Ride Overview

This scenic North Georgia motorcycle ride begins the same way as the Aska Lake Loop, but instead of circling Lake Blue Ridge, the route branches south toward Ellijay for a longer countryside ride through some beautiful rural parts of the region.

The ride starts along the Toccoa River on Aska Road, where you’ll pass several well-known local stops before turning onto Newport Road and heading deeper into the countryside. From there the route connects to Doublehead Gap Road and Big Creek Road, eventually bringing you right into downtown Ellijay.

Much of this ride winds through rolling countryside and open farmland, offering wide views and a relaxed pace. The roads in this area are generally in good condition and very enjoyable for riding, with a mix of gentle sweepers and mild curves. Nothing too aggressive here — just a smooth, scenic ride that makes it easy to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Like many North Georgia mountain roads, there are a few spots where driveways and runoff can leave small patches of gravel, especially along Doublehead Gap Road. It’s nothing unusual for this area, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for loose debris, particularly near driveways and in corners.

Once you reach Ellijay, there are plenty of great places to stop for lunch or a drink before heading back toward Blue Ridge along Boardtown Road, one of the quieter backroads in the region.

Along the way you’ll pass several restaurants, breweries, scenic stops, and even a vineyard detour. Riders can keep the ride quick or mix up the stops each time they ride the route.

Total distance is about 57 miles, with roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes of ride time without stops, finishing in downtown Blue Ridge.

Start Location

Conoco Gas Station
4900 Appalachian Hwy
Blue Ridge, GA 30513

This Conoco station makes a perfect rally point for riders and is well known locally for offering ethanol-free fuel, making it a great place to top off before heading into the mountains.

Route Directions

Step 1 – Head Toward Aska Road

From the Conoco, head east briefly on Appalachian Highway (GA-515) and turn toward Aska Road.

Once you reach Aska Road the scenery quickly improves as the road winds along the Toccoa River valley with gentle curves and rolling hills. This section is a great warm-up for the ride.

Step 2 – Ride Along the Toccoa River

Continue along Aska Road, where you’ll pass some of the most popular river spots in the Blue Ridge area.

This stretch offers beautiful views of the river and is especially lively in the summer with people tubing and floating the Toccoa.

Step 3 – Turn Right onto Newport Road

Stay on Aska Road until you reach Newport Road and turn right.

This section leaves the river valley and begins heading south through quiet countryside with rolling hills and open farmland.

Step 4 – Turn Right onto Doublehead Gap Road

Continue along Newport Road until you reach Doublehead Gap Road.

Turn right onto Doublehead Gap Road and follow it as it winds through farmland and wooded hills toward Ellijay.

This is a beautiful stretch of road with light traffic and some nice sweeping turns.

Step 5 – Continue onto Big Creek Road

As you continue riding, Doublehead Gap Road eventually becomes Big Creek Road.

Stay on the road and continue heading south toward Ellijay.

Step 6 – Turn Right onto Highway 52

From Big Creek Road, turn right onto Highway 52.

Follow Highway 52 a short distance and it will bring you directly into downtown Ellijay, arriving on River Street.

Step 7 – Explore Downtown Ellijay

River Street runs through the center of town and puts you within easy reach of several restaurants, breweries, and shops.

This is a perfect place to stop for lunch or a drink before heading back toward Blue Ridge.

Step 8 – Return on Boardtown Road

When you’re ready to head back toward Blue Ridge, pick up Boardtown Road.

This is one of the best sections of the ride — a quiet country road with very little traffic, winding through farmland, wooded hills, and scenic countryside.

Along the way you’ll pass Sugar Creek Raceway, a small local dirt track that occasionally hosts races.

Step 9 – Return to Blue Ridge

As you approach Blue Ridge you have two return options.

Option 1 – Toward Sunrock

Turn left onto Tennis Court Road to head back toward the Sunrock area.

Option 2 – Scenic Return Downtown

Follow Sugar Creek Road to Scenic Drive, then take Scenic Drive all the way into downtown Blue Ridge.

Notable Stops Along the Route

One of the best parts about riding in North Georgia is the number of great places to stop along the way. Riders can ride the route straight through or mix up the stops on different trips.

Toccoa Riverside Restaurant

Aska Road

A well-known riverfront restaurant famous for trout dishes and views of the Toccoa River.

Riverfront dining ✓ Famous trout dishes ✓ Extremely busy on weekends

Iron Bridge Café & General Store

Aska Road

A casual riverside stop popular with locals and tubers floating the Toccoa River.

Quick drinks & snacks ✓ General store ✓ Busy during tubing season

The Mill at Noontootla Creek

Near Newport Road

A scenic historic mill property along a peaceful mountain creek and a great place to stretch your legs.

Photo stop ✓ Quiet scenery

River Street Tavern

Downtown Ellijay

A relaxed tavern in the heart of Ellijay known for burgers, sandwiches, and cold beer.

Good burgers ✓ Reliable lunch stop ✓ Walkable downtown

The Roof Ellijay

Downtown Ellijay

A rooftop restaurant and bar offering great views and a lively atmosphere.

Rooftop seating ✓ Drinks & food ✓ Fun atmosphere

The Canterbury Restaurant

Ellijay

A local favorite for a relaxed sit-down lunch.

Comfort food ✓ Casual atmosphere ✓ Good lunch stop

Cartecay River Brewing Company

Ellijay

A popular brewery overlooking the river with outdoor seating and a good craft beer selection.

River views ✓ Craft beer ✓ Serves food

Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery

Ellijay

A hidden gem that’s part bicycle shop and part brewery with beer brewed on site.

Unique concept ✓ Small local feel

Roo Mountain Vineyards & Bistro

Off Boardtown Rd via Old Flat Branch Road

A beautiful vineyard perched above the countryside with amazing mountain views.

Scenic vineyard ✓ Great wine ✓ Short detour

Optional Detours

Roo Mountain Vineyards & Bistro

When you reach Old Flat Branch Road, turn left and follow it up the mountain to the vineyard. The short climb offers incredible scenery and makes a relaxing stop on the return ride.

Final Stop Ideas in Blue Ridge

If you finish the ride downtown, there are several rider-friendly places to grab a cold beer.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing
The Tipping Point Brewing Co.
Angry Hops Brewing

All are great places to relax and wrap up a ride through the North Georgia mountains.

Ride Stats

Distance: 57 miles

Ride Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (without stops)

Difficulty: Easy

Best Bikes
Cruiser
Touring
Adventure
Sport Touring

Highlights

• Riding along the Toccoa River on Aska Road
• Rolling countryside and farmland views
• Quiet backroads through Newport and Doublehead Gap
• Brewery and lunch stops in downtown Ellijay
• Scenic return along Boardtown Road

Sunrock Mountain Ride Rating

Scenery ☆
Traffic
Road Enjoyment ☆
Stops & Food ☆

Overall Ride: ½

A relaxed North Georgia ride combining great scenery, quiet roads, and excellent food and drink stops.