Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Atlanta, Georgia to Huntsville, Alabama

Have you ever embarked on a road trip from a bustling city to a serene countryside and found yourself mesmerized by the beauty of nature? If you ever plan a route that includes the 2-hour drive from Atlanta, GA, to Huntsville, AL, then keep reading. This road trip will take you through small towns, past stunning landscapes and offer an opportunity to visit unexpected places. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes without any stops, but we recommend that you embark upon an adventure and make unplanned visits to stunning places dotted along the way.

Along the way, you should take note that the halfway point is the charming town of Summerville, GA. However, the stops themselves deserve to get acknowledgment too. Below are the five hidden gems that make this drive more than just a means to get somewhere.

1. The Rock Garden - Calhoun, GA

Driving along Highway 53, you'll find The Rock Garden right before you get to Interstate-75. The Rock Garden is a unique outdoor venue that features around 50 sculptures made of natural material, such as rocks and concrete in a 3000 square foot area. Visitors may take a relaxing stroll through the sculpture garden and admire the intricate stone carvings. This pitstop is perfect for travelers who want to stretch their legs while experiencing a serene space that they may not have considered stopping at before. After roaming around The Rock Garden, grab a slice of pizza at the next-door spot Johnny's, a Calhoun staple for over 40 years.

2. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - Roswell, GA

If you're searching for a scenic and peaceful place to take a break, take a detour off the highway to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. This wilderness paradise offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature without having to leave the urban area. The 48-mile-long river flows from Northeast Georgia to Atlanta before continuing on to form the Florida-Alabama border. Visitors may hike, have a picnic, stroll along the banks of the river or even go kayaking. Before leaving, grab a sandwich to-go lunch from the charming Roswell Provisions, situated off the highway in Roswell.

3. Serenberry Vineyards - Morganton, GA

If you enjoy wine and want to stop somewhere quiet and peaceful, make a stop at Serenberry Vineyards in Morganton. This Appalachian town vineyard has been family-owned and humbly operated by the Garretts since 2010. Sitting atop a hill, Serenberry Vineyards boasts stunning views of the North Georgia Mountains as visitors take a sip of the vineyard’s Bluebelle, a refreshing white wine with a sweetness that showcases a crisp apple flavor. Serenberry Vineyards, which operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, also serves food on some days out of their kitchen with ingredients used from local sources.

4. DeSoto State Park - Fort Payne, AL

If scenic views, hiking, and camping excite you, then a visit to DeSoto State Park is a must. Located at Fort Payne in Alabama, DeSoto State Park offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor experiences. The park boasts beautiful waterfalls, serene woods, and winding roads that offer several opportunities for a peaceful picnic. Visitors can also hike around the Azalea Cascades trail or camp overnight in one of their secluded cabins. Before leaving, grab a delicious to-go BBQ sandwich at Rockin' Low C&G- a small and unassuming spot situated off the highway in Fort Payne.

5. Lake Guntersville State Park - Guntersville, AL

A scenic 30-minute drive from DeSoto State Park, you can find yourself at Lake Guntersville State Park. This Alabama gem is perfect for travelers who are looking for an incredible spot to go fishing, hiking, rock climbing, or maybe even take a dip in the sparkling lake. If the outdoor adventure isn’t your thing, take a tour of the state park's camping grounds, which offers beautiful and unique accommodations like rustic mountain chalets, cozy cabins, and traditional camping spots. If you’re hungry after a day of activities, swing by Top of the River in Guntersville and indulge in their crispy catfish.

In conclusion,

Although this route seems like there are no exciting stops along the way, it’s quite the contrary. The drive from Atlanta, GA, to Huntsville, AL, is full of breathtaking views of natural beauty and small towns that share their charm with visitors. Have fun, explore, and make this road trip count by visiting the unexpected places, like The Rock Garden in Calhoun, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Roswell, Serenberry Vineyards in Morganton, DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, and Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville- along the way.