Located in northern Georgia, the Georgian Military Road is widely considered to be one of the best travel guides scenic drives in the whole Caucasus region. And there’s good cause for it. The 208-kilometer-long roadway that links Russia and Georgia is an authentic historical path replete with one-of-a-kind churches and castles, lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks, and secret lakes and springs in the highlands.
There are a quiet more of people who want to see the natural beauty and historical sites along Georgia’s Military Highway. The Military Road is an excellent introduction to Georgia tourism. The Gergeti Trinity Church is the only place from which you can see the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, and it also encourages you to go exploring on your own.
Most visitors rush along the Georgia Military Road from Tbilisi to Kazbegi without stopping to observe any of the sights along the route.
However, there is no need to rush. Recline in your seat and take in the passing surroundings. Stop often to take in the sights, and enjoy the fresh mountain air and scents. The trip to Georgia’s military highway is well worth the time and effort.
This section is where I’d like to give you the lowdown on the many sights and attractions along the Georgian military route. The ideal time to visit, what to pack, and how to organise your itinerary for the most enjoyable road trip possible are all covered in this essay.
Ideally, you would be able to stop anywhere you liked via vehicle, taxi, or tour. Main attractions include the road itself, as well as the lookout points, chapels, and monuments that line it.
For a low fare, you may ride a minibus for three to four hours over winding roads, watching as other tourists (those who drove) descend to the Zhinvali reservoir, climb the walls of the Ananuri castle, snap photographs from the cliffs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Would you describe this as an exciting experience? Yes? Then get a marshrutka from the Didube bus station to Kabegi. Please take the time to study this transportation manual.
Renting a vehicle with a local driver via Gotrip is a great alternative to taking a marshrutka or learning to drive on Georgian roads. When it comes to private tours and airport transfers in Georgia, most people turn to Gotrip. When compared to using a cab, the cost of a private trip via them is almost halved.
However, hiring a vehicle is the most convenient and efficient method to see everything on your itinerary. Traveling with a driver will prevent you from visiting at least half of the locations listed.
Independent driving need travel guidelines for exciting and liberating. There is just one lane in each direction along the mountainous serpentine route. There are a few tight turns as you make your way up to the pass, but overall, it’s not a very challenging drive. In numerous curves, you’ll need to slow down and keep an eye out for eager vehicles who may try to pass you. Aside from that, take it easy.
Still, remember that any vehicle is welcome on the Georgian Military Road between mid-April and October. The months of November through March are the most secure to drive a jeep.
In order to know what to anticipate when you hire a vehicle and drive in Georgia, read my previous article. Check out the rates and selection of rental cars offered by LocalRent in Tbilisi.
When trying to find the Georgian Military Road, you’ll want to go to the Kazbegi Region.
Georgia Military Road spans a distance of 208 kilometres between Vladikavkaz, Russia and Tbilisi, Georgia. To go to Georgia and Armenia from Russia, this is the only land route that doesn’t go via Ukraine.
Due to the paucity of other notable roads at the time, the most renowned road in Georgia was also one of the most famous routes throughout the area of the former Russian Empire.
The Georgian Military Highway may have been in use from ancient times. This route was described in great detail by the Greek geographer Strabo in the 1st century BC. He writes in an article that the way to the mountain summits is so small that two persons cannot walk side by side, making the journey very challenging and perilous.
In 1783, with the signing of the Georgievsky treaty establishing the protectorate of the Russian Empire over Georgia and the establishment of Vladikavkaz as Russia’s primary outpost in the Caucasus, work started on the Georgian Military Highway. Between 1785 and 1799, a road was built in lieu of the previous route, which had taken nearly a month to cover the same distance. Tbilisi was finally accessible by horse.
Fortifications and lookout towers were built in open areas along the route to help conquer the most challenging spots. The Military Road was the primary connection between Russia and the rest of the Transcaucasus for the next two centuries.
As of August 1862, the route was officially open for business. Since then, the highway has gone through many phases: it was bombed and largely destroyed, then rebuilt and reopened to traffic until finally being closed to all traffic except for sightseeing excursions. Russia and Georgia’s border first emerged in 1992, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
This name seems familiar, but I can’t place it. Aleksandrov’s Way was the original name for this path. However, the designation Georgia Military Road was officially established as part of a new military operation that began in 1903. There has been no variation since then.
How to Plan a Trip Along Georgia’s Military Highway, Including the Best Time of Year to Visit
The Georgia military roadway is accessible all year. There is beauty and appeal to each and every season. It’s just as enchanting in the winter as it is in the summer. However, sections of the road may be blocked from late October until April owing to snow, ice, and landslides. The months of May through October are ideal travel guidelines for taking the road journey from Tbilisi to Kazbegi because of the lack of rain and fog, the growth and blossoming of vegetation, and the availability of open highways.
Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is a highland settlement in Georgia. It is exceedingly chilly and wet throughout the autumn and winter months. Typically, May is a month with steadily improving weather. Previously, the persistent fog and wind made it unpleasant to spend time outdoors.
The months of May through October are ideal for driving the Military highway due to the pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains. The roads are accessible, the snow is beginning to melt, spring flowers are in full bloom, and there are no fogs to be seen.
However, in May, snow may still be seen on the higher elevations and the plateau, so be sure to bring along some extra layers. It’s useful year-round, not only for summer trips to Kazbegi. There is no more snow to clear from the roads or many of the trails at this time of year.
The weather on both the car ride and at Kazbegi is ideal in the summer. Anyone who doesn’t mind swarms of people should like this time of year. Further, the months of July and August are blisteringly hot and muggy.
In general, a Georgia Military Road is open all year round. There is always something to do, regardless of whether or not you like hiking. Luxury hotels in Stepantsminda have indoor pools, beautiful views, and delectable Georgian food and wine. In the mountains, you may breathe in clean air and see historic churches and museums.
What About the Safety of the Georgian Military Road?
To cut a long tale short, when you go makes all the difference. In the absence of bad weather conditions, such as rain and fog, a trip may be made without incident. On days like those, the evenings are when things start to become a little dicey. After dark, the roads become much more perilous, not just because there are no lights, but also because of the many potholes and the impatient truck drivers.
During the day, be wary of other drivers since many of them act as if they are on a racing track and pass everyone and everyone, particularly on tight corners. They have slowed down recently due to the penalties, but you need always be cautious and drive slowly. And I promise you, everything is going to be OK.
Some individuals may find it nerve-racking to travel on Military Highway in the winter due to the unpredictable nature of other motorists, the possibility of sliding on the icy road, dense fog, a lack of road markings, gusty winds, and precipitation. You shouldn’t try driving in such circumstances if you haven’t done it previously.
As a whole, if you are not a seasoned driver or are unfamiliar with driving in mountainous terrain or outside of your normal driving routine, you should probably avoid this route. Hire a driver (but not one who speeds or makes dangerous moves) so that you may relax and enjoy the ride.
Trip Preparation for the Military Highway Beginning in Tbilisi
A total of 160 kilometres of the Georgian Military Highway may be found inside Georgia’s borders. It’s more of a time commitment to travel this route because of the road’s serpentine nature. It takes around three hours to reach the settlement of Stepantsminda without stopping (former Kazbegi).
It will take you around 10 hours if you hire a vehicle and stop at all the major attractions along the route. However, there is not enough time to see cities, canyons, gorges, or waterfalls.
To get the most out of your time in Stepantsminda, I recommend spending at least one night there.
Along the Georgia Military Road, there are a number of must-see attractions and scenic overlooks. I’d be delighted to show you not just the standard tourist attractions, but also some hidden gems that most visitors miss. Please see my list below:
Kazbegi: Must-See Attractions Road Trip Along Georgia’s Military Highway
Go to the Jvari Monastery but skip Mtskheta.
Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, and the adjoining Jvari Monastery are just around 15 kilometres from the modern city of Tbilisi. Many visitors to Georgia who set out on the historic Georgian Military Highway make pit stops at each of these locations. When travelling along Georgia Military Road, I would advise leaving Mtskheta off of your schedule.
Why?
Simply said, you’ll need to set aside a minimum of three hours to explore this World Heritage-listed community. Secondly, getting into and out of town using the other route takes a little longer.
Seeing as how there is so much to see on the road to Stepantsminda, visiting Mtskheta on the same day will mean missing out on some of the other stops along the way. When planning a day trip from Tbilisi, it is recommended that this stop be made on route to Gori and/or Uplistsikhe. Alternatively, you might visit Borjomi on your next road trip across Georgia.
