Atlanta to Gatlinburg road trip: 24 stops worth the detour

The Atlanta Chinese community's go-to for cart-service dim sum on Buford Highway. Order: Har gow and shrimp dumplings.

A 1,000-ft gorge with a swinging suspension bridge

short but steep to a rocky perch

a tall, delicate fall on the Cherokee reservation near the Smokies

a chain of falls in a dramatic gorge with rim-trail overlooks

staircases into a dramatic 1,000-ft gorge; permit for the floor

A Cherokee comfort-food buffet stop for the Newfound Gap Road day, especially useful on the quieter North Carolina side.

a wide fall and big pool, the reward of a beloved gorge hike

The most-visited national park in the U.S.

The Smokies’ synchronous fireflies

paved to an 80-ft waterfall — an RV-crew favorite

Emory-area favorite smoking until the meat runs out, so arrive early. (Decatur) Order: Pulled pork and mac and cheese.

Downtown Decatur tapas destination pairing Spanish-inspired small plates and charcuterie with an extensive Iberian wine and sherry program. Order: Pork cheek bocadillo.

Restored Decatur train depot with an oyster-obsessed raw bar, absinthe fountain and French-technique New American cooking behind a landmark bar program. Order: Oysters on the half shell.

James Beard-recognized Indian street-food spot bursting with color and bright, snacky chaat. (Downtown Decatur) Order: Sev potato dahi puri and okra fries.

taller than Niagara, tucked on a college campus

Reservation-only lunch tea room tucked in the hills serving homemade seasonal fare with a devoted local following. Order: Wild plum tea and daily quiche.

a wide, gentle cascade near Lake Rabun, lovely in any season

the tallest fall in the Smokies, in old-growth forest