A Mountain Roadtrip, Beekeeping, and Track Rock Gap

Wind through North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee

Oct 09, 2025

Photo courtesy of Blue Sky Cabin’s Facebook page

This week, we’re launching a new format for our weekly email consisting of a headlining feature from our latest issue, amazing photos, and geographically-connected content from other sections to present you with a nicely packaged weekend of backroad beauty, under-the-radar gems, and unique experiences. We’ll close out each email with a captivating image of the featured region.

At the end of this post, please take our poll to let us know what you think of the new format. We’re removing the paywall this week only so all subscribers can check it out. Let’s hit the road!

There and Back Again

From Dahlonega to Copperhill

By the Backroad Portfolio staff

This reoccurring feature takes you to and from two southeastern destinations via winding rural roads lined with charming small towns, captivating landscapes, historic structures and, in this particular journey, holiday events across the mountains of North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. Whether you go before, after, or during the holiday season, it’s a trip worth taking.

Hit the link below for the full feature, which maps out a journey from Dahlonega, Georgia, to Copperhill, Tennessee, that prioritizes scenic backroads, small towns, and festive experiences with Southern Appalachian charm. Pack warm layers, a thermos for hot cider, and a camera for the festive scenery.

TAKE THE JOURNEY

No matter what time of year you venture out, our Evergreen selections are perfect destinations to visit anytime of year.

Dunwoody Nature Center

5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, Georgia

About an hour south of Dahlonega, this 22-acre nonprofit oasis inspires a love of nature through conservation and education. Free and open year-round, Dunwoody Nature Center offers lush forests and scenic trails, as well as a playground for younger visitors. Events include summer camps, adult programs, scout activities, field trips, birthday parties, and nature classes. Dedicated volunteers help maintain the park.

Under-the-radar gem: The center’s beekeeping program provides intimate, educational encounters with honeybees and pollinators. Learn more here.

When relevant, we’ll spotlight a seasonal event, festival, or activity from our monthly Backroad Bulletin taking place in the same area as the other featured content.

woman in blue denim jacket and white shirt — Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

Denim Fest 2025

Saturday, October 18, 2025 • Canton, Georgia

Just 45 miles southwest of Dahlonega, check out Denim Fest on October 18: a free, family-friendly celebration at The Mill on Etowah honoring Canton’s denim heritage. Special denim-themed contests and style showcases highlight the town’s rich textile tradition. You can also enjoy pop-up bars, festival food, live SEC football on the big screen, a nostalgic carnival, local vendors, and an interactive historical walk exploring life at the old mill.

Unique experience: Clock in for a shift at the mill with the interactive “Come to Work with Salty” history walk in honor of past mill workers.

We’ll close each weekly email with a captivating image portraying a location geographically close to the other featured content.

Chattahoochee National Forest

1881 Highway 515, Blue Ridge, Georgia

The Chattahoochee National Forest, spanning 750,000 acres in North Georgia, is less than an hour away from Dahlonega or Copperhill. It offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest’s cascading waterfalls, scenic trails, and rich biodiversity make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Under-the-radar gem: Track Rock Gap is an enigmatic prehistoric site located in the forest’s Blue Ridge Ranger District near Blairsville that features ancient petroglyphs etched into massive boulders. These mysterious carvings of human figures, animals, and geometric patterns dating back as far as 3,000 years were likely created by native tribes like the Cherokee.