N. GA Mountains

[Jdjaguar]

This summer we will be heading up I75N from FL on our way to Hiawassee, GA right south of the NC Border.

Gonna stop off in Perry to break the trip in 2.

Question is, should I take the state roads near Macon east to 441N?

Or brave the interstate loop in the Atlanta metro area (really do not want to, but then again don't want to double the driving
time either).

Anyone familiar with the route(s) I am looking at?

If so, any guidance on which roads NOT TO TAKE once we near the mountains, as we will be towing a 35 ft 5th wheel
and do not want any white knuckle/screaming in terror switchbacks lol.

 

[WhittleBurner]

Not really knowledgeable about that area but...When in an area we haven't traveled we check out the desired route on Google earth. That gives a good idea on how sharp the curves are. This hasn't failed us...yet We have taken some beautiful backroads to get to our destination.

 

[wjpatter]

This summer we will be heading up I75N from FL on our way to Hiawassee, GA right south of the NC Border.

Gonna stop off in Perry to break the trip in 2.

Question is, should I take the state roads near Macon east to 441N?

Or brave the interstate loop in the Atlanta metro area (really do not want to, but then again don't want to double the driving
time either).

Anyone familiar with the route(s) I am looking at?

If so, any guidance on which roads NOT TO TAKE once we near the mountains, as we will be towing a 35 ft 5th wheel
and do not want any white knuckle/screaming in terror switchbacks lol.

I come up I-95 heading west and get off the interstate as soon as possible. I avoid I-95 & I-75 when I can. I head for Waycross out of Jacksonville. 441 is a decent road, most divided highway, controlled but not limited access. Speeds are posted 65 until you come into towns which are every 10-15 miles but very pleasant driving and a good change of scenery. From where you are, I would hit Waycross and Athens Georgia. Even 75 into Hiawassee doesn't look terrible. Good up hill passing lanes and based on tracking with Goggle, good margins. Nothing to change a tire on but nothing to whiten the knuckles. With your diesel, the up hills are not going to be a problem and the roads are design to accommodate logging trucks. You should be ok. Oh, BTW, did I mention that I wouldn't drive any of those roads at night?

 

[attaboy]

This summer we will be heading up I75N from FL on our way to Hiawassee, GA right south of the NC Border.

Gonna stop off in Perry to break the trip in 2.

Question is, should I take the state roads near Macon east to 441N?

Or brave the interstate loop in the Atlanta metro area (really do not want to, but then again don't want to double the driving
time either).

Anyone familiar with the route(s) I am looking at?

If so, any guidance on which roads NOT TO TAKE once we near the mountains, as we will be towing a 35 ft 5th wheel
and do not want any white knuckle/screaming in terror switchbacks lol.

From Perry you are approx. 120 minutes from downtown Atlanta. If you can arrive in Atlanta no later than 6 a.m.
I would recommend I-75 from Perry to Atlanta, but only if you get thru early. Have you considered going further than Perry
for your overnight, it would help you clear Atlanta earlier.
Hope this helps:
Bob A.

 

[RobM]

We live in the town north of Perry. To avoid ATL, we have taken I-16E out of Macon (just 1 exit) to US129 to US441, BUT there is a major multi year construction project going on at the I-75/I-16 interchange, and it's a mess. Another option to get north of ATL is to get take I-75N exit 187 and get on GA-83N, Continue on GA-10 Loop E/US-129 N/US-29 N to US-441 N/Commerce Rd. Take exit 12 from GA-10 Loop N/US-129 N/US-441 N,8 min (7.6 mi), Follow US-441 N, Duncan Bridge Rd and GA-75 N to Franks St/Wood St in Hiawassee,
I copied much of this right off google maps directions. It sounds more complicated than it is. On google maps, initially using interstates, drag the route over at exit 187 on I-75N. You will go thru or around Athens, but it is a good ride.
Rob

 

[Cannon07]

I live 30 miles south of Atlanta. I go to Hiawassee 3 to 4 times a year. I go to NC couple times a year. I hit Atlanta between 9:30AM to 1:00PM with no problems unless it's raining then it's bad all day. If you leave Perry between 8 and 10 you should be alright. Check you maps when you get close to Atlanta and it will tell you the best route. Sometimes it sends me straight thru Atlanta and sometimes around the bypass. While in Hiawassee make sure you go to Mary's for breakfast and and couple doors down to Heavenly Bakery.

