Beautiful Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level, is Georgia's highest mountain. As such, this is the first place to see fall color. On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from atop the mountain allows you to see four states, including Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The Visitor Information Center, located on the summit of the Bald, offers exhibits, video presentations and interpretive programs.
Shuttle Service:
$3 Per Adult
$2 Ages 3-10
Under 2 Free
(No discounts accepted for shuttle service)
Restrictions:
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. The shuttle service is provided as an alternative to walking the trail.
Dogs must be leashed and are not permitted in the Visitor Center.
Closest Towns:
Hiawassee, GA
Young Harris, GA
Blairsville, GA
Water:
A drinking fountain is located at the Visitor Center
Restroom:
Flush toilets are located in the day use area and at the Visitor Center
Contact the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association at
(828) 884-5713 for information regarding a Day Use Annual Pass for $20/person.
Operated By:
Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association under permit by U.S. Forest Service
Information Center:
Additional information can be obtained by contacting:
The Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center: 706-896-2556
OR
The Blue Ridge Ranger District: 706-745-6928
General Information
Directions:
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. We suggest using the longitude and latitude coordinates for the intersection of Highway 180 and Spur 180 which will provide the most accurate GPS directions. They are N34.847894, W83.798567. While these coordinates are accurate, this is no garauntee your GPS unit will calculate a route accurately.
Access to four hiking trails ranging from 1/2 to 6 miles in length.
Brasstown Bald Trail: This steep, paved 1/2 mile trail leads from the parking lot to the Visitor Information Center on the Bald. For those who don't want to walk, a concessionaire operates a shuttle bus from the parking area to the Visitor Information Center for a fee.
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.
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Scenery
Just the experience of getting to Brasstown Bald is scenic. The views from overlooks along the way to Georgia's highest peak are some of the most beautiful in the state. From some points, you can see the silhouette of the lookout tower at the top of the mountain. From the observation deck above the vistor center, you can see parts of four states; Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. Telescopes are available on the observation deck for close-up views of the distant scenery. On clear days the Atlanta skyline is visible to the south.
Outdoor Learning
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Interpretive Areas
Take advantage of the interpretive signs along the trail from the parking lot to the mountain summit. Once there, spend some time on the observation deck where you can see four states. Telescopes and signs help you see major features of interest in the distance.
Visitor Centers
The Brasstown Bald Visitor Center includes 8,000 square feet of interpretive exhibits about the area's geology and ecology, climate and weather, history and culture and video presentations in the mountain top theatre.
Picnicking_P
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Picnicking
Individual picnic tables are located around the perimeter of the parking lot to provide a very scenic outdoor experience with friends and family. The tables are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not taken for picnicking.
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