Southeast USA Road Trip Itinerary

4 days. 11+ waterfalls. 3 State Parks. 4 states. EPIC Southeast USA Road Trip.

As a full-time 9-5er, I am left with limited vacation time and often forced into “fast” travel. With the time off I do have, I like to see as many possible attractions, hikes, states, etc.

Sometimes I long for the slow travel type of life, but then I remember that I love my couch….and I am a major homebody that thrives with routine and consistency. Sooo, this brings me back to this months’ road trip…a six-day SouthEast Waterfall Road trip.

In just four days (two days were reserved for driving to and from Dallas, TX), we saw 11+ waterfalls, visited 3 different state parks, toured the Jack Daniels Distillery, and explored 4 different states!

PS: It was (almost) a completely dog-friendly road trip!

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Table of Contents

Overview of Southeast Waterfall Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Dallas—>Memphis
Day 2: Drive from Memphis—>Jack Daniels Distillery—>Downtown Chattanooga
Day 3: Fall Creek Falls State Park—> South Cumberland State Park—>Rock City Gardens
Day 4: B.J’s Apple Orchard—>Amicolola State Park—>Anna Ruby Falls —>Helen, GA
Day 5: Pickens Nose hike—>Dry Falls—> Whitewater Falls—>Spoonauger Falls—> Issaqueena Falls/Tunnel—>Helen, GA
Day 6: Drive from Helen, GA—> Dallas TX

Sooo in short, it was a BUSY trip, but we were able to see amazing waterfalls, beautiful fall colors, and check four more states off our bucket list!

Keep reading for further details and help planning your Southeast USA Road Trip

Where else could I start my trip from?

As you can see from the quick itinerary above, we began this trip in Dallas (due to bringing our pup along) and it added 25+ hours of driving. If you are doing this road trip without a dog, I suggest flying into a nearby airport.

Memphis Aiport (Distance from stop 1): 4 hr 22 min ( Here are some things to do in Memphis to start your Southeast USA road trip off right!)
Nashville (Distance from stop 1): 1 hr 22 min
Chattanooga (Distance from stop 1): 1 hr 48 min
Atlanta (Distance from stop 1): 4 hr 2 min

When should I plan my Southeast USA Road Trip?

Chattanooga, TN Weather:

Winter (Dec-Feb): 52/36
Spring (March-May): 72/53
Summer (June-Aug): 86/71
Fall (Sept-Nov): 72/56

Helen, Ga Weather:

Winter (Dec-Feb): 52/36
Spring (March-May): 72/62
Summer (June-Aug): 87/72
Fall (Sept-Nov): 72/49

Average temperatures taken from: NOAA

Fall Colors?

We visited the third week of October and we were met with BEAUTIFUL fall colors. Peak is typically between the last two weeks of October and first week of November in Chattanooga and Helen. This of course varies each year due to the weather.

Southeast USA Road Trip DETAILED Itinerary.

Before you start your planning, be sure to grab this FREE (15 pages!!) TRAVEL PLANNER!

Okaaay, on to the good stuff.

Day 1, stop 1: Jack Daniels Distillery

Jack Daniels Distillery Quick Facts:

Hours: 9am-4:30pm
Physical Address: 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352
Price: 20-100 dollars
Reservation? Recommended
Dog-Friendly? Although the tour itself is not dog-friendly, your dog can walk the path to downtown historic Lynchburg and join you for lunch.

Personal Experience: We did not make reservations due to a loose itinerary. We arrived and they let us know that they just had a cancellation so we were able to join a tasting tour. There are four different tours to choose from: two different tasting tours, one dry tour, and one tour with tasting and lunch included.

We went on the Angels Tour, which gave us a tour around the distillery, a history of Jack Daniels, and a taste of 5 different types of whiskey.

While we waiting for our tour to start, we walked the path (right outside the distillery) to downtown Historic Lynchburg. Here, you can find gift shops and cute dog-friendly restaurants.

Fun fact: Lynchburg is a dry county! Funny with a HUGE distillery centering the town.

Read more about the Jack Daniels Distillery (COMING SOON).

Day 1, Stop 2: Downtown Chattanooga

Distance from stop 1: 1 hour 39 minutes

We arrived in downtown Chattanooga just in time for sunset. We watched the sunset while walking across the Walnut Street bridge (dog-friendly) and then ended our time with a pet-friendly patio.

Tip: The Jack Daniels Distillery is in the Central time zone and Chattanooga is in the Eastern time zone so make sure to plan accordingly.

Check out this post for a full list of dog-friendly things to do and places to eat in Chattanooga

Where we stayed Night 1 (and 2):

We stayed in this charming B&B. You will have your own private bedroom, but share a bathroom with one other room (if they are full). The hosts provided a DELICIOUS home-made breakfast each morning and additional snacks. The best part was a completely dog-friendly stay near Chattanooga.

