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Embarking on the Southern Highroads Scenic Drive Loop is a journey through the heart of the American South, where mountain vistas, cultural heritage, and old-world charm meet modern-day serenity. This loop spans four stunning states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, offering an immersive travel experience for nature lovers, history buffs, and road trip enthusiasts alike.

For those planning their getaway, curated Georgia Tour packages provide the perfect start to this memorable journey. These packages often highlight the loop’s most scenic points, cultural landmarks, and relaxing retreats, ensuring travelers get the full Southern Appalachian experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

What is the Southern Highroads Trail?

The Southern Highroads Trail is a 364-mile loop designed to showcase the best of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This loop passes through charming towns, lush national forests, cascading waterfalls, and culturally rich historic sites. What makes this drive unique is not just the scenery, but the immersive sense of community and heritage preserved in each stop along the way.

Travelers begin their loop from any point, but Georgia is often the preferred starting place, offering convenient access, welcoming hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Starting Point: Northeast Georgia’s Mountain Majesty

Begin your adventure in Clayton or Tallulah Falls, where the Blue Ridge Mountains reveal their magic. These quaint mountain towns provide a perfect introduction to the loop, featuring local art galleries, rustic farm-to-table dining, and endless hiking opportunities.

A short drive brings you to Tallulah Gorge State Park, one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi. This natural wonder offers panoramic overlooks, challenging stair trails, and the thundering Tallulah River that carves through its rock faces.

For those seeking both adventure and rest, these destinations mark excellent stops included in many Georgia Tour packages, ensuring a stress-free experience amid nature’s grandeur.

North Carolina: Waterfalls and Smoky Peaks

Crossing into North Carolina, the loop takes you through the western edges of the Nantahala National Forest, where misty mountain peaks and deep gorges enchant every traveler. Here lies Highlands, NC, a high-elevation town that blends upscale charm with outdoor excitement.

Make time to visit Dry Falls, a walk-behind waterfall, and Bridal Veil Falls, both offering picture-perfect scenes right off the highway. The drive through this portion of the trail is a treat in itself, with winding roads canopied by hardwood forests, especially stunning in autumn.

Continue north to Cashiers and Sylva, where you can explore hiking trails, antique stores, and local eateries that showcase Appalachian flavors. Whether it’s a cozy inn or a scenic overlook picnic, this region’s tranquil ambiance refreshes the soul.

Tennessee: Music, Mountains, and Appalachian Spirit

As the trail turns west into Tennessee, you’ll be welcomed by the musical heartbeat of the South. The town of Cleveland, TN, offers a mix of Southern charm, Civil War history, and access to the nearby Cherokee National Forest.

The drive offers views of the Hiwassee River, known for rafting and peaceful riverside walks. History lovers can explore landmarks tied to the Trail of Tears and Civil War, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting in the nearby mountains.

This stretch embodies a slower pace of life, where rocking chairs on porches and live bluegrass music still thrive. The deep cultural roots and unspoiled landscapes of Tennessee provide unforgettable moments on this scenic route.

South Carolina: Waterways and Whispering Pines

The trail’s southern arc leads into South Carolina, where the Sumter National Forest welcomes travelers with its cool rivers and dense pine forests. Explore the Chattooga River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, perfect for rafting or quiet contemplation.

Stop in Walhalla, a town with German roots and a rich heritage, and explore Issaqueena Falls or the historic Stumphouse Tunnel, which tells tales of abandoned railroads and mountain resilience. This part of the loop is often overlooked, yet it rewards visitors with serenity and untouched beauty.

Looping back north, you’ll transition once again into Georgia, completing the Southern Highroads experience in a way that feels full-circle, both geographically and spiritually.

Iconic Stops and Experiences to Add to Your Route

The Southern Highroads Loop isn't just about the road, it's about experiencing the soul of the South. Here are a few unmissable stops and activities along the journey:

• Foxfire Museum (Georgia) – A living history museum that captures Appalachian culture, crafts, and survival traditions.

• Great Smoky Mountains Overlooks (NC/TN) – Perfect spots for sunrise views and nature photography.

• Cherokee Culture Center (TN) – Learn about the heritage of the region’s native peoples.

• Chattooga River Rafting (SC/GA border) – Adventure meets nature in thrilling rapids or scenic floats.

• Main Street Walks – Nearly every town on this loop has a Main Street worth exploring, filled with shops, music, and local eateries.

For travelers eager to see the best places to visit in Georgia, this loop is a gateway to both the state's natural wonders and its rich regional stories. From mountain tops to riverbanks, every turn invites discovery.

Best Time to Travel the Loop

The Southern Highroads Scenic Drive is accessible year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers blooming dogwoods, cool temperatures, and rushing waterfalls, while autumn explodes in a palette of reds, golds, and oranges, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Summer is a great time for swimming holes, river tubing, and enjoying open-air festivals, while winter appeals to those looking for quiet retreats and rustic cabins dusted with snow.

Final Thoughts: 

The Southern Highroads Scenic Drive Loop is more than just a road trip—it’s a curated encounter with the past, the land, and the people who call this place home. From rustic lodges to mountain trails, every moment on this loop offers depth, charm, and a chance to slow down and connect.

Whether you travel the full 364 miles or just a segment, this journey will leave a lasting impression. And with thoughtfully planned Georgia Tour packages, travelers can explore confidently, knowing each mile brings new beauty and stories to uncover.

If you're seeking the most scenic and soulful places to visit in Georgia and the neighboring Southern states, this iconic loop delivers all that and more, one mile at a time.