You can get to Gatlinburg, TN, in 4 hours from Atlanta, GA, on a roughly 200-mile drive through Appalachian country. And here are some nice places along the way to make a day of the trip and take in some extra sights and attractions.
Some people like to leave Atlanta on State Highway 23, citing the more scenic experience, while others head out on I-85, splitting to I-985 for a while, until Hwy 23 merges in and takes lead designation. Either way, round up the crew and get on the road to the Smokies!
[Techie Note: Route 23 is part of the US highway numbering system and is often thought of a federal highway, but as with many of the US-designated roads, it’s built and maintained by the states it runs through.]
Gainesville, GA
Gainesville has some quirky roadside attractions. Look for a giant red elephant (1850 Thompson Bridge Rd), a 20-foot rabbit (2415 Old Cornelia Hwy), and the Chicken Monument in the Poultry Capital of the World (Grove Street). Also on display is the world’s largest Tiger Statue (Green Street), and, for something truly unusual, a giant model of the solar system (Bradford St. S.). Gainesville has some scenic attractions such as the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier, where you can take a quick detour for some beautiful lake views.
Cornelia, GA
Charming and with a historic downtown and the unique Big Red Apple monument, Cornelia also boasts a treat for Elvis fans . Check out the “Panoramic Encyclopedia of Everything Elvis” just outside Cornelia, GA (271 Foreacre St.). The collection is filled with rare Elvis artifacts, a quirky, yet fascinating stop for anyone intrigued by the King of Rock. Consider stopping at the Cornelia City Park, which features lovely walking trails and picnic areas.
Tiger, GA
Close to the Tallulah Gorge State Park, this area offers stunning views and hiking opportunities, where you could stop and get back to nature for a bit. Or you could see how goats handle the heights at Goats on the Roof (3026 Hwy 441 South). This quirky country store spot is home to goats that roam the roof via suspended bridges! Grab a cool treat and let the kids enjoy this one-of-a-kind attraction. A significant detour could be Lake Rabun or the Rabun Beach area for a quick dip or scenic views.
Cherokee, NC
Across the Line to North Carolina, Hwy 23 becomes Hwy 441 and at Cherokee you’re in the Cherokee Nation, passing roadside attractions, museums and hotels. Explore the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, visit the Cherokee Bear Zoo and the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and stop at historical markers that honor important Cherokee leaders.
This is your last stop before heading into the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hwy 441 is known as Newfound Gap Road as it takes you over that pass and through the park, for some exceptionally gorgeous views. There are overlooks to stop at and admire or take pictures of the stunning panoramas.
And then it’s Gatlinburg – a whole other adventure in what visitors call the exciting side of the Smoky Mountains. Plan a full week or a weekend to take it all in – and you’ll find the most fun here is staying in one of our Gatlinburg cabins or Pigeon Forge cabin rentals.
Enjoy your journey!
TRAVEL TIP: It’s a short and fun journey from Atlanta to Gatlinburg, so keep an eye on our last-minute cabin deals on the Specials page. We frequently offer weekend getaways at Half-Price! And call us anytime at 855-91-SMOKY.
