Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway | |
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Route information | |
Length: | 40.6 mi[2] (65.3 km) |
Existed: | June 8, 1998[1] – present |
Major junctions | |
From: | SR 17 / SR 75 northwest of Helen |
SR 348 | |
To: | SR 17 / SR 75 northwest of Helen |
Highway system | |
The Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in the U.S. state of Georgia that includes State Route 180 (SR 180), SR 348 (Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway) and parts of SR 17 and SR 75 Alternate.
Contents |
Surrounded by the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the byway winds through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachians. From the vistas atop Brasstown Bald to the cooling mists of waterfalls, scenic wonders fill this region.[2] The byway forms a loop starting northwest of Helen, at the junction of SR 75 and the Unicoi Turnpike. From there, it follows SR 17/SR 75 north to a junction with SR 180 in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The byway turns west on SR 180 with an option detour to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center on SR 180 Spur. It follows SR 180 southwesterly to SR 348 (Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway) and then south back to SR 75 before turning north, back to the Unicoi Turnpike.
The Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway was designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway on June 5, 1989. It was later named a Georgia State Scenic Byway in 1992 and a National Scenic Byway on June 15, 2000.[1]