The Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway in Georgia, is a 54 mile scenic drive that takes you through the natural beauty and history of the rural communities surrounding the cities of Dalton and Chatsworth in northwest Georgia.
Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway Drive Map
Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway Walkthrough
Photo by: Vincent Myers
You can drive the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway either west to east (From Interstate 75 to Praters Mill) or east to west (From Ellijay GA). In this walkthrough, we'll be going west to east, starting at Interstate 75 to Praters Mill.
Interstate 75 to Praters Mill
Your West to East journey on the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway begins at exit 341 on I-75 in Georgia. Exit 341 will take you north on Highway 201, where you will travel east on Highway 2 to Prater's Mill, the official beginning of the trailhead to the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway.
Prater's Mill Historic Site
Prater's Mill is a restored historic Grist Mill and associated buildings that are open to the public, and free. While visiting, you can take the self guided tour of the Mill facilities, walk on the nature trails, and fish in the creek. The facility is dog friendly as well. The restored mill building is beautiful, and if you like taking photos, this is a must stop on your journey.
Travelers may continue across the mountain on Hwy 52 to Ellijay & pick up Hwy 515 south to I-575 south back to Interstate 75.
From Prater's Mill, you can either take the spur up to the Cohutta Fishery, or continue on the main byway by continuing down Highway 2.
Cohutta Fishery Spur
Near Cohutta, is the Cohutta Fishery, which has a public park, picnic area, fishery pools, and a fresh water aquarium. A visit makes for a nice side adventure, and the fishery is run by the University of Georgia.
From Prater's Mill, go east on Highway 2 to a left on Crow Rd, then right on McGaughey Chapel Rd. From McGaughey Chapel Rd, go to Cohutta-Beaverdale Rd and turn right onto Hopewell Rd. Turn right onto Old Dalton-Cleveland Rd to Stancil Rd. Turn left onto Stancil Rd to Wilson Caldwell Rd, then left on Red Clay Rd. The Fishery is just off Red Clay Rd. Please see our route map for details.
To continue on the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway, return the way you came to Prater's Mill, and continue on Highway 2.
Prater's Mill to CCC Camp Rd.
The main drive on the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway is from Prater's Mill to CCC Camp Rd. This ends the official drive, but you can continue on Highway 2 to Highway 52 to Ellijay GA. This extended drive offers some beautiful scenic opportunities.
From Prater's Mill, turn left onto Highway 2 and follow it until you reach Highway 411, where you will turn south at Cisco. Follow Highway 411 to a left turn onto Summerour Rd, shortly followed by a right turn onto Crandall-Ellijay Rd. Crandall-Ellijay Rd will run into Old CCC Camp Road, and you will go left towards the Chatahoochee National Forest.
We recommend driving on Old CCC Camp road, down to the Holly Creek Picnic area, and further if you would like.
Old CCC Camp Rd to Highway 52 to Ellijay GA
To continue on the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway, come back on Old CCC Camp Road, and turn left onto Holly Creek / Cool Springs Rd to Highway 52. You can follow Highway 52 as far as you would like, and all the way to Ellijay GA if desired.