If you’re looking for a fun (and safe) activity during quarantine, going on a scenic drive is a wonderful idea. Georgia happens to be blessed with many scenic byways, and your fall foliage experience is guaranteed to be amazing.

Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also rich in history and culture. They require a bit of a drive from Cobb County, but trust us when we say that every single spot is going to be worth your while. Are you excited to learn more about the spots? Read through the list of our top picks!

Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

The 41-mile Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is one of the country’s National Scenic Byways declared by the Federal Highway Administration. It overlooks the superb vistas surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Drive along the winding road through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachians in Georgia.

One of the best views of the fall foliage is atop Brasstown Bald, the highest natural point in the state. The spot offers bright shades of fall colors. You can even see Atlanta on a good day from 100 miles away.

It’s a great idea to stop by the many picnic spots that overlook the astonishing views. There are also beautiful hike spots to experience the cooling mists of waterfalls. You can access this spot via GA Hwy’s 17/75, 180, 348, and 75 ALT.

Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway 

If you’re a history nerd, the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway is worth the drive. The 56-mile route travels through the Chattahoochee National Forest that turns to an astounding gradient of orange and yellow during fall. You can see miles and miles of natural beauty, historical discovery, and cultural heritage.

As you drive to Chatsworth, you can also see the Chief Vann House Historic Site, a restored mansion built in 1804.

A trip through this route won’t be complete without tasting the apples from Ellijay, Georgia’s Apple Capital. You can sample the goods on site, but it’s never a bad idea to bring some home. To go on this journey, take 5845 Hwy. 2.

Meriwether-Pike Scenic Byway

The Meriwether-Pike Scenic Byway is a 55-mile route that was named after two counties it travels through. There are many historical interests along the way, including President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Little White House. It also traverses The Cove which is another excellent location to drive by the glorious colors of fall.

If you want to relax, you can also stop by Warm Springs. President Roosevelt used to come to this location during the 40’s in hopes of improving the condition of his polio-stricken legs.

Georgia’s oldest remaining covered bridge, the Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge, can also be seen here. It’s a 391-foot-long pass still used by light traffic today.

This byway can be accessed beginning at the Warm Springs Welcome Center via SR 85.

Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway

Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway is the longest route here on our list, stretching to 60 miles of pastoral farmland. You can see local producers of cotton, peanuts, and timber along the drive. Visiting a local farmers market is always a great idea because there is a lot of fresh produce to choose from.

Much like the other byways, this route traverses numerous historical spots. Built in 1907, The Hawkinsville Historic Opera House still stands after renovations in 2000. There are also a number of notable churches. You’ll feel as if you traveled back in time.

Enduring Farmland appeals as a more relaxed community due to the vast agricultural lands and the simplicity of rural living. To go here, drive by the Hwy. 129 S., US/ GA 280, Hwy. 112.

Providence Canyon

Providence Canyon is known as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. It boasts 150 feet gullies with shades of pink, orange, and red. The trees match the glorious gradient of the rocks with yellow and orange colors during fall.

Its beauty is ironically caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s, which is a testament to what the human race can do to change the face of the earth. Call it a beautiful mistake, maybe? But this quiet park is literally a picture-perfect spot with some even calling it out of place in Georgia.

Aside from the scenic views, this spot is also a perfect place to hike. Many people flocked here during the past months so expect a bit of a wait before you can enter. To go here, drive down via I-85 S and I-185 S.

Are you excited? Go ahead and plan your next road trip with your family and friends! Just remember to follow your local guidelines when going outside. We want you to have fun, but your health and safety must be the top priority.