Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway Overview

Published on Mar 27, 2006

Traversing the narrow Armuchee Ridges and the wide valleys of northwest Georgia, this 51-mile loop introduces you to the area's varied terrain. Admire mountain overlooks while hiking through bushes, wildflowers, and fertile farmlands along the byway. The remains of the fields show how the community of settlers relied on the land as the earlier Cherokee had.

The Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway illustrates many facets of history from different walks of life. Visit early settlers' farmhouses and picture what your life would have been like in the 1800s. The surrounding countryside holds the histories of Civil War battles based around the railroad from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Here the Battle of Jonesborough, one of the more infamous battles of the Civil War, occurred. Confederate forces blew up an ammunition train, which was first in a sequence of devastating events that eventually led to the rampant burning of Atlanta during the early morning hours of Sep. 1, 1864.

Reminders of the historic homeland of the native Cherokee Indian Nation still remain in the names of the region's landmarks. It's easy to see how "Armuchee" earned its name. As the Cherokee word meaning "land of flowers", it aptly describes the area’s ridges and valleys when they are covered by a riot of wildflowers during spring months. During autumn the pinks and blues change to a fiery display of reds and golds.

The byway and surrounding areas offer a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and fishing. Hike to Johns Mountain Overlook . On a clear day you can see all the way to the neighboring states of Alabama and Tennessee. Following this exploration, relax on a nature trail along the ridge top to the Keown Falls Scenic Area. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the sounds of tumbling waters of the twin waterfalls. If you're in the mood to catch your own meal, spend a day at Marvin Lake; its quiet waters are famous for fine bream and bass fishing. Spend a night under the filtered light of the trees at the John's Mountain Wildlife Management Area to rest and plan your next day.

Known for its historical, natural, recreational, and scenic attractions, the Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway will introduce you to what has been a part of this area of northwestern area of Georgia for centuries.

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