Heard County

A good portion of the ride will meander through Heard County, Georgia and Randolph County in Alabama. Heard County is a roughly 301 square mile Georgia county on the border of Alabama, about an hour southwest of Atlanta. There is scenic beauty throughout the county including West Point Lake and the Chattahoochee River with its various shoals, plus hillside views atop Blackjack Mountain near Ephesus, numerous streams, panoramic views from hilltops and vast granite rock outcroppings, and for our purposes, plenty of pristine gravel roads. 

The City of Franklin, Heard’s county seat, is a quaint and historic Southern town settled in 1770. Located directly on the Chattahoochee River, it boasts several municipal parks and recreational opportunities, including a skatepark, a boat ramp, and Chattahoochee Outdoors, a woman-owned and family-operated camping and kayak rental business.

Franklin is also home to several great restaurants. Cruising along Franklin Parkway, you’ll encounter Cazadores Mexican Cantina & Grill; J&J BBQ; Del Rio Franklin Mexican; Main Street Diner; Max’s Place; The Double Scoop Ice Cream, Pastries & Coffee; Rutledge Café, and more. You’ll also find fast food, drive-thru and delivery options.