NORTHEAST GEORGIA BLOG

The trip from Gainesville up to Blairsville is only about 55 miles. Depending on how often you decide to stop, traffic, and all of the other normal variables - it probably takes just a little over an hour to do this drive.

We head out of Gainesville on Hwy 129 out of Hall County and into White County towards Cleveland.  Rather than turn onto Hwy 75 towards Helen - we continue on Hwy 129 thru the town square.  This leg of the trip is about 25 miles and probably will take about half an hour.

Headed out of Cleveland, our next road mark will be Turners Corner.  This leg is about 11 miles and gets us ready for the curvy climb over Blood Mountain.  Now we’re ready for one of the most beautiful drives in Georgia.

As we leave the Turners Corner area we begin to climb up Blood Mountain - watch for motorcycles and bikes.  This is a very curvy and steep mountain road, so be careful.  About 5-6 miles up the road we’ll find DeSoto Falls.  There is a really, really nice trail - about 2.5 miles roundtrip - located here at DeSoto Falls.  This is definitely worth a stop.

A couple of more miles up the road and we’re at Vogel State Park - it’s easy to pass the entrance (on the left) so be looking…Vogel is one of my favorite parks.  You have hiking, camping, cabins, swimming, fishing, pedal boats, and even miniature golf.  I would recommend spending a weekend here - whether you have a cottage or a two-man tent - great place to hang out for a few days.

Moving out of Vogel and continuing north on Hwy 129, we’re not too far from our destination - about 10 miles - Blairsville.  If you have the time - take Hwy 76 east towards Hiawassee and go all the way over to Clayton - you can then take 441 south back down to Gainesville - a great loop - a great roadtrip.

These roadtrips are fun.  You can check out some great food along the way too…which is what I’m best at!

Filed under: RoadTrips