Area: Helen → Sautee Nacoochee → Upper Chattahoochee Corridor → Tray Mountain Ridge
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy–moderate (gravel roads, waterfall walk, mountain ascent)

📍 Start: Hofer’s of Helen Bakery
Task 1 — Bavarian Kickoff
Grab a pretzel or pastry; confirm convoy readiness.

Nearby Backup Breakfast Options
Bigg Daddy’s Tavern — Opens late morning, good for groups.
Cafe International — Easy parking + river seating.
The Troll Tavern — Large portions, right on river.

Jeep-Friendly Supplies Near Start
Dollar General — Snacks, ponchos, water.
Valero Fuel — Easy access for multiple Jeeps.
Betty’s Country Store — Hot sandwiches + Jeep-friendly parking.

📍 Hardman Farm State Historic Site
Task 2 — The Mound & The Valley Shot
Pose Jeep + Nacoochee Mound + valley behind you.

Nearby Souvenir / History Spots
Helen Arts & Heritage Center
Folk Pottery Museum
Hardman Farm Shop (seasonal)

📍 Chattahoochee River Road → FS 44
Task 3 — Mountain River Corridor
Drive the river-side gravel section; find a curve-side pull-off.

Nearby Supplies Before Dirt
BP (north end Helen)
Alpine Spirits & Gifts
Betty’s Country Store

📍 Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
Task 4 — Headwaters & Falls Moment
Walk 0.3 miles to Horsetrough Falls; take an overlook photo.

Stewardship Moment
Collect at least 3 pieces of litter.

📍 Indian Grave Gap Road (FSR 283)
Task 5 — Forest Climb
Begin ascent; look for pull-offs for photos.

Backcountry Notes
Low cell reception
Occasional cyclists/hikers

📍 Tray Mountain Summit Pull-Off
Task 6 — Appalachian Summit Shot
Photo at summit sign; optional AT blaze tag.

➡ RETURN: Via FS 178 or reverse-route back to Helen.

📍 Downtown Helen
Task 7 — Alpine Storefront Shot
Show Jeep + Bavarian buildings + bridge railing.

Post-Trail Food
Bigg Daddy’s Tavern
Cowboys & Angels
Mully’s Nacoochee Grill
Hofbrauhaus

Cool-Down Ideas
Coaster run
River-walk
German pretzel stop

Bonus Micro Options
A) Historic Hunt
Three-item photo challenge
B) Alpine “Best Photo” winner

“Bavarian Peaks & River Trails Run” — Turn-by-Turn Navigation
ROUTE PLAN: Helen → Hardman Farm → FS 44 → Upper Chattahoochee → FS 283 → FS 333 → Helen Return

Address: 8758 N Main St, Helen

1. Exit lot turning RIGHT onto N Main St / Hwy 75. 
2. Continue approx. 0.8 mile. 
3. Turn LEFT into Hardman Farm State Historic Site. 

1. Exit turning RIGHT to head north toward Helen. 
2. Drive all the way through town until you to light at GA-75 Alt. 
3. Turn left
4. Take an immediate right onto Poplar Stump Road 

Road transitions from pavement to gravel after a mile or so.

1. Continue approx. 7–8 miles. 
2. Look for campground entrance on LEFT. 
3. Turn LEFT into Upper Chattahoochee Campground parking lot. 

1. Exit back onto FS-44. 
2. Turn LEFT uphill.
3. After approx. 1.1 miles, turn RIGHT onto FS 283. 

1. Continue approx. 3 miles, ascending steadily. 
2. At ridge junction, turn LEFT onto FS 839 (Grapevine Road) 
3. Continue approx. 1.5 miles to parking turnout. 

Option A — Direct Backtrack
• Reverse route: FS 839 → FS 283 → FS 44 → GA-75 Alt → Helen

Option B — Martin Branch Descent

1. Return back to FS283.
2. Reverse course to FS 178 (Martin Branch Road). 
3. Descend approx. 4–5 miles until pavement begins. 
4. Meet GA-75 Alt, turn RIGHT to return into Helen. 

Option C -- Corbin Creek Road exit (approximately 10 miles)

1. Return back to FS283 and then FS79 (Georgia Traverse)
2. Continue on FS79 to FS698 (Corbin Creek Road)
3. Follow it until you exit on Unicoi Turnpike

What to expect: Chattahoochee River Road is very smooth in the beginning. It becomes a bit rougher along the way and there can be some small mud puddles and rocky areas, but nothing serious and nothing that requires 4WD. The route to Tray Mountain summit is quite a bit bumpier and there are some very small ruts, but still nothing that requires 4WD. Regular passenger cars were spotted near the summit of Tray Mountain. Corbin Creek Road is bumpier still, but still considered easy.