This week we are taking riders out for a taste of the old country in a trip to and from Helen, Georgia.  Originally an old logging town which was on the outs, Helen reinvented itself into a replica of a Bavarian Alpine-themed town similar to what one would find in the Alps.  This move cemented Helen as a tourist destination in Northeast Georgia for decades and has been a popular stop for both fans of autumn leaves and Oktoberfests.

Start by heading towards Franklin, NC.be sure to give yourself plenty of time as this will be an all-day excursion.  Once in Franklin, continue south on US-441 and head to Clayton, Georgia.  In Clayton, turn right onto US-76 and head through the downtown area and then into the countryside.  After 11 miles, youll turn left onto GA-197 (there will be a small sign for Helen posted) and follow GA-197 to Batesville.  This stretch of road will meander around the shores of Lake Burton, and in some places can be curvy so be mindful of your speed.  The road will eventually straighten out as you begin to get away from the lake. 

Near Batesville, you will come to GA-356, turn right onto this and follow it towards and past Unicoi State Park and Lodge until you intersect with GA-17.  By now youll begin to start seeing the South German influence on some of the outlying buildings on the outskirts of Helen (City council zoning mandates that all structures within the town must conform to the Alpine Bavarian style)  Turn left onto GA-17 and begin to head into Helen.  Depending on the time of year, Helen can be very crowded with tourist so be careful of traffic, pedestrians, and the horse-drawn carriages which frequent Main Street.

Passing through Helen on GA-17 (Unicoi Turnpike) youll continue to until you reach the town of Clarkesville, where you will pick up GA-385 and take to Hollywood.  Once in Hollywood, turn left onto US-441 and head north back towards Clayton, where you will complete the loop.

• As always, follow the local traffic laws and speed limits.
• For those looking for a bit of nature, check out Unicoi State Park just outside of Helen.  The park has many things to offer including trails, swimming, fishing, camping, and even cabins.  Go to www.unicoistatepark.org for details.
• Helen, Georgia is a town with a booming tourism business.  And offers many things from recreation to foods/candy, horse rides, clothing, and even an Oktoberfest celebration during September and October.  With it being a popular tourist destination, there are time where the town can be filled with tourists and traffic.  Take your time getting through the town.  Parking is available but in many areas require a fee.  More can be found on Helen at their website; www.helenga.org
• The town of Clarkesville also has many things to offer the wary traveler too when it comes to things to see.  Although not as big of a destination as Helen up the road, Clarkesville has many historical structures across its city limit, including the Washington-Jefferson Street Historic District.  For more information on Clarkesville, visit their website at www.clarkesvillega.com
• Halfway between Hollywood and Clayton lies the Tallulah Gorge area.  Once  considered the Niagra of the South, The Tallulah Gorge stretches for 2 miles in length and is 1000 feet deep.  In the town of Tallulah Falls, literally under a bridge spanning the gorge; lies the Tallulah Dam; a 126 foot tall diversion dam.  For those interested in hydroelectric power, there are side roads prior to the bridge which you can pull off on and view the gorge and the dam.  Also in the area lies several waterfalls accessible by trail or overlook.

www.tallulahfallsgeorgia.org

• Just up the road from Tallulah Falls is the Tallulah Gorge State Park and Tugalo Lake and Dam.  For an impressive view of the area, there is an overlook off of GA-15 which looks down on the Tugalo Dam and holds a few exhibits from Georgia Power including an old incline railroad car.