#WalkingWednesday - Brasstown Bald

Location: (map)

City: 

Blairsville, GA

Short Description: 

Highest Point in Georgia. Scenic views from top that can see 4+ states. Interpretive center at top is nothing spectacular, but has decent exhibits that are kid-friendly.

Parking: 

Large Paved Parking Lot. Plenty of parking.

Fees:

• $5/person (16+) (Includes entrance fee and shuttle fee)
•  Interagency/Golden Senior or Access Pass Holders: $2.00 Shuttle Fee (Free Entrance)
• After Hours: $3.00 per person (16+). No shuttle bus available.

Difficulty:  

1-5 Hikers (1 easy to 5 hard) - Fairly easy but is a steep incline on the way 

Time Estimate: 

With small children: 30 minutes of walking each way. 45 minutes at top. Of course, almost everything is quicker without kids…. J

Trail Activities: 

Hiking/Walking, Running

Seasons: 

April – November; weather permitting

Trail Surface: 

Paved

Restrooms:

 At top and bottom only. Nice, clean restrooms.  Open only during business hours. After hours -- In parking lot. Glorified Outhouse.

Accessibility: 

Very Accessible during business hours. Ramps to restrooms, Shuttle bus to/from top, and elevators.

Stroller Friendliness: 

Paved path makes the walking path very friendly to strollers. Also, the elevator at the top is super helpful too! If all else fails, you have the shuttle!

Pet Friendliness: 

Dogs must be leashed and are not permitted in the Visitor Center.

Seating/Rest Areas: 

There are various rest points along the .6 mile trail.

Wildlife Watch: 

Although we did not see any on our retreat, there were signs of deer and various other forest creatures.

Other Notable Features:

•  Arkaquah Foot Trail: 5.5 miles, ends at Track Rock Gap.
• Jacks Knob Foot Trail: 4.5 miles leads to the Appalachian Trail.
• Wagon Train Foot Trail: 5.8 miles, leads to Wagon Train Road which ends at Young Harris College.

Best Feature: 

Scenic views of 4+ states.

Worst Feature: 

Due to remote location, be sure to pack food.

Hilary’s Review: 

4.5 out of 5

Kevin’s Review: 

4 out of 5

Reece’s Review (3 years old): 

4 out of 5

Closest Restaurant(s): 

Pack a picnic, or eat afterwards in Young Harris or Blairsville.

What Else is Close-by: 

State Parks. Great Hiking Trails. Golf Courses. Waterfalls.

Drive time: 

• From Canton - 2 hours
• From Downtown Atlanta - 2 hours.

Link to Website: 

Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center

Pics: