Directions

I'd go from Helen to Athens to Macon, then down I-75. About 1/2 hour longer travel time, but I'd do anything to avoid the greater Atlanta area.

RetiredRealtorRick wrote:
I'd go from Helen to Athens to Macon, then down I-75. About 1/2 hour longer travel time, but I'd do anything to avoid the greater Atlanta area.

X2

Also avoid I-4

Take I-75 to Ocala, then pick up Rt 27 the rest of the way. It's a nice highway with some pleasant little towns. Brings you into the west side of Orlando.

Several routes will get you there. Avoid Atlanta! This is our regular route out of N Georgia to Florida.
Head out of Helen towards Cleveland. Turn left at the Sautee Valley. You will see the indian mound and the cupola on top in pasture. The turn will take you toward Clarkesville. Stay on Ga 17 through Clarkesville. Watch the signs, there is a couple of turns in town. This will take you to US441/23. This will take you to the Athens. Watch the signs again and take the Ga 10 loop / US441 bypass around Athens. Follow 441 to Madison and Eatonton. Stay off I-85 south toward Atlanta. Huge construction going on with terrible traffic jams.
Eatonton to Macon and in Macon west on I-16 for a couple of miles to I-75 South.
In Wildwood you can get the Florida Turnpike (toll road) or go state roads (Fla 50) to Orlando. We don't use I-4 this time of year. Traffic is as bad as Atlanta.

One comment about Atalanta.
Traffic is usually not all that bad at 3AM. especially on Sunday Morning.

(I know this sounds funny but I'm serious) You time it right it's a breeze.
Time it wrong it's a parking lot.

The directions Horsedoc gave is the route I followed for years.