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919 South Cobb Drive, 30060 MariettaView map
Marietta lies northwest of Atlanta, on the right side for the mountains. Leaving the suburbs via Interstate 75 or Route 5, you quickly reach the hills of north Georgia, where the Southern Appalachians begin: Dahlonega and its vineyards, Blue Ridge and its cabins, Brasstown Bald and its panoramas. Our partner EagleRider rents motorcycles of five brands there, from Harley-Davidson to Yamaha, depending on the day's stock.
The EagleRider branch is at 919 South Cobb Drive, about 2 km from the centre of Marietta as the crow flies. Atlanta has its own branch, 27 km away: this is the smarter starting point if you are aiming for the northern mountains or Alabama.
Our partners
Where to pick up your vehicle in Marietta?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Marietta
1 Dahlonega, Brasstown Bald and Blue Ridge
- Marietta
- Canton
- Dahlonega
- Neels Gap
- Brasstown Bald
- Blairsville
- Blue Ridge
- Ellijay
- Marietta
Ride up to Canton and Dahlonega, a town born of the 1829 gold rush and surrounded by vineyards. Route 60 then climbs to Neels Gap, at the foot of Blood Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail passes, then to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia: the view reaches four states in clear weather.
Ride down via Blairsville and Blue Ridge, a tourist town beside Lake Blue Ridge, where you stop for lunch. Return via Ellijay, the apple capital, and Jasper. Two days are recommended.
- Distance
- about 420 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Adventure bike, roadster or Harley-Davidson Pan America for the mountain hairpins
2 Talladega via Rome and Cheaha
- Marietta
- Cartersville
- Rome
- Anniston
- Talladega
- Cheaha State Park
- Rome
- Marietta
Head for Alabama, via Cartersville and Rome, the city of seven hills set at the confluence of three rivers. Beyond the border, Anniston opens the road to Talladega and its immense circuit, including the Talladega Superspeedway and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame museum.
If the weather allows, then climb to Cheaha State Park, the highest point in Alabama, before heading back. The route is fairly easy and fast, with long, almost straight lines.
- Distance
- about 420 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Large touring bike to eat up the kilometres two-up
3 Chattanooga, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain
- Marietta
- Cartersville
- Calhoun
- Chickamauga
- Chattanooga
- Lookout Mountain
- Ringgold
- Dalton
- Marietta
To the north, the road runs past Cartersville and Calhoun to Chickamauga, the first national military park in the United States, with its Civil War battlefields. Chattanooga, in Tennessee, stretches along the river of the same name.
Climb Lookout Mountain by its winding roads, to Rock City and its viewpoint over seven states. Return via Ringgold and Dalton. Tennessee also requires helmets for everyone.
- Distance
- about 350 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike or cruiser for an outing mixing freeway and climbs
4 Kennesaw Mountain and Lake Allatoona
- Marietta
- Kennesaw Mountain
- Acworth
- Lake Allatoona
- Cartersville
- Marietta
An outing of half a day to a full day. Start with Kennesaw Mountain, a national park whose trails lead to a viewpoint overlooking Atlanta, then ride along Lake Allatoona, a large reservoir lined with marinas and coves.
Finish at Cartersville, in front of the Etowah Indian Mounds, before taking the road back. A good run-in if you have just picked up the motorcycle, or if the sky looks threatening.
- Distance
- about 130 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster, Indian Scout or Triumph Bonneville for relaxing
Weather and seasons
When to go in Marietta?
Best time
April, May and October
April to May, October
highs 21.8 to 26.1 °C, lows 10.1 to 15.3 °C
In Marietta, 21.8 °C in April, 26.1 °C in May, 22.9 °C in October: a very pleasant climate in the saddle. October is the driest month, with 85 mm of rain, and its autumn colours transform the roads of Blue Ridge and Dahlonega. May is wetter, with 145 mm.
High season
June to September
June to September
highs 28.1 to 31 °C, lows 18.3 to 21.5 °C
Summer is hot, humid and stormy: a high of 31 °C in July, 186 mm of rain and almost 19 rainy days. September calms down, with 10 rainy days. Aim for the cooler altitudes, at Brasstown Bald or Blue Ridge, and set off in the morning before the storms.
Winter
December to March
December to March
highs 10.7 to 17.9 °C, lows 1.2 to 6.9 °C
A cool winter, often grey: a high of 10.7 °C in January, 14.9 °C in February, and from 123 to 146 mm of rain a month. Mornings approach 1 °C, with a risk of black ice on mountain roads. Keep outings for bright days.
