Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway Overview

Mountains Surrounding Brasstown Bald (GA) [1]

Cool in the summer, mild in the winter, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway beckons you to lose yourself in its luscious timberland. Linger atop Brasstown Bald (Georgia's tallest mountain) to absorb all 360-degrees of rolling highlands. Escape the crowds and retire to the cooling mists of the byway's numerous waterfalls. Got a hankering for a hike, but the Appalachian Trail isn't what you had in mind? Sparkling waterfalls and secluded valley views are just a short stroll from the main road. The average weekend hiker could spend years exploring these trails and never retrace a step. Share a meal at a cozy picnic site or break bread in a real Bavarian hamlet enveloped in the Georgian mountains. Whether you're looking to hike the hinterland or lounge in a lazy village, the byway is an ideal get-away.

The Chattahoochee River's Headwaters (GA) [2]

Scenic wonders abound in this region of North Georgia. Venture into the Tray Mountain Wilderness, a 1,600-acre paradise for the whole family. Send your outdoorsmen to hunt the Wild Turkey, whitetail deer, quail, and even feral pigs that thrive in its rugged acres. Tramp down the paved path to Anna Ruby Falls, and see where two creeks converge in the rare, 150-foot twin falls. Try to discover elusive Hidden Creek, which runs clear and cool for a day before it disappears. See the three tiers of Raven Cliff Falls, including its 100-foot cascade through a split in a solid rock outcropping. It is also an ideal destination for viewing dazzling fall color in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest encircling the byway. State parks like Unicoi, a rustic haven of cottages and campgrounds, and Vogel, with its blazing expanse of wildflower trails, are easily accessible from the byway.