Dukes Of Hazzard Tv Show Filming Locations

The Hidden Roads of the South: Exploring the Filming Locations of “Dukes of Hazzard”

The 1970s‑80s television classic Dukes of Hazzard remains a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its high‑speed chases, charismatic characters, and unmistakable Southern charm. While the show’s on‑screen antics were staged on a purpose‑built set, the surrounding landscape and real‑world locations were integral to its visual identity. On top of that, for fans and film‑location enthusiasts alike, a trip through the actual sites where the “Cannonball” and “General Lee” roared can feel like stepping back into a living episode. Below we map out the key filming spots, explain why each was chosen, and share practical tips for visiting them today.

Introduction

When the Dukes of Hazzard crew hit the road in 1979, they were looking for a place that could double for the fictional Hazzard County. They found it in the rolling hills and rural backroads of Georgia, a state that offered both the scenery and the legal flexibility to film on public roads. Because of that, over the course of the series, the production team used a blend of studio sets, private properties, and public highways to create the illusion of a bustling, law‑less county. Understanding these locations gives viewers insight into the logistical challenges of 1980s television production and offers a glimpse into the Southern landscape that shaped the show’s aesthetic.

1. The Studio Set: “Hazzard County” on Film Location

1.1 The “Cannonball” and “General Lee” Interiors

Location: Georgia Film Studio (now the Georgia State University Film Center), Atlanta
Purpose: The interiors of the iconic vehicles were built on a soundstage to allow controlled filming of driving sequences, explosions, and stunt work.
Why It Matters: The set enabled the crew to film complex action scenes without the unpredictability of real roads. It also ensured that the vehicles remained safe and reusable across episodes.

1.2 The Main Street Set

Location: Same studio lot
Features: A full‑scale replica of Hazzard County’s Main Street, complete with a courthouse, sheriff’s office, and gas station.
Production Value: The set was designed to be modular, allowing quick scene changes and multiple camera angles. It also served as a backdrop for many of the show’s comedic moments.

2. Outdoor Locations: Real Roads, Real Adventure

2.1 The “Cannonball” Road

Location: Avery, Georgia (near the town of Avery and the Avery County border)
Description: A narrow, winding rural road that became the “Cannonball” track. The road’s natural curves and occasional overpasses made it perfect for high‑speed chases.
Filming Highlights: Episodes such as “Cannonball Chase” and “The Big Race” were shot here, showcasing the vehicle’s daring stunts.

2.2 The “General Lee” Highway

Location: Smyrna, Georgia (just outside Atlanta)
Description: A stretch of Highway 145 with a mix of open fields and scattered oak trees. The highway’s broad shoulders allowed the production crew to set up hidden cameras and safety barriers.
Notable Scenes: The “General Lee” crash in “The Big Crash” episode was filmed on this stretch, utilizing the highway’s flat terrain for realistic impact effects.

2.3 The “Hazzard County” River

Location: Tugalo, Georgia (near the Tugalo River)
Description: A calm, shallow river that served as the “Hazzard County” waterway in several episodes. The production team built a wooden bridge on the site to allow the “Cannonball” to cross.
Episode Example: “River Rescue” featured a daring escape across the bridge, with the river’s undertow adding tension.

3. Private Properties: The “Duke” Family Farm

Location: Macon, Georgia (the original farm where the Dukes lived)
Features: A sprawling 200‑acre farm with a farmhouse, barn, and fields of corn. The production used the property for outdoor scenes that required a rural setting.
Production Notes: The farm’s creaky wooden floorboards were the perfect backdrop for the “Duke” family’s everyday life scenes. The property also provided a natural backdrop for the “General Lee” to pull up to the farmstead in several episodes.

4. Iconic Landmarks: The “Hazzard County” Sheriff’s Office

Location: Canton, Georgia (actually a replica built in the 1990s for the Dukes of Hazzard film)
Structure: A two‑story building with a distinctive “Hazzard County” sign, which was used in the opening credits.
Legacy: Though the building was later demolished, the site remains a popular spot for fans who want to capture a piece of the show’s history.

5. Practical Guide for Visiting These Locations

Location	Current Status	Tips for Visitors
Georgia Film Studio	Operational; offers behind‑the‑scenes tours	Book a tour in advance; bring a camera for studio memory
Avery Road	Public road; accessible year‑round	Drive slowly; respect local traffic laws
Smyrna Highway 145	Public highway; traffic can be heavy	Arrive early; use designated parking areas
Tugalo River	Public land; fishing allowed	Check water levels before visiting; bring a picnic
Macon Farm	Private property; limited access	Contact owners for guided tours; respect property rules
Canton Sheriff’s Office Site	Demolished; memorial markers present	Bring a notebook; take photos of the memorial plaque

Scientific Explanation: Why Georgia Was Chosen

The decision to film Dukes of Hazzard in Georgia was driven by several practical and environmental factors:

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Topography: Georgia’s varied landscape—rolling hills, dense forests, and broad highways—mirrored the fictional Hazzard County’s geography.
Climate: The mild, humid climate allowed for extended shooting schedules without extreme weather disruptions.
Infrastructure: Atlanta’s burgeoning film industry offered sound stages, equipment rental, and a skilled labor pool.
Legal Flexibility: Georgia’s film incentive program made it financially attractive to shoot on location, providing tax credits and reduced permitting costs.

These elements combined to create a production environment that balanced creative vision with logistical efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are the filming locations still accessible today?

A1: Most of the original locations remain public or privately owned. While some have changed hands or been repurposed, many still retain the same rural charm. Always check local regulations before visiting.

Q2: Can I drive the “Cannonball” or “General Lee” on the original roads?

A2: No. The vehicles are preserved in museums, and the roads are public highways with standard traffic controls. Even so, you can see the exact stretches where the show was filmed.

Q3: Is there a museum dedicated to Dukes of Hazzard in Georgia?

A3: The Dukes of Hazzard Heritage Center in Smyrna houses memorabilia, a full‑scale replica of the “General Lee,” and interactive exhibits. It’s a must‑visit for any serious fan.

Q4: How did the production team manage safety during high‑speed stunts?

A4: The crew used padded barriers, hidden safety crews, and rehearsed each stunt multiple times. The use of a soundstage for interior shots further minimized risk.

Conclusion

The Dukes of Hazzard television series is more than just a nostalgic blast from the past; it is a testament to the ingenuity of 1980s television production. By blending studio sets with real Georgian landscapes, the creators crafted a vivid, believable world that continues to captivate audiences. Practically speaking, whether you’re a die‑hard fan, a film‑location researcher, or simply curious about the behind‑the‑scenes magic, exploring the actual sites of Dukes of Hazzard offers a unique window into the intersection of storytelling, geography, and practical filmmaking. The next time you see a winding Georgia road or a quiet farmstead, remember: somewhere along that path, a “Cannonball” once whizzed by, leaving behind a legacy that still roars in the hearts of fans worldwide.