The Gauntlet: A 133-Mile Adventure Near Blairsville Georgia and Misty Mountain Inn and Cottages!
- Bill Walsh
- Jun 25, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Calling all adventure-seeking riders and motorcycle enthusiasts! If you're looking for an exhilarating journey through picturesque landscapes, adrenaline-pumping twists and turns, and a biker-friendly retreat, then look no further than the Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail in North Georgia just outside Blairsville Georgia and Misty Mountain Inn and Cottages. And before you get lost on the Gauntlet, be sure to look at the other adventures you can make while staying at Misty Mountain!
Start your journey from Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages in Blairsville, GA. Our cabin GA rentals in Blairsville, GA, provide the perfect basecamp for riders heading toward the 133-mile Gauntlet, one of the most thrilling motorcycle routes in the Southeast. This guide will take you step-by-step from Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages along the Gauntlet, with route highlights, safety tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, this route offers exhilarating curves, breathtaking views, and a true taste of the open road.
The Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail: Located in the heart of North Georgia just outside of Blairsville, the Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail is a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts. Spanning over 133 miles, this legendary route winds its way through the stunning Appalachian Mountains, treating riders to breathtaking views, challenging curves, and an immersive experience in nature. The trail is well-known for its twists and turns, making it a favorite among thrill-seekers and those craving an adrenaline rush.
Origins: While the exact origins of the trail's name are somewhat unclear, it's believed to have been coined by local motorcyclists who recognized the challenging nature of the winding roads. The name "The Gauntlet" aptly captures the sense of adventure and the need for skill and caution that riders experience on this route.
Growing Popularity: Over time, word of mouth and online forums spread the fame of The Gauntlet among motorcycle enthusiasts. Its inclusion in publications like Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine further solidified its reputation as a must-ride destination for motorcyclists.
A Motorcycling Mecca: Today, The Gauntlet attracts riders from across the country and beyond. Its combination of challenging curves, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the North Georgia Mountains makes it a popular destination for motorcycle tours and rallies.
Key Characteristics of The Gauntlet:
Challenging Curves: The trail features numerous tight turns, elevation changes, and varying road surfaces, providing a thrilling and technically demanding ride.
Scenic Beauty: Riders are treated to breathtaking views of the North Georgia Mountains, including lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque towns.
Historical Significance: The route passes through areas with rich historical and cultural significance, offering riders a glimpse into the region's past.
Quite a Curvy Road! https://www.124spider.org/
Noteworthy Curves and Must-Visit Stops:
Wolf Pen Gap Road: Kickstart your Gauntlet adventure with the iconic Wolf Pen Gap Road. Renowned for its serpentine curves and elevation changes, this section is sure to get your heart racing. Take in the awe-inspiring mountain vistas as you navigate through the twists and turns.
Suches Loop: As you continue your journey, be sure to explore the scenic Suches Loop. This picturesque stretch of road offers a blend of sweeping curves and tight bends, providing an ideal balance of excitement and natural beauty. Don't forget to pause and soak in the panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Blood Mountain: Prepare yourself for the thrilling ascent up Blood Mountain. With its steep inclines and hairpin turns, this section is not for the faint of heart. But the reward is worth it! Reach the summit and witness the mesmerizing vistas from the highest peak on the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Vogel State Park: Nestled along the Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail, Vogel State Park is an idyllic spot to take a break and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Park your bike and stretch your legs as you explore the park's hiking trails, picnic areas, and the picturesque Trahlyta Lake.
Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA-348). This highway is known for its long sweeping curves and panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Neel Gap. The descent into Neel Gap (Not Neels Gap) features tight corners and steep drops, making it a thrilling ride for motorcyclists.
Rock Pile Road (GA-17/75). This road includes a series of hairpin turns and switchbacks as it winds up and over the mountains, offering an exhilarating experience
🏍️ The 133-Mile Gauntlet Motorcycle Loop
Start and Finish at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages – Blairsville, GA
The 133-Mile Gauntlet is a thrilling motorcycle route that twists and turns through the most scenic, challenging, and exhilarating roads of the North Georgia Mountains. Starting and ending at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages in Blairsville, GA, this iconic ride delivers sharp switchbacks, sweeping mountain views, peaceful valleys, and charming towns — all within a day’s loop.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider chasing technical curves or a weekend explorer looking to soak in Appalachian beauty, the Gauntlet promises an unforgettable ride.
🛣️ Overview of the Gauntlet Route
Your journey begins at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages, nestled in the Trackrock area just south of downtown Blairsville. From here, you'll ride north toward Murphy, NC, a mellow warm-up stretch with beautiful scenery and rolling turns. After crossing into North Carolina, the road bends south again, diving back into Georgia’s mountains for the heart of the ride.