Other pet-friendly hotels/stays near Chattanooga:

Day 2: Southeast USA Roadtrip

Day 2, Stop 1: Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls State Park Overlook — Fall Creek Falls Overlook

Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 1 hr 30 minutes

Fall Creek Falls State Park is AMAZING. Directly from the parking lot, you are met with the overlook of the falls. So if hiking is not your thing, you still can see this magnificent waterfall. If feeling adventurous, be sure to hike down to the base of the waterfall. It is a short, but extremely rocky trip down.

After viewing Fall Creek Falls, get back in your car and head to Piney Falls parking. This will lead you to an extremely short hike (and less popular) to a beautiful overlook.

Dog at Piney Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park with fall colors — Piney Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park Quick Facts:

Physical Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585
Cost: Free
Hours: Day use areas close at sunset (gates leading to the falls are locked).
Camping: 200+ campsites, Reserve your site HERE.
Hiking: 56 miles of trails
Other Things to do: Canopy Challenge, Nature Center, golf course, and 4 different playgrounds.

Make sure to grab your FREE travel planner to help you keep this trip organized and personalized!

Day 2, Stop 2: South Cumberland State Park

Distance from stop 1: 1 hr 27 minutes

Waterfall at S. Cumberland State Park. Foster Falls.

At only 55 miles from Fall Creek Falls, you will be met with the equally beautiful South Cumberland State Park. Throughout this park, you will find waterfalls and 90 miles of hiking trails.

While here, we hiked to Foster Falls (.3 miles) and the Denny Cove Trail (2.8 miles).

Foster Falls was a popular, short hike to the beautiful watefall (pictured above) and swinging bridge. Denny Cove was much less popular, but equally as amazing. We did not see another person the entire hike, which led us to our own private waterfall.

South Cumberland Falls Quick Facts:

Physical Address: 498 Foster Falls Road Tracy Highway 41 Sequatchie, TN 37374
Cost: Free
Hours: Day use areas close at sunset
Camping: 26 rustic campsites + backcountry sites. Book HERE.
Hikes: 90 + miles of trails
Other things to do: Caving, rock climbing, and swimming.

You may also like:: 23+ Magical Waterfalls in Tennessee

Day 2, Stop 3: Look Out Winery

Distance from S. Cumberland State Park: 24 minutes

A dog-friendly winery?! With a view?! Sign me up.

After being seated on the patio, the server gave us a wine tasting menu. We are able to each pick 6 different wines to taste for only 15 dollars.

They also serve delicious pizza for a great after hike snack!

Love Wineries? You will LOVE Fredericksburg (Texas Wine Country)!

Day 2, Stop 4: Rock City Gardens

Distance from stop 3: 29 minutes

Lover's Leap Waterfall at Rock City Gardens

As I looked up “dog-friendly things to do in Chattanooga” Rock City continued to pop up in my searches. I am typically pretty hesitant about the “main” tourist attractions and places that cost money. (See Turner Falls post for my typical experience).

Butttt, Rock City turned out to be a great stop! You can see 7 states from the overlook, a huge waterfall, Fairyland Caverns, and squeeze through tight rock spaces andddd IT IS ALL DOG-FRIENDLY!

You have to make reservations beforehand to reserve a time slot. We choose 5:45 p,m (last available slot) and it was perfect for small crowds and watching the sun set.

Rock City Gardens Quick Facts:

Physical Address: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Cost: 25 dollars pp/ 14 per child
Hours: 8:30- 6:00 pm
Reservation? Buy your timed ticket entry online
Dog-friendly? Yes!

Read all the details about Rock City Gardens HERE or check out this detailed 3-day itinerary for Chattanooga!

Day 3, Stop 1: BJ Reece Orchard

Distance from Chattanooga: 1 hour 32 minutes

On our way from Chattanooga to Helen, we decided to make a pit stop in Georgia’s Apple Capital, Ellijay. BJ Reece Orchard was completely dog-friendly and very affordable.

Upon arriving, you will see the market on one side of the street, and the orchard on the other. We were directed to the other side as we were visiting toward teh end of the season.

We walked to the back of the orchard, and we were met with plenty of delicious apples to choose from.

If visiting earlier in the season, you will have more choices.

Keep Reading:: One Weekend in Gatlinburg, TN

Day 3, Stop 2: Amicalola State Park

Distance from stop 1: 16 minutes

Amicalola State Park is home to Georgia’s tallest waterfall. After arriving, we parked at East Ridge Trailhead’s parking lot. From the parking lot, there is the East Ridge Trailhead, consession stand, and waterfall overlook (a short stroll away).

We decided to take the East Ridge Trail (2.1 miles) to reach the bottom of the waterfall, then take the 600+ stairs back up. The first part of the trail was through the forest, then you will come out at the Visitor Center. From there, continue on the trail until you reach the stairs up to the waterfall.

The stairs will then take you to the top of the waterfall, right near your parking space! It was the PERFECT loop trail!

Insider tip: The stairs are metal grated stairs and can be tough on your dogs paws. Be sure to bring a pair of doggy boots with!

Amicalola State Park Quick Facts:

Physical Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Road Dawsonville, GA 30534
Cost: 5 dollars
Camping: 24 sites. Book HERE.
Dog-friendly? Yes!

Day 3, Stop 3: Anna Ruby Falls

Distance from stop 2: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Anna Ruby Falls is an amazing (and super accessible) waterfall for everyone to enjoy! It is located at the end of a .4 mile paved path. Once reaching the end, there is a viewing platform with benches to marvel at the beauty.

Tip: Anna Ruby Falls is one of Georgia’s most popular tourist attraction, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. There is a 3 dollar fee to enter. We visited one hour prior to closing and we were met with small crowds and a peaceful setting!

Anna Ruby Falls Quick Facts:

Physical Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545
Cost: 3 dollars pp
Hours: 9am-6pm (no one allowed to enter after 5)
Dog-friendly? Yes!

Day 3, Stop 4: Helen, GA

Distance from stop 3: 14 minutes

Helen is the CUTEST Alpine village, it was actually the inspiration for this whole trip. The entire town only has a population of just over 400, yet it is the 3rd most visited town in all of Georgia.

In the heart of the Blue Mountains, Helen has quaint shops, Alpine Mini-golf, restaurants with a view, river tubing, carriage rides, and so much more!

Helen, GA FAQ’s:

Where can I park? Parking was available right downtown for 5 dollars (unlimited time).

Can I bring my dog? Yes! You and your pup can stroll the streets, grab a bite to eat, and even enter in some of the stores (they will have a “dog-friendly sign).

Is it expensive? Food was a bit more expensive than normal, but nothing too excessive (Think 10+ dollars for a large Pretzel and cheese and 15+ dollars for Bratwurst plate).

Where can I eat? There are several great dog-friendly choices. Some even have great views overlooking the river.

Check out this post to read more about the dog-friendly attractions in Helen, GA—Coming soon!

Where we stayed day 3 (and 4):

A cozy cabin located 20 minutes outside of Helen. No tv. No wifi. The perfect place to relax and recharge.

Other dog-friendly stays/hotels near Helen, GA:

Day 4, Stop 1: Pickens Nose Trailhead

Distance from Airbnb (above): 1 hr 9 minutes

Although this did not lead to a waterfall, this may be my new FAVORITE HIKE. I mean look at those VIEWS!

Pickens Nose Trail is a short 1.4 mile hike. Little effort. HUGE reward.

The kicker is the drive to the trailhead. The last five miles of the road will take you at least 30 minutes. It is a single laned dirt road with many hairpin turns.

You can take the Standing Indian Campground route for a bit of an easier (and safer) drive. It is longer (and still a dirt road), but worth it. We opted to this way on the way out.

Follow me on Instagram to see more adventures and tips!

Day 4, Stop 2: Dry Falls

Distance from stop 1: 1 hour, 4 min

Dry Falls is another roadside attraction that is accessible to all! Located in the Nantahala National Forest, this 65-foot waterfall is unique as you are able to walk behind it!

Dry Falls Quick Facts:

Cost: 3 dollars per vehicle (exact cash)
Hours: dawn to dusk
Dog-friendly? Yes!

Day 4, Stop 3: White Water Falls

Distance from Stop 2: 43 minutes

Whitewater falls on Southeast USA road trip

Competing for the largest waterfall east of the Rockies, Whitwater falls will leave you speechless. Another easy .5 mile “hike” will lead you to the first overlook. From here, you can take the stairs down to get a little closer look.

Whitewater Falls Quick Facts:

Cost?: 3 dollars per vehicle (cash)
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Dog-Friendly? Yes!

Day 4, Stop 4: Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel

Distance from stop 3: 32 minutes

Perhaps the most unique stop of this road trip was Stumphouse Tunnel. The tunnel is an incomplete railroad for the Blue Ridge Tunnel. After parking, you have a short trek up the hill to the entry of the tunnel. You can then walk through the tunnel (it’s pitch black and a bit creepy), to the end.

The tunnel ended with a chained up door. I was definitely envisioning a scene directly out of a scary movie the entire time.

After walking the Stumphouse tunnel, we drove to the Issaqueena falls parking lot and walked down to the overlook (.3 miles).

Stumphouse Park Quick Facts:

Physical Address: Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691
Cost: 5 dollars per car
Dog-friendly? Yes!

What should I pack for this Southeast USA road trip?

Hiking pack: This one is my go-to for EVERY HIKE. It is comfortable and VERY affordable.
Keens (Hiking shoes). Due to the short nature of all the hikes (and the waterfalls and creek crossings), my keen sandals were perfect.
Doggy Boots– The hikes were all extremely rocky and the stairs were grated. Protect your pup!
Layers—it was chilly in the morning, but hot in the afternoons.
Hiking snacks of course!