Georgia’s overland scene blends Appalachian mountain climbs, winding forest roads, and sandy coastal drives. Tackle the Georgia Traverse for an epic state-spanning journey, explore Chattahoochee National Forest’s scenic routes, or unwind on the barrier islands. With our curated maps, videos, and guides, you can make the most of every expedition in and through Georgia.
Links to Routes & Maps
- Georgia Traverse
- Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
- Cohutta Wilderness & Conasauga District (within the Chattahoochee)
- Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route (SEBDR) – Georgia Section
Georgia Traverse
The Georgia Traverse is one of the Southeast’s premier long-distance overlanding routes, stretching roughly 390 miles across the northern part of the state from South Carolina to Alabama. Designed with overland travelers in mind, it’s a mix of scenic backroads, paved connectors, and rugged Forest Service roads through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and surrounding areas. The Traverse gives you a little bit of everything—gravel climbs, creek crossings, sweeping mountain views, and plenty of dispersed camping opportunities along the way.
Trail Highlights
- Length: ~390 miles (plan 4–6 days for a full traverse)
- Terrain: Forest Service roads, gravel, pavement connectors, some mild technical sections
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (weather can elevate challenges)
- Best Time to Go: Spring and Fall for ideal temps; avoid heavy rains in winter and peak summer heat
Camping & Regulations
- National Forest Camping: Dispersed camping is widely available in the Chattahoochee and Cohutta areas, but always use established pull-offs when possible.
- Permits: No special permit required for driving or dispersed camping, but group sizes over 75 people may require a permit.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything, respect closures, and avoid blocking gates or forest roads.
Overlanding Tips
- Vehicle Prep: High-clearance 4×4 recommended; stock Gladiators and Wranglers can handle most sections, though wet weather can change the game.
- Navigation: Download offline GPX tracks before you go—cell service is spotty. (GA Overland maintains an excellent updated track.)
- Supplies: Fuel up before you start; while towns are dotted along the way, stretches can be long between services.
- Seasonal Hazards: Expect mud in the spring, dust in the summer, and icy conditions in late winter at higher elevations.
The Georgia Traverse isn’t just a point-to-point road—it’s an adventure through Georgia’s wild backcountry. Whether you take on the full length or just sample a section, it’s one of the must-do routes for Southeastern overlanders.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Covering nearly 867,000 acres, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are Georgia’s crown jewel for backcountry exploration. With scenic overlooks, rushing rivers, and countless miles of gravel and dirt roads, this area offers some of the best multi-day overland routes in the Southeast.
Recommended Routes
- FS 42 & FS 77 Loop (Springer Mountain to Lake Winfield Scott)
- Distance: ~50 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (gravel, washouts, some rocky sections)
- Highlights: Appalachian Trail trailhead, sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views, camp by Lake Winfield Scott.
- Warwoman Road to Overflow Creek Road (Clayton, GA)
- Distance: ~30 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate (narrow roads, water crossings, seasonal closures)
- Highlights: Warwoman Dell Recreation Area, waterfalls, secluded primitive campsites.
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are ideal, with cooler temps and vibrant foliage. Summer brings humidity and bugs, while winter can bring ice at higher elevations.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping is allowed on most forest service roads.
- Fire rings must be used where available; practice Leave No Trace.
- Black bear country—store food properly.
Cohutta Wilderness & Conasauga District
A subsection of the Chattahoochee NF, the Cohutta Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas east of the Mississippi and a bucket-list overland stop in Georgia. With steep mountain climbs, creek crossings, and endless forest service roads, this area feels truly remote. Also a popular destination for hikers.
Recommended Routes
- FS 64 (Three Forks Mountain Road)
- Distance: ~25 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (steep grades, narrow shelf roads, occasional washouts)
- Highlights: Mountaintop vistas, secluded primitive campsites, access to Jack’s River Falls (via hiking spur).
- FS 68 (Cottonwood Patch to Lake Conasauga)
- Distance: ~30 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Fishing and swimming at Lake Conasauga (Georgia’s highest lake), Cottonwood Patch campground, access to Panther Creek Falls.
Best Time to Go
Late spring through early fall. Winter often brings snow and ice at elevation, which can close roads unexpectedly.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping available along FS roads; some designated campgrounds like Cottonwood Patch.
- Seasonal closures are common—always check USFS alerts before your trip.
- No motorized vehicles in wilderness boundaries—stick to designated FS roads.
Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route (SEBDR) – Georgia Section
The SEBDR cuts through some of Georgia’s most scenic and rugged terrain, offering a curated backcountry adventure across the state. The Georgia section connects North Carolina’s high country to Alabama’s Talladega foothills, blending forest service roads, gravel, and scenic byways.
Recommended Routes
- Blue Ridge to Suches (FS 42 / FS 77 / Wolf Pen Gap Road)
- Distance: ~60 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate (gravel climbs, blind curves, traffic from hikers)
- Highlights: Springer Mountain AT terminus, Blue Ridge vistas, Wolf Pen Gap (one of the twistiest roads in GA).
- Suches to Dalton (via FS 28-1, FS 68, and rural connectors)
- Distance: ~70 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (washouts, switchbacks, seasonal closures)
- Highlights: Lake Winfield Scott, Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, access to Cohutta Wilderness.
Best Time to Go
Late spring to fall. Winter can mean ice and road closures, especially at higher elevations.
Camping & Regulations
- Dispersed camping widely available on FS roads.
- Pack out all trash and avoid camping near trailheads.
- Some roads require high-clearance 4×4—travel in groups if possible.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s overlanding routes combine Appalachian ruggedness with Southern charm, making it a must-visit for Jeep Gladiator and adventure rig owners. Whether you’re weaving through the Cohuttas, tracing forest service roads in Chattahoochee, or running the Georgia leg of the SEBDR, you’ll find plenty of challenge and reward.
Revised: Aug. 18, 2025