Atlanta is a short drive from some spectacular Appalachian mountain scenery , at its best in October when the leaves turn gold and red. A drive through the mountains on the secondary roads takes you through endless hairpins and narrow passes; Hwy-348 ascends a particularly impressive pass at the White County line, crossed at the top by the Appalachian Trail . Of the various towns and villages, Dahlonega makes the best base; most of the rest - like Helen , 35 miles northeast, now a pseudo-Bavarian village - are either kitsch or downright dull. The region does, however, abound in delightful state parks , several of which offer both camping and hotel-style lodges.

North from Atlanta: the mountains

• North from Atlanta: the mountains

Explore North from Atlanta: the mountains

• Athens
• Dahlonega

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