Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.68 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.68
75 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By Guest (0 McR Points) on May 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

No Image Found
Guest
March 29, 2013
The Suches Loop makes a nice day ride from…
Thumbsup
No Image Found
bkp
August 23, 2013
The Suches Loop is a "rider definable" road, in…
Thumbsup

Written Directions

Start in Dahlonega, GA (not a bed destination itself) and head north out of Dahlonega on Route 60. Stay on 60N (it merges with GA 19) as it splits off to the left towards Suches, GA. Follow it (If you can) up to Suches, GA and hang a right on Route 180 (Wolfpen Gap Road). Stay on that till it dead ends in to US Highway 129/19. At that point take a right on to US 129/19 and follow it south back down into Dahlonega.

Scenery

The route is in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest and drives around the base of Georgia's Blood Mountain. This is an exceptionally beautiful area in the fall as the foliage turns into a picturesque tapestry of red, gold, and green. And you'll have some incredible views up there as you pass through three mountain passes along the way: Neel's Gap, Hester Gap, and Stonepile Gap. If you want to get a feel for the views up there, visit a couple of the web cams from the nearby Brasstown Bald observation points.

Drive Enjoyment

This is the road to ride if you are looking for a challenge, and it should have been the first route submitted for Georgia. Either an oversight or a vain attempt to keep it a secret. GA 19 is great because it is 2 lanes up the mountain, allowing for very easy passing. 180 is much tougher as it is the width of a driveway with countless blind turns and steep elevation changes. The multiple memorials on the side of the roads are a testament to the challenge that lies before you and a strict warning to ride within your abilities, for your safety and for the safety of those you share the road with. Overall this is mountain road traveling at its best!.

Tourism Opportunities

At the intersection of SR60 and 180 are two excellent motorcycle resources. TWO (Two Wheels Only) is a great bike restaurant and motorcycle hostel that serves up a fine burger and friendly service. Across the corner is Dale's, the spot where most of the bikes stop to refuel and the bikers stop to caffeinate. Along the route there are several pullouts to stop and enjoy the view. Also, along the way (where route 180 meets US 129) you will find beautiful Vogel State Park.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

Top Images

Share Your Comments ( 75 )
  Earn McR Points
No Image Found
SamMax
June 12, 2016
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Great route.. need advance level riding skills.
Lot of motorcyclists around.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful
RatDad
October 9, 2020
5 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
A blast. Some incredible switchbacks and hairpins. I rode this the first time 2-up, so I didn't ride it as aggressively as I would have without. The stretch on 19 in Vogel State Park is incredible. A roller coaster. If at all possible try to ride on a weekday for less traffic. Helen, GA is not too far away and a tourist trap resort town, which is also a start/destination for many riders and drivers. A busy holiday weekend or one with a festival there will make the road significantly more crowded.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
happyganni
November 17, 2021
7 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
OMG the curves on 180 are like seriously curves! LOL LOVED IT!!! Only wish 2 wheels had been open but I did it on a Wed.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful