If you are eager to travel again but are still a little concerned about the threat of getting sick, road trips offer a great alternative to flying in crowded airports and confined airplanes. Have more control of your surroundings, see the countryside, and hit the road with these scenic trips around Atlanta this summer.
Looking to keep things short? A trip to Lake Lanier is the perfect one hour adventure. Just 49 miles outside of Atlanta, you can enjoy over 90 different parks spread around the 680 miles of shoreline that are home to endless water activities, camping sites, walking and hiking trails, and 23 beaches. The Lake sees around 10 million visitors a year, so get there early and claim your spot if you plan on traveling during the busy summer season.
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If you are looking for a longer adventure, head 3 hours to Cherokee, North Carolina where you can then drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway holds the record for being the longest park in the United States. Its entire 469-mile route starting from Cherokee in the Smoky Mountains to Waynesboro on the edge of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is one of the most scenic drives in the country.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, and the Chattahoochee National Forest form one large nature reserve that will make you feel a million miles away from Atlanta. The drive will take you about 2 to 3 hours outside of the city through these forested national parks as you make your way to your destination. When you arrive, you can challenge yourself with a hike on the Appalachian Trail or head to Fontana Lake for a gentler walk and view of the lake.
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Take a 3 to 4-hour drive through the Nantahala National Forest to Asheville, North Carolina. This remote, mountain city is known for its arts with the River Arts District running along French Broad River and colorful street art dotted around town. Surrounded by forest and mountains, the drive to Asheville is as beautiful as the city itself.
If the beach is calling your name, head 5 hours south to Destin, Florida. This coastal city in the Florida Panhandle is known for its white-sand beaches and blue waters. The drive will take you through Alabama’s Talladega National Forest for a scenic road trip before reaching the coast. Once there, you can enjoy the full entertainment of the city, from water activities to oceanside dining.