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Highway 197: Clarkesville to Lake Burton, Northeast Georgia Mountains, Georgia
Photo: pseabolt · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives Georgia North Georgia and the Upstate

Highway 197: Clarkesville to Lake Burton

GA 197 · Clarkesville → US 76

Twisty24 mi40 min2,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Georgia 197 runs north from Clarkesville through Habersham County into Rabun County and the Chattahoochee National Forest. This drive covers 24 miles of it, ending at US 76 west of Clayton, and takes about 40 minutes. The curves are mostly moderate with twistier stretches around miles 4 to 6 and 19 to 24.

North of Clarkesville the road crosses the Soque River and goes through Batesville, then climbs into higher mountains after entering Rabun County. Along the way are Moccasin Creek State Park, the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and Lake Burton. Near the northern end, where it meets US 76, the road becomes very twisty.

Mark of the Potter, at 9982 Highway 197 North, shows handmade ceramics by local and regional artists, and its website lists summer hours of 10 to 6 every day.

Along the way

  1. Clarkesville
  2. Mark of the Potter
  3. Lake Burton
  4. US 76 (west of Clayton)
Elevation
2,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,200 ft
ClarkesvilleUS 76
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
ClarkesvilleUS 76
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The last stretch before US 76, around miles 19 to 24, is the twistiest.
  • Mark of the Potter lists summer hours of 10 to 6 daily; call 706-947-3440 to check other seasons.
  • Check 511GA for closures before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check 511GA: Georgia road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Georgia 197 from Clarkesville to Lake Burton take?

The 24-mile drive to US 76 takes about 40 minutes.

How twisty is Georgia 197?

Moderate in most places, with twistier stretches around miles 4 to 6 and 19 to 24 near US 76.

What is on Georgia 197 between Clarkesville and US 76?

The road passes Batesville, Moccasin Creek State Park, the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and Lake Burton.

Where is Mark of the Potter?

At 9982 Highway 197 North, on Georgia 197 north of Clarkesville.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 197: Clarkesville to Lake Burton, from Clarkesville to US 76