Driving the roads to Helen
We would be coming to Helen, GA from the Greenville/Spartanburg area of SC via I 85. Once we get near Helen, are there a lot of curvy mountainous roads, such as we would find in Gatlinburg? My husband has anxiety driving very curvy roads. The place we are looking at staying is in the Innsbrook Golf area.
Thank you!
Driving to Helen, Georgia from the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina should not be too challenging for most drivers, but there are some mountainous roads to navigate once you get closer to Helen. The journey itself involves a mix of highways and smaller roads, with some areas of more winding, curvy roads as you approach the town. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
1. I-85 to I-985: When you first get onto I-85 South, you'll head towards the northeastern part of Georgia and then take I-985 South towards Gainesville. This part of the drive is mostly interstate highways, which are relatively straight and not too hilly, so it's quite easy. Once you're on I-985, it's still an easy drive, and you won't face many curves or hills at this stage.
2. Transition to Georgia Route 75 (GA-75): Once you approach Gainesville, you'll transition to Highway 75 (GA-75) to continue towards Helen. This is where the drive starts to change, as GA-75 is a smaller highway that takes you into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. As you get closer to Helen, the road does become more winding and curvy, though it is still manageable for most drivers. There are a few sharp turns, but they are generally not as steep or as narrow as you might find in places like Gatlinburg.
- Curves and Elevation: The roads around Helen do wind through the foothills, but they are not as extreme as the roads in the Smoky Mountains or Gatlinburg. Expect some curves, but nothing too sharp or dramatic.
- Road Quality: GA-75 and the surrounding roads are well-maintained, and the drive is scenic but not excessively steep. Most of the roads are two-lane highways with ample shoulder space, and there are plenty of pull-off spots if you need a break.
3. Innsbrook Golf Area: The Innsbrook Golf area is a little further out from downtown Helen, but the roads in this specific area are generally easy to navigate. The neighborhood roads are not too steep or curvy, so you shouldn't encounter significant anxiety-inducing driving once you arrive at your accommodation. The route to Innsbrook Golf area should be calm compared to the more winding parts leading into Helen itself.
Suggestions for a more relaxed drive: If you're concerned about the curvy roads, there are a few things you can do to make the journey easier for your husband:
- Avoiding the Backroads: Take the main highways as much as possible. Stay on I-85 and I-985 as much as you can to avoid some of the more winding routes leading directly into Helen.
- Breaks Along the Way: Plan for stops at scenic overlooks or local parks to take breaks if the curvy roads cause anxiety. It’s always helpful to take a rest when needed.
- Driving During Daylight: Try to drive during daylight hours, as it’s much easier to navigate curvy roads when you can see clearly. Avoid driving at night when curves can be harder to see, especially in hilly areas.
Conclusion: Overall, the drive from Greenville/Spartanburg to Helen is scenic but not excessively difficult. There are some curvy roads as you approach Helen and particularly on GA-75, but they are not as challenging as those found in places like Gatlinburg. If your husband has anxiety with curvy roads, it's a good idea to drive during the day and take breaks as needed. Once you get to the Innsbrook Golf area, the roads should be much easier to navigate. With a little preparation, the drive should be manageable and enjoyable!