From Murphy, the loop brings you:
Over Neel Gap, one of the highest drivable passes in Georgia
Across the famed Wolf Pen Gap Road (SR-180) — with over 300 curves in 11 miles, it’s a rite of passage for serious riders
Through Suches, a motorcyclist’s haven known as "The Valley Above the Clouds"
Toward Helen, Georgia’s alpine village, where you can grab lunch, refuel, and enjoy a scenic break
Back north through SR-75 and US-129, hugging mountain contours and offering some of the best ridge-top riding in the state
🌄 Highlights Along the Route - Check out this interactive map.
US-129 & US-19 – Wide open curves and long mountain stretches near Neel’s Gap and Vogel State Park
SR-180 (Wolf Pen Gap Road) – One of the most technical rides in the Southeast, full of tight hairpins and jaw-dropping elevation shifts
Suches, GA – A popular rider meet-up point with mountain charm
Brasstown Bald (Optional Spur) – The highest point in Georgia, with an observation tower and panoramic views (great for a photo op)
SR-17/75 to Helen – Fast, sweeping curves with plenty of scenic pull-offs
Helen, GA – A Bavarian-style village with shops, dining, and riverfront charm
Chattahoochee National Forest – A constant backdrop of forested beauty throughout the entire ride
🏁 Why Start at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages?
As your starting and ending point, Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages gives you the best of both worlds:
Quiet, scenic lodging just minutes from the route
Comfortable cabins and bed & breakfast suites
A relaxing atmosphere to rest before or after your ride
Easy access to fuel, food, and town — but tucked away from traffic and noise
Many riders find Misty Mountain to be the perfect place to arrive the night before, plan their ride over coffee on the porch, and return in time for a sunset and firepit.
🧭 Planning Tips for Riding the Gauntlet
Download your route in advance — GPS can be spotty in the mountains
Top off your gas before leaving Murphy or Helen — stations can be few and far between
Many Suggest Riding clockwise or counterclockwise — both directions are scenic, but clockwise (Murphy → Suches → Helen) gives you more intense curves later in the day
Be alert for wildlife, gravel, and tight blind turns, especially on SR-180 and Wolf Pen Gap.
The Gauntlet is more than just a loop — it’s a full-sensory experience through some of the South’s finest riding country. With Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages as your basecamp, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the ride at your pace and return to a peaceful mountain retreat when it’s done.
Get Ready!
Riding the 133-mile Gauntlet from Blairsville, GA, is an unforgettable experience, offering everything from gentle mountain roads to thrilling curves. Whether you're planning a motorcycle weekend getaway in Blairsville, GA, or a longer road trip, Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages provides the perfect basecamp for your adventure.
Be prepared for the elevation changes. The Gauntlet starts at an elevation of around 1,500 feet and climbs to over 4,000 feet.
Take your time and enjoy the scenery. The views from the top of the mountains are simply breathtaking.
Be aware of your surroundings. The roads on the Gauntlet are narrow and winding, so it's important to be aware of other vehicles.
Embarking on the Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail in North Georgia is an adventure of a lifetime for bikers seeking thrills and natural beauty. With its challenging curves and awe-inspiring vistas, this legendary route promises an unforgettable ride. After a day filled with the adrenaline of sharp turns and the joy of exploration, riders will find that the Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail offers ample opportunities to unwind and recharge. Nestled conveniently along the route, Misty Mountain Inn and Cottages beckons with its inviting and biker-friendly accommodations. This biker-friendly establishment is nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of North Georgia, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for riders to relax after an exhilarating day on the road. Whether you choose to stay in one of their cozy inn rooms or opt for a private cottage, you'll find the ideal accommodations to unwind and share stories with fellow bikers. Oh, And Places to eat! BBQ lovers, Jim's offers slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and a laid-back atmosphere. Their pulled pork and brisket are highly recommended.
Perfect For: A casual lunch with big flavors. Pet friendly outside dining!
The Sawmill Place
Location: Blairsville, GA
Description: A farm-to-table restaurant known for its hearty Southern breakfasts and farm-fresh ingredients. Try their country ham or biscuits and gravy for a true taste of the region.
Perfect For: A farm-fresh start to your day.
Have you ridden the 133-mile Gauntlet? Share your experience in the comments below! Book your stay at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages for your next motorcycle trip and explore the best riding routes in the Southeast. So if you are looking to be close to some of the best routes in the country, be sure to stay at Misty Mountain Inn and Cottages. Nestled in a picturesque location surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, our establishment serves as the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Whether you are planning a solo retreat, a romantic getaway, or a fun-filled vacation with friends and family, we have a wide selection of cabins and the Inn that can accommodate you or a group of any size comfortably.
So, rev up your engines, embrace the twists and turns, and make memories that will last a lifetime on the Gauntlet Motorcycle Trail. And pack up for your stay at Misty Mountain using our favorite biking bag made by Viking Bag! Loved this post? Here’s where to go next:
🔹 Learn about other rides in North Georgia
Still have questions? Give Sarah or Bill a call at 706-745-4786.