Georgia’s Best Roads to Ride A Motorcycle

The Peach State is a great place be if you’re a motorcycle rider. Georgia may be famous for its peaches and Southern charm, but it’s also home to some of the most scenic motorcycle roads in the Southeast. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal marshlands, Georgia has a diverse range of rides that will take your breath away and challenge your riding skills. Let’s dive into the best roads to ride in Georgia as part of our Best Roads to Ride in All 50 States series.

1. Georgia’s Dragon (Suches Loop)

Distance: 77 miles

Highlights: Blue Ridge Mountains, Chattahoochee National Forest, Blood Mountain

Nicknamed “Georgia’s Dragon,” the Suches Loop is a thrilling ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. This 77-mile loop takes you around the base of Blood Mountain, offering a mix of sweeping curves, elevation changes, and breathtaking views. Riders often compare this route to the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina, so it’s perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush through the mountains. But all riders can enjoy the crisp mountain air and stunning vistas this ride offers.

Georgia’s Dragon has two main starting points. One is in Suches (hence the nickname of Suches Loop). But many other riders start their journey in the small city of Dahlonega, which is a great place to visit and is known for its waterfalls, caves, gold mines, and tasting rooms. We’ll start the journey here as well. Begin the ride by heading north out of town on US-19. The ride quickly turns scenic as you exit town and enter the wilderness and ride along Lake Zwerner. You’ll then ride through small neighborhoods as you climb ridges and then the twisties begin. The ride continues to become more and more rural and wooded as you continue on.

You’ll eventually come upon traffic circle and this is where the loop begins. Head east to continue on US-19. You’ll immediately be greeted by sharp hairpin turns with some great straights right after. US-19 begins to head north across many ridges. The road comes to a T. Take a left and continue north on US-19 as it follows along Boggs Creek. Continuing north from here is where the twisties and elevation changes really begin. The loop begins to head west once you reach GA-180 near Vogel State Park. This area is a great place to hop off the bike and prepare for the final push.

GA-180 provides even more elevation changes and switchbacks so be prepared for technical riding here.  The road becomes a bit more mellow as you come into the small town of Suches. Head south on GA-60 for even more twisty fun. You’ll eventually come back to the traffic circle where you can head back down to Dahlonega, or do the loop another time.

2. Columbus, GA to FDR State Park Loop

Distance: 65 miles

Highlights: Farmland, mountains, curvy forest roads, small towns

This 65-mile loop takes you from Columbus, Georgia, to the tranquil FDR State Park. The ride is a great blend of small-town charm, open farmland, and curvy mountain roads surrounded by forest. For those looking to get out of the city, this is the ride for you. You’ll pass through some of Georgia’s most beautiful rural landscapes, making this loop a peaceful escape from the urban life of Columbus. FDR State Park provides a scenic break and opportunity to explore the historic Pine Mountain Trail.

The ride starts on the north side of Columbus at the intersection of US-27 and US-80. Begin by heading north on US-27. The ride turns from urban to suburban to rural in a hurry. Once in the less populated areas, you’ll be treated to a relaxing ride on a two lane highway. You’ll pass through small towns, along farm fields and through wooded areas. You’ll stay on US-27 for quite some time until you reach the intersection with GA-190.

The beginning of GA-190 runs along the top of mountain ridge, providing excellent views on both sides. FDR State Park is just off route if you want to take a nice relaxing break. When you continue, the road begins to become a bit more twisty with elevation changes as it turns east. Head south on GA-85/US-27Alt. This stretch provides more straights and gentle elevation changes as you head back toward Columbus. You’ll also pass through several small towns to refuel your bike and yourself.

3. Northern Georgia Scenic Byway Loop

Distance: 102 miles

Highlights: Scenic byways, Georgia’s tallest mountain, Chattahoochee National Forest

This loop is a nature lover’s dream, taking you through multiple officially designated scenic byways. The 102-mile route winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers views of Georgia’s tallest peak, Brasstown Bald. The forests, mountains, and peaceful valleys make this ride a scenic wonder. Keep an eye out for waterfalls, pull-offs, and picnic spots, as this route is packed with natural beauty at every turn.

