Well, AoG is pretty nice but there is a spur that runs off of it near Dyerville that goes east towards the towns of Honeydew and Petrolia - Bull Creek Rd (also shown on maps as Lower Bull Ck Rd and / or Mattole Rd and / or Panther Gap Rd). The first few miles of it off of 101 and AoG are freshly paved and zing through the redwoods way tighter than AoG, with less traffic. It's a really pretty drive. You can just drive the first part and then turn around when the fresh pavement ends, or you can keep going to the coast, but the road gets really rough with major potholes and such. If you choose to go to the coast, which is super awesome in this area, take Bull Creek / Mattole / Panther Gap Rd into Honedew, turn right over the green one lane bridge and follow the signs to Petrolia / Ferndale. There is a stretch of road that runs right along the ocean for 6 miles just past Petrolia that is really pretty. Keep a eye out for zebras near it. I'm serious. There's an old shelf road that runs off of Mattole Rd in this stretch to the abandoned Cape Mendocino lighthouse base which you can drive part of the way to and then walk the rest of the way back (maybe 1/4 mile of walking, not far). Really pretty views.
You're kind of late in the season and a lot of the dirt coast roads are closed. Usal, Ft Bragg-Sherwood are shut already and those are a sweet off road drive. The seasonal bridges at Shivley and Holmes flat are already out, too, which sucks because they are fun to drive over. I do believe the roads in the Coastal Range BLM land are still open though (Lightening Peak Rd, King Peak Rd) and those are pretty good. King Peak has 5 or 6 little water crossings and they should be flowing this time of year. Probably better check with BLM to make sure they are still open if you plan on running them.
If you want to hit some dirt off of AoG, look into Dyerville Loop Rd. It runs from AoG / 101 at the Dyerville / Honeydew exit (opposite direction of Bull Creek Rd). Starts as pavement but turns into sporty gravel and dirt heading south and ends up near Garberville on Alderpoint Rd. From there you can also run Harris Rd and Belle Springs Rd south to 101 near Leggett (Mendo County); Harris and Belle Springs are also gravel / dirt and pretty fun. You can also get onto the river bar with your truck at several places on AoG.
For hiking and such there's some short trails off AoG near Dyerville and off of Bull Creek west of AoG/101 that are well marked and decent. Mostly flat, not technical, just a easy walk in the redwoods.
For decent food on AoG there is the Calico Cafe in Garberville, Deb's Hamburgers in Redway, Avenue Cafe in Miranda, Hot Brews and Caken Bacon in Fortuna.
If you make it to Eureka and you stop for anything try to park in a visible and trafficked place and lock your car and hide your shit, there are a lot of shitbags in town that will smash a window for a jacket or a bag.
