Richard B. Russell Scenic Byway (GA-348 Hogpen Gap)
Crossing the highest paved mountain gap in Georgia at Hogpen Gap (3,480 ft), GA-348 links the alpine tourist town of Helen with Blairsville across the spine of the Blue Ridge. The road climbs at sustained 8-10% grades through deep deciduous forests with sweeping overlooks of Raven Cliff Falls and Dukes Creek. High-speed sweepers transition abruptly into 15 mph hairpin switchbacks with severe elevation drops. Pavement is pristine asphalt with excellent grip, but autumn brings dense wet leaf cover and fog.
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The holy ground of Southeast sport touring, nestled off GA-60 in the Chattahoochee National Forest. An exclusively two-wheeled sanctuary where evening campfires buzz with tire pressure debates, apex line critiques on Wolf Pen Gap, and warm camaraderie among long-haul Gold Wing tourers and dual-sport explorers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is Richard B. Russell Scenic Byway (GA-348 Hogpen Gap)? ▼
Richard B. Russell Scenic Byway (GA-348 Hogpen Gap) spans 14.1 miles and packs approximately 110 curves (7.8 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 1,600 ft - 3,480 ft and technical rating 8.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Helen / Robertstown, GA (Latitude 34.7212, Longitude -83.7746) and finishes at Choestoe / Blairsville, GA (Latitude 34.8021, Longitude -83.8967).
How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼
Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.