If you’re looking for an iconic drive through the heart of northwest Georgia and into southeastern Tennessee, you can’t go wrong with the 90-mile stretch of Interstate 75 from Marietta up to Chattanooga. This route isn’t just a backbone for commercial and local travel—it’s also packed with things to see, places to stop, and a real sense of “covering ground” as you leave the Atlanta metro area behind and head for the Tennessee hills.
We start this journey at the Delk Road interchange, just south of Marietta, a vibrant suburb in the greater Atlanta area known for its lively town square, antebellum homes, and the nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The first few miles of I-75 here are bustling—expect a steady mix of locals, long-haul truckers, and families on vacation. As you roll north through Marietta, you’ll pass the major junction with Interstate 575, which splits off toward the North Georgia mountains and the charming city of Woodstock.
Once you’re north of the I-575 interchange, the road starts to open up a bit as you cruise through Kennesaw and Acworth. Both cities have plenty to offer if you want to break up the drive: Kennesaw boasts the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, while Acworth is a gateway to Lake Acworth and the larger Lake Allatoona—two favorite local spots for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. The drive across Lake Allatoona on I-75 gives you some quick water views, especially if you’re watching for them just north of the GA-92 exit.
After crossing the lake, you’ll skirt Cartersville on the east—a city with more than its fair share of roadside attractions. If you have time, consider a quick detour to the Tellus Science Museum, the Booth Western Art Museum, or the historic downtown, which is full of local eateries and unique shops. From here, the scenery transitions to a more rural feel as I-75 rolls through Adairsville and Calhoun. Adairsville has a historic downtown that’s worth a pit stop if you’re into small-town Americana, and Calhoun’s outlet malls make it a favorite stop for bargain hunters.
Continuing north, you’ll hit Dalton—the “Carpet Capital of the World”—where you’ll notice plenty of industry mixed with rolling North Georgia hills. Dalton also marks the beginning of the Appalachian foothills, so from here, the drive gets a bit more scenic. As you leave Dalton, I-75 weaves through gaps in the low mountains, offering a preview of the terrain that dominates eastern Tennessee.
Soon, you’ll be approaching Ringgold, the last major stop before the state line. The downtown is known for its classic Southern hospitality, and the historic Ringgold Depot is a photo-worthy spot if you’re in the area. The final stretch from Ringgold to Chattanooga brings you through some rolling hills and wooded areas—keep an eye out for the transition as you cross into Tennessee, where the mountains start to get taller and the road curves just a bit more.
The drive wraps up in grand style as you reach the outskirts of Chattanooga. Right as you cross into Tennessee, you’ll see one of the region’s signature construction zones (there’s almost always some improvement project underway as the area continues to grow). The final moments of this route pass the interchange with U.S. 41 before you merge onto Interstate 24, putting you just minutes from downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, Lookout Mountain, and the famed Tennessee Aquarium.
Whether you’re driving straight through or making a day of it with roadside stops, I-75 from Marietta to Chattanooga serves up a bit of everything: urban energy, small-town charm, lakeside views, outlet shopping, and that sweet moment when the Georgia pines give way to the Tennessee hills.
🗺️ Route Map
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