Overview

This three-state mountain loop from Sunrock takes you through some of the most enjoyable backroads in North Georgia, Southeast Tennessee, and Southwest North Carolina. The route blends rolling farmland, relaxed sweepers, historic mountain towns, and scenic Appalachian valleys, making it an excellent ride for cruisers, touring bikes, and adventure bikes.

If you avoid the larger highways and stay on the smaller mountain roads outlined below, the ride typically takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours without stops. That said, there are enough breweries, riverfront stops, and scenic towns along the way that it’s easy to turn this into a half-day or full-day ride.

The pavement throughout most of the ride is in good shape, but like many North Georgia mountain roads you should watch for loose gravel near driveways and washed-out shoulders, especially on smaller roads like Curtis Switch or Barnes Chapel.

🏍 Ride Highlights

✅ Rolling Appalachian farmland
✅ Scenic backroads and relaxed sweepers
✅ Copperhill riverfront stops
✅ Three states in one ride (GA / TN / NC)
✅ Multiple brewery and food stops

Route Overview

Start: Sunrock Mountain

You can begin right from Sunrock or meet up with friends anywhere along the route.

Start by taking Old Highway 2, crossing Blue Ridge Drive, and continuing onto Old State Highway 5.

Old State Highway 5 → Dills Road

Follow Old State Highway 5 until you reach Dills Road, where you’ll make a right turn.

Dills Road runs through quiet countryside before you bear right onto Barnes Chapel Road, gradually climbing into the hills.

Barnes Chapel → Galloway → Curtis Switch

Follow Barnes Chapel until you reach Galloway Road, turning right.

Galloway transitions into Curtis Switch Road, which carries you through one of the prettier sections of the ride.

Old Toccoa Farm

Along Curtis Switch you’ll pass Old Toccoa Farm, a beautiful mountain golf and river community tucked along the Toccoa River.

The course features wide open views of the surrounding mountains and sits in one of the more scenic valleys in the area. Even if you’re just riding through, it’s a great stretch of road to slow down and enjoy the view.

Continue on Curtis Switch until you reach Mineral Bluff Highway (Highway 60).

Highway 60 → Copperhill / McCaysville

Turn left onto Highway 60 and follow it north into Copperhill / McCaysville.

⚠ Watch your speed as you descend into town.
Local law enforcement is known to sit near the railroad tracks around River Road, so it’s best to roll in easy.

Copperhill / McCaysville Stops

This is a great place to take a break.

Copperhill Brewery

A relaxed brewery right along the river with nice water views. They often serve food, though the schedule can fluctuate, so check before heading over.

Buck Bald Brewing

A beer-focused brewery with a solid rotating tap list. Parking for motorcycles is easy and right out front.

Waterfront Bar

Located directly on the river with excellent outdoor seating and views. They serve food and offer dedicated motorcycle parking.

Copperhill → Ducktown → Turtle Town

Leave Copperhill on Highway 68 and ride through Ducktown toward Turtle Town.

You’ll come to a fork in the road where Highway 123 splits off.

Bear right onto 123.

The Thirsty Turtle

About a mile down the road, you’ll find the Thirsty Turtle, a popular stop with riders and locals alike.

It’s located only about 100 yards from the North Carolina state line, making it an easy stop before continuing deeper into the mountains.

North Carolina: Highway 294

Once you cross into North Carolina, 123 becomes Highway 294.

This stretch is a classic Appalachian ride:

• Rolling hills
• Light traffic
• Farms and open fields
• Older churches and quiet countryside

Follow 294 until it intersects with US-74 / US-64 (Andrew Jackson Highway).

Murphy, North Carolina

Turn left onto US-74 / US-64 toward Murphy.

Near the intersection you’ll see a membership-only Cannon Club on the left. Local riders say the membership is only about $5 per year, and it’s known for inexpensive drinks and a friendly local crowd.

Murphy itself has several good stops including:

• Chevelle 66 – classic car themed restaurant and bar
• Buck Bald Brewing (Murphy location)
• Several restaurants downtown

Murphy → Hayesville

Continue east on Highway 64 toward Hayesville.

This section offers long sweepers and beautiful mountain views, making it one of the more enjoyable cruising stretches of the ride.

Nocturnal Brewing – Hayesville

One recommended stop in Hayesville is Nocturnal Brewing Company.

They have a good craft beer selection, but their hours can be a little unusual, so it’s worth checking before making the trip.

That’s actually good advice for many places in the Appalachian corridor — hours can vary depending on the season.

Hayesville → Lake Chatuge

From Hayesville take Highway 69 south, which runs along Lake Chatuge before crossing back into Georgia.

The lake views along this stretch are some of the best scenery on the ride.

You’ll eventually reach Highway 76, where you have two good return options.

Option 1: Scenic Return Through Hiawassee

Turn left onto Highway 76 toward Hiawassee.

From there you can:

• Stop at Hiawassee Brew if you’re looking for another brewery break
• Continue riding through the valley toward Unicoi Turnpike

From Unicoi Turnpike you can connect to Owl Creek Road → Highway 180 → Highway 19, eventually reconnecting with Owl Town Road.

This section offers excellent twisty backcountry riding.

Owl Town becomes Milky Gap Road, which connects to the Blue Ridge Highway.

Turn left and follow it back toward Morganton and Blue Ridge.

Option 2: Direct Route Through Young Harris & Blairsville

If you prefer a more direct return, turn right onto Highway 76 toward Young Harris and Blairsville.

Blairsville has a couple great stops including:

Blairsville Brewing

A solid local brewery with a relaxed mountain town vibe.

Happy Belly Pizza

One of the best pizza spots in the region.

The pizzas can take a little while to come out and the place gets busy depending on the day, but they’re absolutely worth the wait.

Final Stretch Back to Blue Ridge

Heading back toward Blue Ridge you’ll pass:

• Mike’s Trackside BBQ in Morganton
• The Blue Ridge Dam

Continue straight and you’ll roll right into downtown Blue Ridge, where you can wrap up the ride with a stop at:

• Angry Hops Brewing
• One of the many restaurants downtown

Ride Summary

Estimated ride time:
⏱ ~2 hr 45 min – 3 hr without stops

States Covered:
Georgia • Tennessee • North Carolina

Ride Style:
Relaxed mountain cruising with optional twisty sections