Overall Route Rating
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4.68 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.68
75 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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

Rider Reviews

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Guest
March 29, 2013
The Suches Loop makes a nice day ride from…
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bkp
August 23, 2013
The Suches Loop is a "rider definable" road, in…
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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 .
 

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Guest
September 28, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Did this ride today 9/29/2010 and it was a really nice ride, will do the extended loop next time but for a day trip from Atlanta this is the best ride going. the roads are well maintained, the stops are good, the people friendly. Gonna take a camera next trip.
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3 riders found this road review useful
Lanza Romanza
November 3, 2019
6 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I rode this loop on October 29, 2019. This is a triangle circuit with a tail leading south to Dahlonega. I followed the route as described: North out of Dahlonega to the GA60 intersection then counterclockwise (left) to GA180 and then back south on US19 to the starting point. Dahlonega is a decent start point as it's the last place for much of any amenities. And anything can be had there: lodging, fuel, food, services, etc. I had a gorgeous Fall day with party cloudy skies and temps in the mid-70s. Along most of the route, colors were still fairly green but heading east along GA180 the trees were spectacular, probably due to the higher elevation. All of the road on this circuit is in exceptional condition with clean painted lines and smooth asphalt. The trees were still thick with foliage and there are almost no turn-offs to stop so sights were, for the most part, veiled. GA60 is a twisty up-hill two-lane and if you get behind a slug, it can be a bummer. I stopped at Two Wheels Only but they appeared to be shut down for the season. GA180 east from GA60 starts off straight, level and sparse residential. But after a few miles, it gets nice and curvy. No noted gravel as described in previous reports and we had over 4 inches of rain a few days earlier 40 miles southwest (as the crow flies). Also, I didn't perceive the road to be narrow - standard width from what I could tell. Once back to US19, I took the right turn to head back south to Dahlonega. This in fact, is a three lane road with two lanes heading up-hill (going north) and a single lane heading south (down-hill). Southbound has the occasional "Slower traffic turn off" sign every so many miles so if a slug is courteous, they can pull over and let everyone behind pass. And surprisingly, most did! At the intersection of US19 and US129, I stopped at "Riverside Tavern" for lunch. Thumbs up with BBQ ribs on a covered outdoor patio overlooking a nice flow of water. Craft beers too if so inclined. If in the area, this route is definitely worth a go.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
September 6, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode this ride on July 4th, and it was awsome. The trees provided pretty good shade, and the recommended stops were friendly and good food. If your not a experienced going on a holiday is not a good idea, the traffic was very crowded and has some very aggressive drivers. Riding in the fall or if your headed to Helen for Octoberfest its much better views. Overall very fun and a challenge for all riders.
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3 riders found this road review useful