To spend the night in Kazbegi is the only other occasion I would suggest stopping in Mtskheta.
Choose the Jvari Monastery. Simply go before 10 a.m., when tour buses start dropping off their passengers.
Zhinvali Reservoir is a must-see.
The blue waters of Zhinvali Reservoir await your arrival. Those who have travelled extensively and seen many other lakes may find this one to be uninteresting. Even though we had seen quite similar landscapes while in Montenegro, USA, we couldn’t resist stopping to get some exercise and a look at the lake that provides Tbilisi with its water supply. To make room for this reservoir, a few towns had to be flooded.
Several lookout points dot the lake’s shoreline. The first is near the dam, at the 300 Aragvi Monument. However, it is at the very beginning, when the ocean is still far away. Each of the three additional locations before Ananuri Fortress is equally viable options.
To the Ananuri Fortress Complex
When the tourist season arrives, Ananuri Fortress is swarmed by visitors. Thus, the earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have to yourself.
The exceptional preservation of this historical relic is the site’s principal draw. The fort’s outer walls and a few of its towers are still standing. If you climb to the top of the watchtower, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama and a perfect picture op.
The Assumption Church, which is situated on the property, is special in its own right. One of its distinguishing features is that it is the only structure of its kind in Georgia and the surrounding Caucasus area, having been constructed in the 17th century. Interesting stone carvings may be seen from the side of the temple that is next to the pyramid-shaped tower built in the 13th century and covered in black tiles. There’s an altar inside with some really severe markings.
Do not be in a hurry to depart once you have explored the area and taken photographs. To the right of the main entrance is a paved path that may be used by both pedestrians and motorists to reach the water’s edge of the Zhinvali reservoir. Guests are welcome to cool down in the pool if they happen to be in town on a particularly hot day.
Try the Finest Khinkali in All of Pasanauri at Their Local Restaurant
It’s possible that by the time you reach Pasanauri hamlet, you’ll be quite hungry indeed if you’ve made so many pit breaks along the way. To satisfy your khinkali need, I recommend visiting one of the area’s excellent eateries. The Tbilisians who hosted us assured us that the khinkali in Pasanauri is the greatest in all of Georgia. We agreed with that assertion after giving it a try (after having them all around the nation).
On both our outbound trip to Kazbegi and our return to Tbilisi, we stopped for meals at a variety of places, and the khinkali at each was superb. While the view from the second floor of Chabaruxi restaurant is stunning, we discovered that the wait staff and the owner were padding the bill. If you leave it at that, you may need to dispute or give up.
The cuisine and service at both HB Gudauri and Chveni Ubani were also excellent throughout our stay.
You should know that hardly nothing here accepts credit cards for dining. Do not forget to bring cash.
Stop by the Aragvi Gorge for a Moment
You’ll need an off-road SUV if you want to take this detour. Move on to the following recommendation if you’re interested in a smaller automobile rental.
The sights of Aragvi Gorge are stunning. The manmade turquoise lake, visible from above, is reached through a winding dirt road at the foot of the valley. The Lomisa Monastery in Kvemo Mleta marks the beginning of this path.
Visit the “Cross” Viewpoint and Panorama Cafe.
The “Cross” observation deck has the shape of an iron cross, thus the name. It’s easy to overlook since it’s on a curve. Here are the GPS co-ordinates.
The vantage point provides a bird’s-eye view of Aragvi Gorge, as well as the surrounding mountains and settlements. There were only two other people there when we arrived, but as soon as they departed, it became really peaceful and majestic.
To satisfy your sweet need, stop into the nearby cafeteria-style stand, Cafe Panorama. I don’t know their timetable, but it seems they work whenever they feel like it. When you get there, it might already be closed.
Visit Gudauri for Some R&R
Only 130 kilometres from Tbilisi lies the town of Gudauri, Georgia’s biggest and most sophisticated ski resort. There are 57 kilometres of groomed trails, including cross country skiing, affordable lift tickets (starting at $73 a week), and dozens of hotels.
But you needn’t limit your travels to the winter months, and you can do more than just ski.
