the landscape along the way. Mentone, Alabama, is a perfect example of a charming small town. Known as the "Gem of the Mountains," Mentone has a rich history and culture, and picturesque views of the surrounding wilderness.

  2. Huntsville's Twickenham Historic District - In Huntsville, Alabama, you'll find the Twickenham Historic District, one of the largest and most diverse collections of historic homes in the South. Walking around this area, you'll get the sense of what life was like in the early 19th century. This area is also home to several excellent restaurants and museums that are well worth a visit.

Local Cuisine

  1. The Big Table - Of course, no trip is complete without sampling some of the best local cuisine. The Big Table in Fort Payne, Alabama, is a must-visit stop for any foodie. With a focus on farm-to-table dishes, this restaurant serves up some of the best fried chicken you'll ever taste, along with other Southern classics like collard greens, fried okra, and sweet tea.

  2. Freckle's Frozen Custard - If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Freckle's Frozen Custard in Huntsville. This famous custard stand has been serving up delicious treats since the 1950s and is now a local institution. You won't regret indulging in a cone of their rich, creamy frozen custard.

Discovering Local History

  1. Chief Vann House State Historic Site - Located in Chatsworth, Georgia, the Chief Vann House State Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark that tells the stories of the Cherokee people who inhabited the area in the early 1800s. The property includes a beautiful 2-story house that was built in 1804 and is filled with original furnishings and decorative arts.

  2. U.S. Space and Rocket Center - Finally, no visit to Huntsville, Alabama would be complete without a stop at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. This museum offers a range of exhibits, interactive displays, and programs that explore the history of space exploration and its impact on our world today.

Conclusion

As you embark on this incredible road trip from Blue Ridge, Georgia, to Huntsville, Alabama, you'll see some of the most stunning natural beauty, charming small towns, fascinating historic sites, and delicious cuisine that the South has to offer. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, or history buff, there's something for everyone on this unforgettable journey. So, start planning your trip today and get ready to discover the best of Georgia and Alabama along the way!