The town of Helen is the perfect starting point for this loop. This charming small town is made to look like an old German village and offers plenty of lodging, shops, and beer gardens. Begin the ride by heading north out of town on GA-17 and then head southwest on GA-75 ALT. You’ll quickly exit onto the Richard B. Russel Scenic Highway. This byway instantly greets you with hairpin turns and elevation changes. The road then drops down into a valley of farmland. The road then turns north until you reach GA-180, where you’ll turn and head northeast. This portion provides more valley riding until you begin to enter the mountains again.

You’ll eventually come to a T at GA-75/GA-17. Head south to head back towards Helen. The journey back scales along mountain sides with plenty scenic views. This is a favorite stretch to ride in the fall. There many tight turns in combination with gentle curves and elevation changes. The road then drops down to follow Spoilcane Creek and eventually the Th Chattahoochee River.

4. Quad County Figure 8

Distance: 85 miles

Highlights: Farmland, suburban areas, wooded stretches

The Quad County Figure 8 ride takes you through a mix of open farmland, wooded areas, and suburban stretches. This 85-mile route may not have the dramatic elevation changes of the mountains, but it offers a pleasant mix of Georgia’s countryside and small-town charm. This ride is perfect for those looking to explore the rural heart of the state without the hustle and bustle of city traffic in nearby Atlanta.

Starting off at the intersection of US-41 and Black Acre Trail in Acworth, start heading west on Black Acre, which turns into Dabb Bridge Rd. Continue on until you reach Hwy. 61, where you’ll head south until you reach Narroway Church Rd/Circle., where you’ll head west. After crossing 61, the road turns to School Rd, and then you’ll head south on Benson Rd. Follow Benson back to 61 where you hop on and travel to CR-471. This stretch brings you a winding forested road filled with pines and hard woods.

Hop off on CR 227 and head north and then exit onto Knox Mountain Rd. This road climbs in elevation and the woods eventually give way to open pastures with great views. At the end of Knox Mountain Rd, head north on GA-113, where you can open the throttle a bit. GA-113 will turn to the east. You’ll stay on it until you reach Olad Alabama Rd. Stay here until you reach 61 and then blast straight south until you reach Harmony Grove Church Rd. This stretch offers great subtle curves and elevation changes as you enter back into some suburban neighborhoods. The road will T at Cedarcrest Rd, where you’ll take a left and head north. Cedarcrest will bring you back to US-41 where you’ll complete the figure eight.

5. Hwy 17: Darien to Cumberland Island

Distance: 66 miles

Highlights: Scenic marshes, rivers, Cumberland Island

For a coastal escape, Hwy 17 from Darien to Cumberland Island offers a unique ride through Georgia’s marshlands and rivers. This 66-mile ride is a great way to explore Georgia’s beautiful coastline, ending at Cumberland Island, the state’s largest and southernmost barrier island. Cumberland Island is known for its undeveloped beaches, pristine maritime forests, and wide marshes, making it a perfect spot to relax after your ride. The ride is mostly flat, but the scenery along the way makes it an unforgettable experience.

Begin the ride in the small town of Darien, which lies on the edge of Georgia’s marshes. Take Hwy-17 south out of town. The road immediately crosses the river and crosses through marshland. You’ll cross a couple more rivers before coming to the small town of Broadfield. You’ll travel through a few more small towns that boarder the marshlands. Once you cross the Turtle River, the road turns to head west and inland.

Once inland, you’ll encounter a more wooded and remote stretch of road. The road becomes pretty straight and flat but is very remote until you reach Kingsland. Once in Kingsland, hop off 17 onto GA-40, which will take you St. Mary’s. In town, you can catch a ferry to head out to the protected Cumberland Island.

Whether you’re chasing mountain views or coastal winds, Georgia’s roads have something for every type of rider. From the twists and turns of the Suches Loop to the serene marshes along Hwy 17, Georgia offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore on your motorcycle. Grab your gear, hit the road, and discover why the Peach State is a hidden gem for motorcyclists. Let us know your favorite Georgia roads in the comments below!