 

[Jdjaguar]

We live in the town north of Perry. To avoid ATL, we have taken I-16E out of Macon (just 1 exit) to US129 to US441, BUT there is a major multi year construction project going on at the I-75/I-16 interchange, and it's a mess. Another option to get north of ATL is to get take I-75N exit 187 and get on GA-83N, Continue on GA-10 Loop E/US-129 N/US-29 N to US-441 N/Commerce Rd. Take exit 12 from GA-10 Loop N/US-129 N/US-441 N,8 min (7.6 mi), Follow US-441 N, Duncan Bridge Rd and GA-75 N to Franks St/Wood St in Hiawassee,
I copied much of this right off google maps directions. It sounds more complicated than it is. On google maps, initially using interstates, drag the route over at exit 187 on I-75N. You will go thru or around Athens, but it is a good ride.
Rob

Thanks to all for your replies! very much appreciated.
Looking at the options, Thinking 75N from Perry to 83N at Forsyth exit connecting to 441 in Madison, take bypass @Athens, continue 441/23 in to Clayton then 76W into Hiawassee.

Looking at Google Maps, GA 75 over the mountain from Helen has switchbacks around Andrews creek I do not even want to attempt being 55' long.

Thoughts?

Has anyone towed a big 5th Wheel from Helen to Hiawassee? On GA75?

 

[Cannon07]

Thanks to all for your replies! very much appreciated.
Looking at the options, Thinking 75N from Perry to 83N at Forsyth exit connecting to 441 in Madison, take bypass @Athens, continue 441/23 in to Clayton then 76W into Hiawassee.

Looking at Google Maps, GA 75 over the mountain from Helen has switchbacks around Andrews creek I do not even want to attempt being 55' long.

Thoughts?

Has anyone towed a big 5th Wheel from Helen to Hiawassee? On GA75?

Many times with a 38' Montana and a 43' Jayco. I use to pick up my granddaughter on the north side of Atlanta and that was the shortest way. The mountain is hard on vehicle but it's not that long of a climb. Now that she is in college I go 75 north to 575 north. Four lane all the way except for the last 16 miles. Easy pull. The way you are going is going to be a long slow ride but I'm not doing the driving. You do what's more confrontable for you. I still work so my trips are get there as fast as I can so I have more camping time at the site so I take expressway when possible.

 

[Buckskin]

We pull through Atlanta several times a year and always try to go through on weekend very early in morning straight through on I-85, then toward gulf; we avoid I-285 at all cost - to me one of most dangerous roads around. We always try to avoid Atlanta by going through Athens, GA on 441, if we are going toward Atlantic side of Florida. Take Hwy 129 from Athens toward Gainesville and then on to Hiawassee. Interstate I-75 near Atlanta is very congested all the time with truck traffic. I rather spend and hour or two more than fight traffic around Atlanta pulling camper. Hwy 441 is easy road to pull camper on.

On return trip from camping trip from Florida we always stay at a campground south of Atlanta on a Sat night and get very early start on Sun morning going straight through on I-85 unless we are going up Hwy 441 through Athens, GA. Always use bypass at Athens.

 

[Wicked ace]

Thanks to all for your replies! very much appreciated.
Looking at the options, Thinking 75N from Perry to 83N at Forsyth exit connecting to 441 in Madison, take bypass @Athens, continue 441/23 in to Clayton then 76W into Hiawassee.

Looking at Google Maps, GA 75 over the mountain from Helen has switchbacks around Andrews creek I do not even want to attempt being 55' long.

Thoughts?

Has anyone towed a big 5th Wheel from Helen to Hiawassee? On GA75?

