1. Ellijay to Suches
ELLIJAY TO SUCHES – 99 miles
Begin your journey in the picturesque north Georgia mountain town of Ellijay, known for mountain biking, hiking, whitewater kayaking, and its numerous apple orchards and wineries. The track meanders along paved and unpaved county roads through mountain farmland before intersecting with Old Bucktown Road. This rugged two-track road climbs steadily to Nimblewill Gap, where the Appalachian Trail (AT) Approach Trail connects Amicalola Falls to the southern terminus of the AT at Springer Mountain.
From Nimblewill Gap, the road smooths out as it descends the mountain, connecting with Winding Stair Gap Road and the picturesque Noontootla Creek. Stop for a break at Van Zandt’s Grill and Grocery in Dial, a local favorite. Continue on Old Rock Creek, a narrow two-track road, where you can access a 1/3 mile hike to cross the Toccoa River via the longest swinging bridge in the Eastern US.
Visit the US Army Ranger Camp Merrill, home of the Mountain Phase of Ranger training and “The Overhang” café. The route passes near Dahlonega, a quintessential mountain town with restaurants, shopping, and lodging. The final stretch of pavement features a scenic twisty climb over the Woody Gap AT crossing before ending in the charming community of Suches.
1. Ellijay to Suches
ELLIJAY TO SUCHES – 99 miles
Begin your journey in the picturesque north Georgia mountain town of Ellijay, known for mountain biking, hiking, whitewater kayaking, and its numerous apple orchards and wineries. The track meanders along paved and unpaved county roads through mountain farmland before intersecting with Old Bucktown Road. This rugged two-track road climbs steadily to Nimblewill Gap, where the Appalachian Trail (AT) Approach Trail connects Amicalola Falls to the southern terminus of the AT at Springer Mountain.
From Nimblewill Gap, the road smooths out as it descends the mountain, connecting with Winding Stair Gap Road and the picturesque Noontootla Creek. Stop for a break at Van Zandt’s Grill and Grocery in Dial, a local favorite. Continue on Old Rock Creek, a narrow two-track road, where you can access a 1/3 mile hike to cross the Toccoa River via the longest swinging bridge in the Eastern US.
Visit the US Army Ranger Camp Merrill, home of the Mountain Phase of Ranger training and “The Overhang” café. The route passes near Dahlonega, a quintessential mountain town with restaurants, shopping, and lodging. The final stretch of pavement features a scenic twisty climb over the Woody Gap AT crossing before ending in the charming community of Suches.
Interactive map preview
Open the full map for layers, filters, and route planning tools.
Open full mapYour next adventure starts here
Create your own maps with custom routes, waypoints, and layers. Then share with your friends to kick off your adventure planning.