It’s great fun to come here and have a stroll in the cool, verdant slopes, where the air is crisp and the views of the mountain range below are unparalleled.
Visit Gudauri on your route to Sadzeli peak, 3628 metres above sea level, by cable car during the summer or winter if you’re travelling along Georgia’s Military Highway. Give this a minimum of two hours of your time. The ascent and descent take about the same amount of time, 40 minutes (unless you are skiing, snowboarding or cycling). You should allot twenty to thirty minutes above.
From the summit, you can see for miles around, and even in the middle of July, you may be able to see a few snowflakes. Bring a pullover, your upper body will become cold.
The lower lift’s co-ordinates are as follows.
Stop by the Monument to Friendship between Georgia and Russia
Temple of Peace between Georgia and Russia
Set at an elevation of 2384 metres, and only 50 metres from the Georgian Military Highway, sits the Peoples’ Friendship Arch. It’s visible from afar, and you can’t go around it.
An enormous arch decorated with mosaics in vivid colours. It was erected in 1983 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the treaty that officially brought Georgia under Russian rule.
There are a lot of people in the area surrounding the Arch, but it’s still enjoyable to stroll about and snap some photographs. The view of the gorge, the mountains, and the man-made lake is breathtaking. Tbilisi is where you’ll get the best deals on goods like the socks, honey, churchkhela, and berries being sold by the people.
You may choose to ride an ATV or a horse if you choose. Paragliding is an option in the summer, and it costs as little as $60 for 15 minutes.
Those who would rather avoid the hustle and bustle of the main trail might continue on the alpine plateau. We have the rough GPS coordinates for the parking lot. As you go west from Tbilisi, it will be on your right and difficult to bypass.
Better views of Aragvi Gorge might be had by stepping away from the throng a little farther down the slope.
And here, far off, is Mount Miketi, obscured by clouds.
Just go across the street and up the mountain to the right from where you parked. The Aragvi Gorge, manmade lake, and circular Mount Miketi will all seem the same. Similar scenery, but with no inhabitants.
There are no vendors, and no Instagrammers swarming the area to snap a thousand photographs of the same item. You’ll have the luxury of being completely alone with beautiful nature.
A passage through a mountain
At an elevation of 2395 metres, the old stone pillar was set up as the lone signpost of the Georgian Military Highway in 1824. It’s evidence that the pass has been reached. In the vicinity, you’ll find some ruins and a structure that may pass for a church, but you’re not permitted to go inside.
The landscape and the road are the primary points of attraction. The Main Caucasus ridge is traversed by this pass, also known as the Jvari Pass, which connects the Terek River basin with the Aragvi River valley.
Even in the summer, snowy peaks are visible. There is the Kelskoe volcanic plateau to the west of the pass.
It’s not like you’ll miss anything if you skip this stop. For a little while, we both found it enjoyable and were eager to do it again.
Mineral Waters
As you go along, keep an eye out for a calcareous agglomeration — a frozen stone “waterfall” with white-red streaks — on the left side of the road. Since there are usually a lot of automobiles here, and the colourful slope of the mountain is apparent from far away, you won’t have any trouble finding it.
There is a second, smaller spring to the right of this one where you may fill your bottle with sparkling mineral water. There is some truth to the claim that this water has medical properties, but excessive use is not recommended. It has a very carbonated and peculiar flavour.
Seeing it for the first time in May when there are hardly any other visitors. The Georgian Military Road Cable Car, or ‘Kobi-Gudauri,’ stops immediately next to the mineral spring. The ‘Kobi-Gudauri’ cableway is a modern gondola that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Its new construction means it now boasts the state of Georgia’s tallest skylift.
Kobi, a historic settlement in the Truso Gorge, and the city of Gudauri are linked by a cable car. It was constructed primarily to link two settlements during the avalanche and blizzard of winter. Even though the main road will be closed, residents will still be able to use the cableway to go where they need to go.
The ‘Kobi-Gudauri’ gondola offers visitors like you and me a great chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and get a bird’s-eye view of Truso Gorge and the surrounding Caucasus Mountains.
It begins at an elevation of 2701 metres, reaches a maximum height of 2946 metres, and spans a total distance of 7.5 kilometres.
