Georgia Road Trip with Kids: Peaks, Play, and Petals in Bloom (Day 5)
Region: North Georgia Mountains & Athens
Welcome to Day 5
If you’re reading along with Ethan and Oliver, today’s journey climbed to the highest point in Georgia, raced through mountain forests on a coaster, took a nostalgic detour into Mom’s childhood, and ended with a moonlit hike through a garden alive with night sounds and glowing blooms.
Itinerary Overview
Route: Brasstown Bald → Georgia Mountain Coaster → Babyland General Hospital → State Botanical Garden of Georgia → Skoolie Stay
Total Drive Time: ~3 hours (with scenic mountain roads)
Activity Time: 7–8 hours
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Stop 1: Brasstown Bald – Hiawassee, GA
What to Expect
Georgia’s highest point (4,784 feet) offers 360° views of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The half-mile paved trail to the observation deck is steep but shaded, and the payoff is breathtaking. On clear days, you can see for miles over rolling blue ridgelines.
Educational Tie-In
- Georgia geography and elevation
- How mountain ecosystems differ from lowlands
- Weather and climate at high altitudes
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
From above, small things seem even smaller — but does that make them less important? How does perspective change what we value?
Faith Connection
Matthew 10:29 — “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”
Stop 2: Georgia Mountain Coaster – Helen, GA
What to Expect
This alpine-style coaster weaves through the forest on a twisting steel track. Riders control their own brakes, making each trip unique — from leisurely glides to full-speed thrills. The ride offers scenic mountain views, forest curves, and a whole lot of laughter.
Educational Tie-In
- Physics of motion (gravity, momentum, braking)
- How alpine coasters are engineered for safety and speed
- Tourism in mountain towns
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
Describe a moment when you felt a rush of excitement — what sights, sounds, and feelings made it so memorable?
Faith Connection
Ecclesiastes 3:4 — “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Stop 3: Babyland General Hospital – Cleveland, GA
What to Expect
Part museum, part toy store, Babyland General is the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids. Guests can see “nurseries,” witness “deliveries” from the cabbage patch, and browse vintage displays. It’s a whimsical blend of nostalgia, humor, and collectibles.
Educational Tie-In
- History of toy manufacturing and cultural trends
- How nostalgia connects generations
- Marketing and brand storytelling
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
What’s a toy, book, or game that feels special in your family? Why does it matter to you?
Faith Connection
Proverbs 17:22 — “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
Stop 4: State Botanical Garden of Georgia – Athens, GA
What to Expect
Explore themed gardens, native plant collections, and seasonal blooms — then experience it all under the moon during a guided Full Moon Hike. Red-tinted flashlights reveal nocturnal plants and animals, moonlit flowers, and night folklore. Visitors may spot state symbols like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (state butterfly), Cherokee Rose (state flower), and wild azaleas (state wildflower).
Educational Tie-In
- Georgia state plants and wildlife
- Nocturnal adaptations in nature
- Cultural and historical moon folklore
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
If the moon could tell you one story, what do you think it would be about?
Faith Connection
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
What We Learned Today
From mountaintop views to moonlit trails, today blended fast-paced fun with quiet reflection. We saw how creation can be both loud and still, bold and delicate — and how each moment has its season.
State Symbols We Spotted
- State Butterfly: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (State Botanical Garden)
- State Flower: Cherokee Rose (State Botanical Garden)
- State Wildflower: Wild Azalea (State Botanical Garden)
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Georgia’s On My Mind Road Trip Map
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations — including Roadtrippers. We simply use and enjoy their trip-planning tool and share it as a resource for fellow travelers.
