It is just south of the North Carolina border, near the two small towns of Macedonia and Hiawassee. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The path is paved, generously wide, and serpentine throughout its length, switching back in wide meanders as it climbs. As you know, the world is a beautiful and amazing place and for well over a decade now I’ve been doing my best to see as much of it as possible. Depending on what you read, it may sound like you have to hike up to the Day Use Area from Highway 180 below, before accessing the actual Brasstown Bald Trail Head. amzn_assoc_asins = "B07D3Z9NQK,B01G7SQBPQ,1597752789,B00DQYPM6O"; Filed Under: Active Travel Destinations, State Highpoints, United States Tagged With: georgia, high point, highest point, state high point, Your email address will not be published. The platform from the base of the Brasstown Bald summit. Black bear, deer, and other large game animals also live within the wilderness. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";

The viewing platform at the top offers a full 360-degree panoramic view that seems endless, with the distant … From Brasstown Bald you can access four different trails: Brasstown Bald, Arkaquah, Jack's Knob (which connects to the Appalachian Trail) and Wagon Train Foot Trail.

There was a web address on it, and I didn’t think much of it at the time.

Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aa4d06c5fec24a571f842806fbf479e2" );document.getElementById("j48900423d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); I want to hear more! I’m unsure the benefit of declaring small areas wildernesses that already exist within a national forest. We'll assume you accept this policy as long as you are using this website, isolated King’s Peak in the far reaches of Utah, Mount Magazine, in Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas, additional high point hikes from other parts of the country. As far as summit views go, it is undeniably impressive. The trail for Jacks Knob can be found just south of the Brasstown Bald Day Use Area in the parking lot area, or, on the other end, on the Appalachian Trail south of Brasstown Bald in the Mark Trail Wilderness area. The summit is completely wrapped in the Appalachian Mountains, so no matter where you are standing along the circumference of the platform, the views are equally stunning. As it turns out, this was a known website and trick to get people to view it. (Note for 2020: Due to COVID-19, Brasstown Bald Visitor Center is currently open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a maximum capacity of 90 cars in the parking lot. I arrived early in the morning when some low level clouds were in the valleys. It is a subtle educational lesson for those who take the time to notice!

The Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is little more than 30 miles southwest of Brasstown Bald at Springer Mountain. About 0.10 miles into the Brasstown Bald Trail, visitors will pass the Wagon Train Trail on the right, a lengthy path that extends further north of Brasstown Bald, passing more stunning mountain peaks of the Appalachians. The shuttle service is provided as an alternative to walking the trail. Brasstown Bald: the hike. Keep in mind this was January, so it was great to feel that I had just stepped out of winter. There are several small benches and picnic areas, information bulletins, and restroom facilities in the Day Use Area. The rainforest didn’t last as long as I would have liked, but I probably had at least a good solid 15 minutes of hiking in it. It wasn’t anything serious and probably was still faster than following the road.

I photoshopped the address out of the first lemon so I’m not supporting their cause. Instead, it feels like being transported to an exotic, foliaged tunnel! I just would not do this hike in flip flops! If “high-pointing” appeals to you as an active way to travel and experience the country, be sure to visit the blog for additional high point hikes from other parts of the country, including some 12,000 and 13,000 foot summits out West! Brasstown Bald has done an excellent job of celebrating the uniqueness of its high point crown. I enjoy hikes of any kind, as it consistently allows me to become exposed to a new perspective and a new challenge, but there is always something unique about hiking to the highest point in a state. amzn_assoc_title = "Yonderlust Ramblings Top Picks for the Brasstown Bald Trail"; The hike to the top of Brasstown Bald provides arguably the best mountain views in all of North Georgia. There were several parts with some large rocks that had water running over them and kept things green all year around. The climb to the top starts immediately, as the trail begins its steady ascent. Closest Towns: Hiawassee, GA Young Harris, GA To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations of this hike but it turned out to be pretty enjoyable and a decent challenge! Yes, my own pup accompanied my sister and I to the summit, and due to the excellent construction and extremely accessible nature of the viewing platform, it was very easy for her to get around.

I wonder if this area is more likely to get more precipitation for some reason. Actually this was kind of a combination of the two sections of trail I had started on. As I hiked along I saw several other lemons along the trail like this one above. Brasstown Bald Mountain, Blairsville: Address, Phone Number, Brasstown Bald Mountain Reviews: 5/5 also states the same, noting that the gate leading to the Day Use Area, and the Visitor’s Center and Viewing Platform at Brasstown Bald, will close in unsafe conditions. I’ve seen some beautiful summer pics and even a few winter pics with snow, so this can be one of the best views in the state for sure. Shortly after the forest fire area, I came across my favorite part along the whole trail. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; So the trail map shows it following a ridge, but close to the summit making a large U-turn as you meet up with a road. Bring a camera, you will regret it if you do not! Get ready to discover yourself, and the world, with your own two feet! Mansfield along the Laura Cowles trail. Those hiking to the summit can expect to be greeted with a enormous circular viewing platform at the summit, with placards marking the directions of the compass so that viewers can determine in which direction they should look out towards neighboring states. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Surrounded by the thickets and gnarled branches of this southern state really highlight what it is like to experience hiking trails in Georgia. Your email address will not be published. The Brasstown Bald Trail Head is located 0.6 miles below the summit, at the Brasstown Bald Day Use Area. Sunning views and great stargazing. For armchair hikers, the mountain is accessible via a 1/2 mile paved trail to the summit, but longer trails are available (see \"Trails to the summit\" section). Eventually I left what I called the rainforest and went back to a normal trail. To access the Brasstown Bald Trail, follow Highway 180 north until you reach the Day Use Area of Brasstown Bald. A few minutes after leaving the off trail area I had picked I ended up on the street. Hiking Brasstown Bald. I won’t make any recommendations on this page that I haven’t tested or personally used! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Required fields are marked *. There are water fountains at the Visitor’s Center on the summit also. General Facts of the Brasstown Bald Trail, Things to Bring When Hiking the Highest Point in Georgia. At first it was easy, but the higher I got up the thicker the vegetation got.

Read more…, I have read and agree to the terms & conditions, This area of the country is historically known for its less than dramatic elevation gains. If you are hiking this trail, you will want to spend a significant amount of time at the top, probably more time than actually spent hiking on the trail!