6 Best Georgia Road Trips

Georgia is home to some of the most of authentic southern charm in the US. The locals are friendly, the views are beautiful, and the history is rich. 

Why not hit the Appalachian Trail, starting in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests? Or embark on a journey through time to discover how Georgia was involved in the 1960s’ Civil Rights Movement? If thrill seeking is more your style, take our Roller Coaster Tour to some of the top theme parks in the country – including Georgia’s very own Six Flags.

Whatever you have in mind, our American Road Trip Planner can help you find the perfect trip. Check out our top 6 routes through Georgia below.

1. Georgia to Maine: Appalachian Trail

1332 miles, 10 days, 14 stops

Running from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail road trip covers a huge part of the United States. While the full route spans more than 2,000 miles, this 10-day journey focuses on the best bits and makes sure you have time to stop off to explore the trail’s top attractions.

You’ll start in Georgia at the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which boasts 850 miles of trails across northern Georgia. On this trip, you’ll also take in some amazing sights like the Trailside Museum and Zoo in New York and Mark Twain’s House in Connecticut.

Take a trip along the Appalachian Trail

2. Atlanta to Louisiana: The Road to Civil Rights

1110 miles, 12 days, 9 stops

The Road to Civil Rights road trip is one of the most impressive historical trips we’ve ever planned. It’s packed full of different museums and sites that were significant in the fight for Civil Rights in the 1960s.

Over nine stops, you’ll take in various places including the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. You’ll also visit the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, where you can tour his house and take a moment to reflect by his tomb.

The whole trip is a poignant reminder of the past, as you’ll see firsthand accounts of what happened during this important period of history.

Learn about the Road to Civil Rights

3. New Orleans to New York: Eat the East Coast

1537 miles, 10 days, 12 stops

From New Orleans to New York, try out some of the best eateries on the east coast on this delicious road trip. There is something for everyone’s taste buds on this trip, from world-famous oysters on the Gulf Coast to juicy Philly cheesesteaks from an all-American deli.

You’ll also stop off at some of our favourite foodie places in Georgia too, like the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Here, you’ll learn the story behind the iconic soda, enter the 4-D theater experience, and take part in activities designed for all the family.

While you’re staying in The Big Peach, you can also take a trip to Antico Pizza Napoletana, which has become known as the city’s favorite pizzeria since it opened in 2009. Pick your pizza with or without a tomato base and sample one of their specials – you won’t want to miss out.

Eat the East Coast

4. Wisconsin to New Jersey: Roller Coaster Tour

2841 miles, 16 days, 13 stops

One of the longest road trips on our list, this incredible tour takes you across the US to some of the best theme parks and water parks in the country. Fair warning though, this adventure  is not for the faint of heart. There are so many twists, turns and loop-de-loops, you’ll soon forget which way is up.

Starting out in Wisconsin, ride the Hades 360 at Mount Olympus, a wooden coaster with a full 360-degree roll – there’s no easing you in on this trip.

Criss-crossing over various states, rather like a roller coaster, you’ll have time to brave the Millennium Force at Cedar Point and the world’s longest steel inverted coaster – the Banshee at Kinds Island.

Stop off in Austell at Six Flags Over Georgia, where you can soar across the sky on Goliath. This coaster includes a 540-degree helix and a series of bunny hops, while hitting 70mph speeds. It’s a thrilling experience to say the least.

Hit the road with an SUV to fit all the family for this heart-racing road trip.

Explore the Roller Coaster Tour

5. Washington to Texas: One Small Step

2454 miles, 14 days, 11 stops

Go interstellar on this road trip that celebrates space travel, from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral – and everywhere in between.

After a starry night at the DuPont Planetarium in South Carolina, it’s straight on to Georgia for a trip back in time to a place that can help us discover how we came to be on our planet.

It’s thought that humans first settled in the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in the Paleo-Indian era around 17,000 to 9,600 BCE. Spend some time strolling through the park’s trails, before venturing into one of the museums for a fascinating insight into the past.

Then we rocket over to space-inspired attractions in Florida, Louisiana and Texas for a glimpse at the next rocket launch or lunar landing exhibit.

Head into space on our One Small Step road trip

6. Daytona to Charlotte: Nascar Homelands

1200 miles, 10 days, 10 stops

Buckle up and settle in for a road trip that will get your blood racing, as you hear the roar of crowds at various Speedway tracks across the country.

Starting off in Daytona, where stockcar racing was born, you’ll head over to Atlanta and the Atlanta Motor Speedway – home to one of the fastest races on the NASCAR calendar. You might also recognize the corners from Logan Lucky (2017) and the 1980s film Smoky and the Bandit II. It’s a big hit on this tour, with the noise from the packed stands fighting to be heard over the car engines.

Check out other popular speedways in Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as museums dedicated to your favorite racers. You’ll also get the chance to check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Plan your NASCAR Homelands trip

Georgia is a fascinating state that has so many different moving parts to it, from history and food to racing and hiking trails. It’s a state that casts a spell on you from the moment you enter to the second you leave.

Rent a car in Georgia with Hertz to see this stunning state in comfort and style.