Six Gap Loop

Six mountain gaps in one day, from Turners Corner: Neels Gap on US-129, Jacks Gap and Unicoi Gap on GA-180 and GA-75, then Hogpen Gap on the Russell Scenic Highway, Wolfpen Gap on GA-180 and Woody Gap on GA-60. It's 80 miles, at the top of what a day ride should be, and it rides GA-180 between GA-348 and US-129 in both directions. Fuel is scarce: fill up in Dahlonega or Suches. GA-348 is steep, Helen's Oktoberfest runs until November 1, 2026, and the gaps have no services.

The Six Gap puts the two classic loops of the north Georgia mountains together. From Turners Corner the route climbs US-129 to Neels Gap, where the Appalachian Trail passes through the stone arch of the old CCC building, turns east on GA-180 past Jacks Gap and drops on GA-75 from Unicoi Gap toward Robertstown, about a mile from the center of Helen. Then it takes the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA-348) over Hogpen Gap and Tesnatee Gap, the steepest climb of the day.

Back at GA-180 the route turns west and rides the stretch between GA-348 and US-129 for the second time, now in the opposite direction, to Wolfpen Gap, then drops to Suches and closes the circle over Woody Gap on GA-60 and back to Turners Corner. It's 80 miles, a full day with the stops. Fuel is scarce: fill up in Dahlonega, Helen or Suches. Helen's Oktoberfest ran every night until November 1, 2026, and GA-348 usually closes after snow.