Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023 - 34

GREAT SCENIC BYWAY S
KENTUCKY TOURISM
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway.
Start this journey in a town that looks
and feels like a European Alpine hamlet.
The loop road byway will then carry you
through dramatic mountains and valleys
almost entirely within the Chattahoochee
National Forest-750,000 protected acres.
Book an overnight stay in the famous
town of Helen. This popular Bavarian
community offers cabins, inns, B&Bs, and
alpine-themed hotels both downtown
and dotted around in the mountains. The
aroma of genuine German cuisine fills
the air from dozens of eateries. There are
village shops, crafts, country stores and
boutiques in which to shop. And, there
is history to be explored at the Sautee Nacoochee
Indian Mound, Cultural Center,
Hardman Farm and Folk Pottery Museum.
Point the car north on SR 75 to reach
the closest point on this byway loop road.
Stop on the way in the quaint community
of Robertstown for snacks and drinks.
And, be sure to visit Fred's Famous Peanuts-a
roadside attraction with a unique
selection of food items and gifts.
Continue north on SR 75/17 to see the
stunning Anna Ruby Falls. These are rare
twin waterfalls where you can hike, picnic
and learn about native flora (including a
glow-in-the-dark species of algae!) and
fauna at the educational visitor center.
Also, there are a couple of campgrounds
and an Airstream Park conveniently located
along this roadway.
34 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
ABOVE: Kentucky's
Red River Gorge Byway
offers stunning views
like this one of the
Princess Arch.
RIGHT: The Pine
Mountain Road Byway
offers some of the best
scenery in eastern
Kentucky, including
nearby Pine Mountain
State Resort Park's
Chain Rock Overlook.
KENTUCKY TOURISM
After turning left onto SR 180 take the
spur, a " true " winding mountain road, to
Brasstown Bald. The highest point in the
state (4,784 feet) can be reached by shuttle
or via a half-mile (steep) paved path from
the parking lot. The observation deck offers
360° views; trails await hikers; and,
the science and history museum along
with the visitor center share intriguing
information about this must-see location.
Your next turn will be onto SR 348 to
explore the southwestern section of the
loop-destination, the Appalachian National
Scenic Trail (AT). This is the longest
footpath in the world for hikers only-
2,194.3 miles through 14 states from
Georgia to Maine. The AT crosses the road
near Hogpen Gap, which has a large parking
lot, picnic tables and views for miles.
Near the next intersection with SR 74A
(completing the loop back to Helen) is
Smithgall Woods State Park. In lands once
scarred by gold mining, this destination
is a testament to conservation and reclamation.
Wildflower trails, exceptional
streams for trout fishing, cottages and a
campground, a visitor center and museum
are found amongst this 5,664-acre park.
Length: 40.6 miles. n-georgia.com/
russell-brasstown-scenic-tour.htm
Ä KENTUCKY
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Set
out on an exploration of " some of the
most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian
Mountains " via this national scenic
byway. Over 708,000 acres of forests,
ravines and epic sandstone geological
formations traced upon by rivers and
streams await.
Rest up for your travels at the northernmost
point of this byway in Stanton and
http://www.n-georgia.com/russell-brasstown-scenic-tour.htm http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023
