Post - Everyday Travel Guides

by Rebecca Hollman
updated Oct 23, 2019

Brasstown Bald - Hiawassee, Georgia

The highest point in the entire state of Georgia, Brasstown Bald gives amazing views of the surrounding rolling mountains for little effort. It rises 4,784 feet above sea level and is a short drive from the towns of Helen, Hiawassee and Blairsville making it an easy accessible and short hike. There is an observation deck at the top and also many picnic areas to enjoy the views from the top. The observation deck offers 360 views and lets you see four states - Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. On an exceptionally clear day you can even see the Atlanta skyline. Under the observation deck, a small indoor theatre plays a short video about Brasstown Bald every half hour. Four other trails branch off from the Brasstown Bald trail and meander through the surrounding forest.

Table of Contents

About the Trail:

The Brasstown Bald Summit Trail, which connects the parking area to the Visitor Center and Viewing Platform, is a 0.6 mile paved foot trail. It is very steep, but very short so overall would be considered a moderate level of difficulty. If you don’t want to hike up the steep trail, or can’t because of limited mobility, there is a shuttle service that is provided as an alternative to walking the trail. The shuttle only runs during the parks operational hours (10 am - 5 pm) but you can still access the trail after hours, however you will have to walk it yourself. There are more trails besides the Summit Trail, the most popular being Jack’s Knob Trail and the Wagon Train Trail. Check out the official Brasstown Bald website for more info on these trails.

Trail Info:

The trail starts at the base of the mountain, at the parking lot for the visitor’s center. To the right of the center there is a small trailhead which immediately goes into the forest. The path is paved all the way to the top. It starts to wind back and forth, switchbacking the whole way to the top. You will pass the trailhead for the Wagon Train Trail, which goes all the way to Young Harris College. Keep following the switchbacks until you come out of the forest on the access road. You will see the massive observation deck in front of you. Take your time to watch the video in the theatre, walk around all sides of the deck and read the placards showing you where you are looking. Head back down on the same trail to the parking lot the way you came.

Trail Map:

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Getting There:

From Blairsville, Georgia take US 19 & 129 south for 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto Georgia 180. Go 9 miles to Georgia Spur 180 and turn left (north). Go 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald parking lot.

Please note, some GPS units may display an incorrect location for Brasstown Bald since there is no physical address for the facility. Searching Brasstown Bald Visitor Center in Google Maps will you bring you to the facility at the top of the bald. However, normal cars can’t drive up to this point. If you follow 180 all the way towards the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center you will reach a point with a small gate and parking lot. This is where you will pay your $5 entrance fee and park. From there you can wait for the shuttle or take the trail up to the summit.

Hours of Operation:

Brasstown Bald is open daily from 10am – 5pm, mid-March through December (weather permitting). The observation deck and hiking trails are accessible 24/7, but keep in mind that all facilities including store, elevator, visitor center, shuttle service and restrooms closed at 5pm. A single pit toilet located in the center of the parking lot will be available for use by the public after hours.

Entrance Fees:

During open hours the Admission fee is $5 per adult (16 & up.) Children 15 & under get in free. This is a day-use fee and includes parking and shuttle service. The after-hours fee is $3 per adult, paid through the yellow envelopes found at the fee tube next to the ticket booth.