Points of Interest between Burnsville, North Carolina to Dawsonville, Georgia

picture of Burnsville, North Carolina

Road Trip Through the Mountains: Burnsville to Dawsonville

Are you looking for the perfect road trip to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains? A trip from Burnsville, NC to Dawsonville, GA is an ideal escape for those looking to explore the museums, parks, and landmarks along the way. In this blog post, we'll highlight the must-see spots and make your trip adventurous and memorable.

Did you know that this journey gets you through more than one National Park? The Blue Ridge Parkway, covering a total of 469 miles, is the longest linear park unit in the United States.

Franklin, NC- The Halfway Point Located at the halfway point, Franklin is an enchanting mountain town. There’s plenty to discover, from craft shops to museums full of Appalachian history. With various trails and outdoor activities, this stopover is an excellent spot for family-friendly fun, including gem mining, hiking, and kayaking.

Length of the Trip The trip from Burnsville to Dawsonville covers over 160 miles and takes about four hours. While it's a long journey, the slow drive through winding roads makes it a perfect leisurely getaway. There are plenty of lookout points and spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop and catch some breath-taking views.

Top 5 places to Visit

  1. Mount Mitchell State Park Step off the highway and get immersed in the beauty of the mountaintop at Mount Mitchell State Park. At over 6,000 feet in elevation, it is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. While the fantastic views from the observation tower are the main attraction, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a concession stand make it a must-visit spot.

Recommended point of interest: Make sure to walk the Balsam Nature Trail. Enjoy the picturesque route through lush green forest, which leads you to Mount Mitchell's summit tower.

  1. Chimney Rock State Park Take a breathtaking hike up to Chimney Rock. This park offers a stunning backdrop of Hickory Nut Gorge's unique rock formations, including a towering 315-foot granite monolith, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Recommended point of interest: The ominous sounding ‘Devil's Head’ is undoubtedly the most exhilarating part of Chimney Rock. Witness the dramatic drop of the rock ledge while walking up the challenging trail.

  1. Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to experience the mountain beauty of North Carolina. It’s a scenic drive with magnificent panoramic views, all along the way. Take advantage of pull-offs and overlooks to enjoy the views and experience the abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Recommended point of interest: Craggy Gardens is a 25-mile drive from Mount Mitchell and a perfect spot to catch the sunset. A short hike up to Craggy Pinnacle provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

  1. Tallulah Gorge At Tallulah Gorge, you'll see the stunning deep, steep-walled canyon that stretches two miles long. The park comprises a rim trail that leads to six waterfalls and outlines the edge of the gorge.

Recommended point of interest: Check the schedule of the daily water release by the dam during the season and make your way to the suspension bridge to witness the roar of the river and the mist at the base of the gorge.

  1. Chattahoochee National Forest Covering over 750,000 acres, Chattahoochee National Forest is full of scenic beauty. The diversity of landscapes here ranges from towering ridges and mountain peaks to lush valleys and rushing waterways. Hiking trails, fishing areas, and campgrounds make this a great family vacation spot.

Recommended point of interest: Vogel State Park, with two lovely waterfalls, is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch. The park offers numerous hiking trails and a recreational lake as well.

Conclusion Embark on this adventure, visiting museums, national parks, and more, and creating memories along the way. These are only a few of the many treasures waiting to be discovered along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a break from your daily routine and experience the tranquility and beauty of Burnsville to Dawsonville, GA road trip for yourself!