Take a day trip to apple orchards near Chattanooga on these scenic backroads

For the second installment in our series based on car enthusiast Eddie Rahm’s Scenic City Backroads website — which features curated routes along the region’s backroads — we’re focusing on the area southwest of Chattanooga, for those who want to combine a scenic drive with a visit to one of the area’s many apple orchards. Put on a flannel and get in the fall spirit with one of these one-day drives from Chattanooga.

Copperhill Loop

Route: Plan to spend a whole day driving this loop, which Rahm describes as “one of the most scenic, interesting and relaxing rides” of all his Scenic City Backroads routes. Beginning at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, it heads toward Cleveland and the Ocoee River, journeying along several state highways and passing through Copperhill before crossing the Tocoa River and into McCaysville, Georgia. From there, you’ll transition to two-lane country roads, passing through Ellijay and its many apple orchards before taking state highways toward Calhoun. The next leg is a relaxing rural drive at the base of John’s Mountain, and the loop then takes you back to Chattanooga through Ringgold.

Good for: Those who want an interesting and relaxing ride that takes most of the day, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy along the way.

Who should skip it: Anyone who’s looking for a shorter drive or prefers to avoid curvy roads.

Length: 193 miles, about 5 hours

Worth a stop: Take a slight detour by continuing on Blue Ridge Drive for an extra mile to reach Mercier Orchards. You can easily spend an hour or two here picking apples or other seasonal fruits, eating at the restaurant and shopping for fried pies and other fall treats.

Where to eat: Stop by Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe in McCaysville for an authentically delicious Cuban sandwich and some delicious rum cake.

Talking Rock Loop

Route: A longer loop blending country roads and state highways in North Georgia, this loop takes drivers to places few visitors see. It begins at the Chickamauga Battlefield, heading south on a series of two-lane roads. Highlights include Old Ringgold and East Armuchee roads, located south of Ringgold parallel to U.S. 41. The route then heads south on U.S. 27 to SR-140, passing Armuchee and Adairsville before heading north toward Fairmount and the relaxing Henderson Mountain Road, where you are unlikely to have much company. (Pro tip: Be sure to stay on Henderson Mountain when you come across any forks in the road.) You’ll then head north past Tate toward Jasper and scenic Talking Rock Road, to Ellijay and across Fort Mountain, then into Chatsworth before heading back to Chattanooga.

Good for: Someone looking for a long drive that includes a mix of country and mountain roads that are perfect for viewing fall colors and stopping by apple orchards.

Who should skip it: People who prefer driving long stretches without having to worry about when to make the next turn, as navigating the country roads on this route involves making quite a few turns.

Length: 212 miles, about 6 hours

Photo op: The Fort Mountain and Cohutta overlooks along SR-52 offer the best views.

Worth a stop: Fort Mountain State Park is a spectacular spot for viewing fall colors, or stop to shop at Panorama Orchards & Farm Market  in Ellijay if you’re looking to pick up some apples, fudge, ice cream or baked goods.

(READ MORE: These four state parks near Chattanooga are perfect for sunny Saturdays)

Where to eat: On a day spent traveling country roads, a nice heaping helping of down-home country cooking seems appropriate. Stop by Edna’s, located in Chatsworth, where you’ll find tasty fried chicken, a selection of homemade pies and sides like fried okra and mashed potatoes.