You got me lost with all those directions but I will give a little insite. On my way from NE Tennessee to Brunswick Ga last fall, along the Savannah River that divides Ga. and SC I found are many COE campgrounds. I stayed at Petersburg Campground finding myself really impressed with it. Augusta is only 20 or so miles away and a nice town to spend some time wandering.

 

[Skilletface]

Many times with a 38' Montana and a 43' Jayco. I use to pick up my granddaughter on the north side of Atlanta and that was the shortest way. The mountain is hard on vehicle but it's not that long of a climb. Now that she is in college I go 75 north to 575 north. Four lane all the way except for the last 16 miles. Easy pull. The way you are going is going to be a long slow ride but I'm not doing the driving. You do what's more confrontable for you. I still work so my trips are get there as fast as I can so I have more camping time at the site so I take expressway when possible.

I’m with Cannon07!
Since your staying in Perry, I would take I-75N. to I-285W. around to I-75N. to I-575N. until it turns into 515 Appalachian Hwy.. Nice wide roads, plenty of places to pull out and except for the time around Atl. easy on the eyes scenery. There is never a good time to take on that Atlanta drive at most 1 1/2 hrs. of the drive, sometime before 0500 and after 1000 for that approach to I-285W. is about as good as it gets. Going through downtown Atl. is not to bad a few curves that need to be respected but well marked for following I-75 North.

 

[Jdjaguar]

You got me lost with all those directions but I will give a little insite. On my way from NE Tennessee to Brunswick Ga last fall, along the Savannah River that divides Ga. and SC I found are many COE campgrounds. I stayed at Petersburg Campground finding myself really impressed with it. Augusta is only 20 or so miles away and a nice town to spend some time wandering.

Petersburg looks nice, thanks!

That might be an idea as I'd rather go up I95N anyway and then cut NW. Have you ever stayed at Big Hart Campground outside Augusta?

Thats right off that route and looks pretty good as well.

Also, coming in from that direction I won't be tempted to hop the mountain on GA-75, something I can guarantee
my wife will appreciate!

Thanks to all who have weighed in

 

[attaboy]

Petersburg looks nice, thanks!

That might be an idea as I'd rather go up I95N anyway and then cut NW. Have you ever stayed at Big Hart Campground outside Augusta?

Thats right off that route and looks pretty good as well.

Also, coming in from that direction I won't be tempted to hop the mountain on GA-75, something I can guarantee
my wife will appreciate!

Thanks to all who have weighed in

If you are open to going up I-95 there is a good alternative. I-95 to I-16 W. I-16 to 441 at Dublin GA. 441 N to I-20. I-20 w to Hwy 11N at Social Circle.
From there you have lots of alternatives. We go to Monroe, Winder to Gainesville GA. From there you have lots of alternatives.
Hope this helps.
Bob A.

 

[traveldawg]

I’m with Cannon07!
Since your staying in Perry, I would take I-75N. to I-285W. around to I-75N. to I-575N. until it turns into 515 Appalachian Hwy.. Nice wide roads, plenty of places to pull out and except for the time around Atl. easy on the eyes scenery. There is never a good time to take on that Atlanta drive at most 1 1/2 hrs. of the drive, sometime before 0500 and after 1000 for that approach to I-285W. is about as good as it gets. Going through downtown Atl. is not to bad a few curves that need to be respected but well marked for following I-75 North.

The gets my vote too. Hard to say what time would be best. Maybe after 10:00 a.m. and before 3:00 p.m. on a weekday. On a weekend just check google maps for any congestion spots; maybe directly through ATL would work then. I've done it many times and different ways through/around depending on traffic.

It could be worse. You could be trying to get through Chattanooga!

 

[Chewwi]

Unless you enjoy heavy traffic and congestion, avoid ATL at all costs.

I spent over three years traveling between woestern SC and south eastern TN every week. With no traffic backups and going thru ATL, it was juat about 3 1/2 hrs but always heavy traffic. With traffic backup it could be 5, 6 hrs, or more.

Just chose to go over the mountains and avoid ATL. Always about 4 hours, no stress, and much better scenery.