You may go the long way, or the quick way. Short ones cost 10 GEL ($3.5) per adult return travel and take 40 minutes. A lengthier, round-trip journey costs 30 GEL ($10) per person and takes one hour.
Daily hours of operation for the gondola are 10:00-16:00.
Trip to Sno Village and Juta Valley
If you’re looking for a place to spend at least a day, Juta is it. If you can’t spare that much time, a half-day trip will suffice.
There is not much to do in Sno village itself, though, if you are unable to get to Juta. It’s fun to explore the area on foot and witness how locals live; visitors may also scale a watchtower and see a field adorned with massive stones bearing the likenesses of notable Georgians. Still, there isn’t much more to say.
While exploring Sno’s quaint downtown, we struck it rich. One of the locals we met welcomed us over for tea and handmade treats, and he also showed us how he produces cheeses. We could have shortened our stay if this person hadn’t been present.
This is the gentleman who hosted us and filled us in on the goings-on of the neighbourhood.
While enjoying some of his handmade cheese and mint tea. He grows the mint in his own yard. The best part of our vacation to Kazbegi, Georgia, was interacting with locals.
Passing via two additional little settlements, Akhaltsikhe and Karkuchanare, the journey from Sno to Juta is particularly scenic. They’re fascinating to look at since they’ve been abandoned.
Many will tell you that a sedan isn’t going to cut it for a trip to Juta, and that you’ll need to rent an SUV instead. The truth is that you absolutely can.
We took a Toyota Prius all the way to Juta, and we had no trouble getting there. Gravel was used for the road in numerous spots, although it was still manageable. In the event of bad weather, though, an SUV is essential.
The Georgian mountain town of Juta is among the country’s highest. In addition to breathtaking scenery, it also has a distinct vibe. If you just have a day, you may spend it sight-seeing or hiking up to Chaukhi Pass.
The route to Sno village passes through a field adorned with stones bearing the likenesses of notable Georgians.
We were on the trail leading to Chaukhi Pass. Stepantsminda (or Kazbegi) and the Gergeti Trinity Church are stunning sights regardless of how far you decide to go.
Located at an elevation of 17,444 feet, Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi, is a mountain settlement on the foothills of Mount Kazbek (5034 m). Mount Kazbek, Gergeti Trinity Church, and Rooms hotel are the most popular tourist attractions.
People would walk miles to go to church back when there wasn’t a convenient route. The construction of a new asphalt road has made the journey to the church much more convenient and quick. We observed several hikers on the route, but we couldn’t figure out why they were there. Taxis are cheap and convenient for making the ascent, and walking along this route is not recommended due to safety concerns and a loss of the path’s original charm.
You may view more and spend less time hiking if you travel to the church first.
Depending on traffic and other factors, getting there by car or cab might take you forty minutes to an hour. The time spent driving is included in.
During the winter, driving conditions may make it difficult to reach the church. It’s possible that you’ll have to abandon the car and continue on foot.
View the beautiful Gveleti Waterfall.
The Gveleti Waterfall may be found just north of Stepantsminda, on the edge of the Russian border. You’ll need an SUV or to drive to the nearby settlement of Gveleti and hike the three kilometres in from there.
A jeep ride from Stepantsminda to the nearby hamlet of Gveleti and back takes around half an hour. After an hour-long walk to the waterfall and back to the vehicle, we returned home. It’s true that the waterfall itself isn’t very impressive, but the hike to and from it is lovely.
It is fairly uncommon for taxi drivers who provide rides to Gergeti Trinity Church in vans to also suggest stops to nearby waterfalls at no additional fee. It’s a steal if you don’t have a vehicle and want to go on a tour.
Darial Gorge is a beautiful place to practise meditation, and it’s also home to a large monastery. It’s seen from the highway that connects Stepantsminda and the Russian border with Georgia. Lots of places to pull over to the side of the road and rest
A turbulent river named the Terek used to be known as the “Gateway to the Caucasus,” but now it’s more often known as the Darial Gorge. The modern border between Russia and Georgia runs through some breathtaking landscape.
The setting is very lovely. A little distance from the border, the Dariali Monastery Complex can be seen rising from the ground. We had the property to ourselves and were able to take in its full splendour without any distractions.
Nearby, you may also find a few of lookout sites that provide panoramas of the valley, the swift river, and the towering mountains.
