Bell Mountain - Hiawassee, Georgia
by Rebecca Hollman
updated October 3, 2019
Bell Mountain - Hiawassee, Georgia
Bell Mountain is a beautiful lookout point in Hiawassee, northeast Georgia. This high point gives views of the town of Hiawassee and all the surrounding water and lakes. The top of the mountain is covered in boulders that are all painted in graffiti. This gives a cool street art feel but some people view it as degrading the nature. You can climb atop the boulders or walk across a wooden boardwalk area to get different views of the surrounding landscape.
About Bell Mountain:
In 1963, Bell Mountain was attempted to be mined for minerals but this attempt failed miserably, instead leaving a gaping hole in the side of the mountain and erosion that pours down into the lake affecting water quality. After this mining incident, a local resident purchased the mountain to conserve it. After his death, the county received ownership of the mountain. Recently, the county has added the wood viewing platform and also created a better road and parking lot. This has led to some backlash, as many people think this will encourage more visitors to come to Bell Mountain, visitors that won’t necessarily respect the mountain. This is already evident with the graffiti being painted on the new viewing platform. Please, if you are going to visit Bell Mountain, respect the mountain and nature and DON’T SPRAY PAINT OR GRAFFITI THE ROCKS!
Bell Mountain is a beautiful place to visit and to get a nice 360 degree view of Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge. It’s great for visiting with kids or older family members since there is no hike required and you can drive directly to the top. Make sure to walk along the entire viewing platform and also take a scramble up over the boulders and follow the little trail to see over the other side of the mountain.
How To Get There:
From the town of Hiawassee, head south on S Main St until you reach a small road called Shake Rag Rd. This road winds its way up the mountain until it reaches a lower parking lot. This is an overflow lot and there is a closer lot if you keep following the road up past the the open gate. It seems like you shouldn’t drive up here but there are more spots farther up. Otherwise, you can park in the overflow lot but you will need to walk up the remainder of the road and it is quite steep, although short. If you are there with children or seniors, I would recommend trying to drive and get a spot as far up as you can.