For over 30 years, there has always been road construction going near ATL.


2020 2600RB,
2017 Silverado Crew Cab 1500, 6.2L

 

[Cannon07]

Unless you enjoy heavy traffic and congestion, avoid ATL at all costs.

I spent over three years traveling between woestern SC and south eastern TN every week. With no traffic backups and going thru ATL, it was juat about 3 1/2 hrs but always heavy traffic. With traffic backup it could be 5, 6 hrs, or more.

Just chose to go over the mountains and avoid ATL. Always about 4 hours, no stress, and much better scenery.

For over 30 years, there has always been road construction going near ATL.


2020 2600RB,
2017 Silverado Crew Cab 1500, 6.2L

How can you say that when you don't even live here. I've lived here 61 years. It's all about timing. Don't go thru at rush hr. I've also set in a wreck at Greenville SC that cost me an 1 1/2. Even in rush hr I can get thru in 1 1/2 hrs. Still better that an extra 3hr going 100miles out of the way on 2 lanes with tons of red lights.

 

[Chewwi]

How can you say that when you don't even live here. I've lived here 61 years. It's all about timing. Don't go thru at rush hr. I've also set in a wreck at Greenville SC that cost me an 1 1/2. Even in rush hr I can get thru in 1 1/2 hrs. Still better that an extra 3hr going 100miles out of the way on 2 lanes with tons of red lights.

You’re used to it and choose to tolerate it. I am not and choose not to tolerate it. I choose to avoid the stress and see something different than mile after mile of interstate sameness.

The OP was looking for advice on getting to the North GA mountains. I gave him my advice. They can heed it or not.

I also avoid the Interstate going to Greenville. It’s not that hard getting to the North GA mountains AND bypass Atlanta. Not that hard to avoid Greenville’s heavy traffic routes either. My GPSs are all set to avoid highways.


2020 2600RB,
2017 Silverado Crew Cab 1500, 6.2L

 

[Just Krusen]

Thanks to all for your replies! very much appreciated.
Looking at the options, Thinking 75N from Perry to 83N at Forsyth exit connecting to 441 in Madison, take bypass @Athens, continue 441/23 in to Clayton then 76W into Hiawassee.

Looking at Google Maps, GA 75 over the mountain from Helen has switchbacks around Andrews creek I do not even want to attempt being 55' long.

Thoughts?

Has anyone towed a big 5th Wheel from Helen to Hiawassee? On GA75?

I tow a 41' 376. We live in Blairsville, GA just west of Hiawassee. I don't like 75 north of Helen. We just pick up 129 in Macon and take it straight into Blairsville. There is only one mountain climb ( Blood Mountain) and it's not that bad. It's a climb but the speed limit is 35. The turns are not as sharp as 75 and much of the uphill side has a passing lane which allows traffic to pass if needed. But traffic is usually light. The downside is about half as long as the uphill. Trucks and RVs run Blood Mountain all the time. I find the drive from Macon up much more relaxing than going around Atlanta and it does not add much time to the trip.

 

[Jdjaguar]

I tow a 41' 376. We live in Blairsville, GA just west of Hiawassee. I don't like 75 north of Helen. We just pick up 129 in Macon and take it straight into Blairsville. There is only one mountain climb ( Blood Mountain) and it's not that bad. It's a climb but the speed limit is 35. The turns are not as sharp as 75 and much of the uphill side has a passing lane which allows traffic to pass if needed. But traffic is usually light. The downside is about half as long as the uphill. Trucks and RVs run Blood Mountain all the time. I find the drive from Macon up much more relaxing than going around Atlanta and it does not add much time to the trip.

Thank you for your input!

 

[New Tamper]

I would not go up Blood Mountain on a bet! Switch backs for 7 miles! We always go 575 to 515 all the way to Hiawassee, 4 lane great roads. Only issue is there is a 12 mile stretch between Blueridge to Blairsville that has a concrete highway that will cause your rig to porpoise. Atlanta is not that bad if you go through early.