The bunker where Soviet forces fought the mountain snipers of the Edelweiss division is still carved into the rock below the Dariali Monastery.
Visit Truso Gorge and the Ghost Towns on Your Next Trip!
The Truso Gorge may be found west of the Georgian military route on the road to South Ossetia. It is well-known for its peculiar and sad atmosphere, in addition to its “very magnificent mountains.” The abandoned towns, flowing river, and the fact that the troops in the August 2008 fight between Russia and Georgia hid in these mountains all contribute to the eerie mood. The Georgian border guards are quite a ways out, but doable with a lot of walking.
There are a number of deserted settlements in Kazbegi that are perfect for intrepid explorers. Discover the world at your own pace. Traveling through this town will get you to Kvemo Okrokana.
Kvemo Okrokana Village is the trail’s origin. Drive nearly all the way to the hamlet in a smaller vehicle, park it wherever, and start walking to Abano Lake, the St. 12th Apostles Fathers Monastery, and Zakagori Fortress. Walking there from start to finish will take you four hours. As it takes 5-6 hours to walk to Abano Mineral Lake and return, many people only make the trek once.
We donned pants, had nothing to eat or drink, and went into the Gorge without any prior knowledge or preparation (mistake.) We didn’t bother with advance planning and just went with the flow.
We were really exhausted after just 30 minutes of walking in the scorching heat. The visitors were due to be picked up at Albano Lake, and luckily there was a person in an SUV on his way there. He helped us out a lot by giving us a ride. Returning, we hitched a ride with some other vacationers who also happened to be driving a Jeep. We immediately regretted not having hired Jeep ourselves. Driving there and back only took us 20 minutes each way, but it was time well spent.
As seen from above, Truso Gorge
I think you should rent an off-road vehicle if at all feasible. This route down the gorge will be exciting and will save you time, allowing you to explore more of the landscape. The alternative is to hire a local driver once you get in Kazbegi and have them take you on a tour of Truso Gorge.
Your innkeeper, I’m willing to believe, also runs excursions. Our host at Tamta Guesthouse (which was fantastic, by the way) was kind enough to provide us with a variety of trips at very reasonable rates during one of our visits.
Whatever you do, be sure to bring along some snacks and fluids. It’s wonderful to have a meal or snack by the mineral lake.
Go for a hike to the Gergeti Glacier
As of yet, none of us has hiked this trail (planning to return next year.) Those of our friends that did it rated it as one of their top Kazbegi experiences.
This trek may be begun in a few of ways. The more expensive and time-consuming option is to drive to the Gergeti Trinity Church viewpoint and hike back. A third, more expensive, but somewhat quicker alternative is to hire a driver who can take his Mitsubishi Delica van farther than the church and cover some of the route in that time.
The cost of hiring a driver is higher, yet many sightseers choose to take advantage of this service. Please inquire once more with your hosts about the price of this excursion.
Indulge in the Pools and Waterfall of Toti
Toti village is home to the Toti waterfalls (also known as the Arsha waterfall) and mineral water springs. This stop would be a great addition to your trip either on the way back from Stepantsminda to Tbilisi or on a day when you have some downtime while in Kazbegi.
Parking a vehicle in Arsha village and walking the 30 minutes to the falls is the shortest route there.
People in the area assured us that the pool has mineralized, healthful water.
How long would the drive along Georgia Military Road take?
To answer this common question, it is important to consider your goals and how much time you want to spend in the mountains.
In my opinion, there is never enough time to really appreciate anything. Even if you merely want to visit the Georgia Military Road and don’t want to go on any hikes or detours, you should still allow at least 2 days and 1 night at Stepantsminda. The trip down the route, with breaks, including seeing some of Kazbegi, will take the better part of a day.
conclusion
In this Blog i have tried to pen down my experiences of Georgian Military Highway, in the hope of helping those planning a trip to Georgia..
Georgian Military Road is one of the most beautiful drives in the whole Caucasus region.
It is in northern Georgia. The military road in Georgia is open all year.
Every season has something beautiful and interesting about it.If there isn’t bad weather, like rain or fog, a trip can be taken without any problems.
There’s never enough time to fully appreciate anything. Even if you just want to see the Georgia Military Road and don’t want to hike or take any side trips.