SUCHES TO DILLARD – 142 miles

Depart Suches on a twisty paved section of Highway 60 before entering the Cooper Creek WMA area of the National Forest. A series of forest service roads lead to Duncan Ridge, a fun rocky road that eventually intersects Highway 180. Stop at Sunrise Grocery, a local spot for boiled peanuts, local produce, snacks and ethanol free gas!

Stop at Helton Creek Falls for a short hike to a scenic waterfall before continuing on the track through a pair of stream crossings. The route passes near Helen, Georgia, a tourist town known for a Bavarian theme, summer swimming and float trips on the Chattahoochee River.

The route follows views of Lake Burton, a classic North Georgia mountain lake with summer lakeside dining at La Prade’s Marina. An Alternate Harder option is available to tackle the more challenging Popcorn Creek, which is often muddy, overgrown and rutted, eventually reconnecting with the main route. Ride through a mix of dirt and paved roads with a short detour option to the Chattooga River, a protected Wild and Scenic natural river featured in the 1970s movie “Deliverance”. If you hear banjo music, you might want to pick up the pace.

The route then meanders through tight, scenic forest roads at the point where Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina meet. Section 2 concludes with a picturesque, curvy paved descent into the town of Dillard, enjoying mountain views along the way.