Photo: Thomson200, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Experience the varied terrain of northwest Georgia on the Ridge & Valley Scenic Byway, a 51-mile loop of mountain overlooks and fertile farmland north of Rome.
The byway follows U.S. 27, State Routes 156 and 136, and rural county roads along the Armuchee Ridges. Stop for hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing and hunting at the Keown Falls Scenic Area, The Pocket, and the Johns Mountain Overlook and Wildlife Management Area. The surrounding countryside holds the histories of the Cherokee Nation, Civil War battles, and early settlers whose 1800s farmhouses still stand.
- Length51-mile loop
- RoadsU.S. 27, SR 156, SR 136 and county roads
- HighlightsKeown Falls, The Pocket, Johns Mountain Overlook
- NearRome, Calhoun and LaFayette
Stops Along the Byway
Keown Falls Scenic Area
A loop trail leads to Keown Falls, which ranges from a trickle to a spectacular waterfall depending on rainfall, with a picnic area in the hardwoods below.
Johns Mountain Overlook
One of the best views of the ridge-and-valley country, looking out over farms and wooded ridges. The surrounding Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area is open for hunting and hiking.
The Pocket
A Chattahoochee National Forest recreation area ringed by the horseshoe ridges of Horn and Mill mountains, with a campground, picnic shelter, and interpretive and loop trails along little Spring Branch.
Roads Included in the Byway
- US 27 from SR 156 northwest to CR 329 (Gore-Subligna Rd. and Thomas Ballenger Rd.)
- CR 329 from US 27 northeast to the Walker County line
- CR 705 (Armuchee Rd.) from the Walker County line north to SR 136
- SR 136 from CR 705 east to CR 723
- CR 723 from SR 136 south to CR 714 (Pocket Rd.)
- CR 714 from CR 723 south to the Floyd County line
- CR 641 (Johns Creek Rd.) from the Floyd County line south to CR 213 (Lovers Lane)
- CR 213 from CR 641 south to CR 635 (Floyd Springs Rd.)
- CR 635 from CR 213 south to SR 156
- SR 156 from CR 635 southeast to US 27
Directions
There are two ways to reach the Ridge & Valley Scenic Byway:
From I-75 Exit 306
Head west on SR 140, then north on US 27. The byway begins at SR 156.
From I-75 Exit 320
Head west on SR 136. The byway begins at CR 723.
Photos
Keown FallsKeown Falls Scenic Area
Johns MountainSeen across the valley farmland
Johns Mountain OverlookRidge-and-valley views
Keown Falls Picnic AreaTables in the woods
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: ChattOconeeNF, CC BY 2.0; Thomson200, public domain; Thomson200, public domain; ChattOconeeNF, CC BY 2.0.