June 2026 – Suches Camp-n-Ride

On a clear Friday, Mel and Larry met in Cleveland for a one-night camp-n-ride.  Although the weeks prior were mostly wet, the guys took full advantage of an awesome dry front which provided cool mornings, dry afternoons, and perfect camping.  Richard wasn’t able to ride with us, but drove to TWO in Suches and camped with us.  

The riders enjoyed the very best North Georgia has to offer, and all with very little traffic!... the Richard Russell Scenic Highway, Wolf Pen Gap, then twisty 60 north to Van Zandt’s for lunch.  But since both riders were on adventure bikes, they folded in some nice forest service they hadn’t ridden in years… the Helton Creek Falls (with a couple full water crossings) and the West Wolf Creek forest service connecting Sunrise Grocery to near Wolf Pen Gap.  

They didn’t think the water crossings were overly challenging, until Mel charged them with such gusto he threw water to the top of his windscreen – Larry couldn’t stop laughing!  

One twist came when they were deep into the little-used West Wolf Creek trail and came across a young man on a dirt bike with a dead battery and wouldn’t kickstart.  After a few unsuccessful attempts to push start it, Mel remembered he had an extension cord for his Battery Tender connection, so…  we hooked it up to the dirt bike’s battery lead and quickly had him on his way.

The riders confirmed the burgers at Van Zandt’s are as good as ever.  After lunch they enjoyed 60 southward, but instead of taking it all the way to TWO, they peeled off at Gaddistown and rode it up to the top of the ridge, then rode Forest Service 42 west across the mountains to Suches and TWO.  Richard pulled up before they’d had a chance to crawl off their bikes and cool down.  TWO provided perfect grassy and shady camping to enjoy the beautiful weather.  Tents went up quick and easy, although Richard set a new bar with his “canvas condo for six” including chair, nightstand, cot, carpeting and even an HVAC unit!  

After they’d had a chance to rest up, Richard spotted a turtle in the creek.  We’re not talking some 6” box turtle, this monster was just an inch or two shy of 2’ across and with a head the size of a small softball!  We’ve camped here many times and had never seen that, but later learned several of them call TWO home!  

Dinner was nice and easy in TWO’s lodge and the campfire was even better.  Sleep was good, but I couldn’t help wondering how that turtle got so big and whether TWO had ever lost any campers before?!

Breakfast in the lodge was fine as usual, then the riders and Richard parted ways.  The riders enjoyed Wolf Pen Gap, then stopped by a store new only to them, Alexander’s Store, just about 2 miles N up Town Creek School Rd.  Wow, this huge place had everything from nice clothing to sporting goods to furniture, and all top quality.  Very similar to the former Big Red Barn in Jasper and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.  From there it was down the Richard Russell to lunch in Cleveland, then they split up and headed home. 

Total miles right at 280 for the trip.  Shoulda’ been there!