Climate in Marietta, month by month
Most pleasant months: October.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11 °C | 1 °C | 127 mm | 7 h/day |
| Feb | 15 °C | 5 °C | 146 mm | 7 h/day |
| Mar | 18 °C | 7 °C | 129 mm | 8 h/day |
| Apr | 22 °C | 10 °C | 110 mm | 10 h/day |
| May | 26 °C | 15 °C | 145 mm | 11 h/day |
| Jun | 30 °C | 19 °C | 127 mm | 11 h/day |
| Jul | 31 °C | 22 °C | 186 mm | 11 h/day |
| Aug | 30 °C | 21 °C | 156 mm | 11 h/day |
| Sep | 28 °C | 18 °C | 128 mm | 10 h/day |
| Oct | 23 °C | 13 °C | 85 mm | 9 h/day |
| Nov | 17 °C | 7 °C | 76 mm | 8 h/day |
| Dec | 13 °C | 4 °C | 123 mm | 6 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmet laws to the north
Helmets are mandatory for everyone in Georgia, as in neighbouring Tennessee. In Alabama, find out before crossing the border: the rules are not the same from one state to another. The simplest is to keep your helmet on everywhere.
Winding mountain roads
Around Neels Gap and Blue Ridge, the bends follow one another, with gravel after storms and dead leaves in autumn. Enter each curve gently, especially when the road surface is in shade.
Foliage weekends
In October, the roads of Dahlonega and Blue Ridge are very busy with motorcyclists and cars. Set off early, favour weekdays and plan a night on site: accommodation fills up in advance.
Cool air at altitude
Brasstown Bald is noticeably cooler than the plain: allow a few degrees less, even more with the wind. Even in high summer, pack a warm layer and a windbreaker in the saddlebags.
Dense urban area
Interstate 75, Route 41 and Route 5 near Marietta are very busy at rush hour. Leave the built-up area before the morning traffic and keep to your lane: filtering between cars is not permitted in Georgia.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Marietta
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Marietta?
At the EagleRider branch at 919 South Cobb Drive, in Marietta, about 2 km from the centre as the crow flies. Your confirmation gives the pick-up time. Atlanta, with its own EagleRider branch, is 27 km away.
Which motorcycle for the roads of north Georgia?
The EagleRider catalogue includes BMW R 1250 GS, Harley-Davidson Pan America, Triumph Tiger 660 and Yamaha Super Ténéré bikes for the bends and varied roads. For long two-up stages, a large touring bike. Depending on the branch's availability.
How long for Blue Ridge and Brasstown Bald?
Two days are a good compromise: an outward leg via Dahlonega, a night in Blue Ridge, then the return via Ellijay. One day is doable non-stop, but it leaves little time for stops.
Can I ride as far as Chattanooga?
Yes, it is a loop of one or two days via Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain. Riding rules change at the Tennessee border, where helmets are also mandatory for everyone.
Can I return the motorcycle somewhere other than Marietta?
This is not systematic: it depends on the rental company and your dates. The search shows the available options, notably to Atlanta or Nashville, where EagleRider is also present.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Marietta
Which licence do I need to ride in Georgia?
A valid motorcycle licence, category A for European holders, and an ID document. Depending on your country, an international permit is sometimes necessary. Age and licence-seniority conditions vary by branch and model.
Is riding two-up possible on mountain roads?
Yes, with a touring bike or an adventure bike fitted with a passenger backrest. The passenger must also wear a helmet in Georgia. Tight bends are taken more gently two-up, keeping a steady rhythm.
What equipment should I bring for the mountains?
A lined or layerable jacket, gloves, a rain suit and a helmet with a clear visor. Between the plain and the summits, the temperature difference is noticeable, and storms arrive quickly in summer.
Where do I store my luggage?
The side cases of a touring bike are enough for two days. On a roadster, a saddle bag or soft saddlebags will do. Leave bulky items at the hotel during the loop.
When should I book my motorcycle?
As soon as your dates are known, especially for October. Foliage weekends draw many motorcyclists. A search with your dates shows the models available in Marietta.
About us
Why set off from Marietta by motorcycle
Marietta places you at the entrance to north Georgia without crossing all of Atlanta. The roads of Dahlonega, Neels Gap and Brasstown Bald, the lakes of Blue Ridge and the valleys of Ellijay are an hour in the saddle away, and Alabama or Tennessee less than two.
The South Cobb Drive branch, close to the main roads, suits day loops as well as longer trips. Spring and autumn remain the best seasons, with superb colours in October on the ridges.
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