Located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level and just a short drive from Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Helen. On the Bald you’ll find picnic areas with great views; a general store with locally made products; three trailheads just off of our parking lot; a mountaintop natural science & history museum, and observation deck that offers a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding area, including four states (GA, TN, NC, & SC) and if you’re lucky, the skyline of Atlanta!
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
The Brasstown Bald Visitor Center is closed for the season. The trail and observation deck remain open year round. The road leading to the Brasstown Bald parking lot (Spur 180) may be closed by Georgia DOT during inclement winter weather.
Operational Hours:
We’ll be closing for the season on Monday, November 29th.
Fees
Visitor Center and Day Use Area: $5/person (16+)
(Includes entrance fee and shuttle fee)
After Hours: $3.00 per person (16+)
American the Beautiful Interagency Pass or Golden Pass Holders Free Entrance
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 Brasstown Bald Visitor Center at
(706) 896-4137 for information regarding an Annual Pass for $25/person or the Friends and Family pass for $35, which allows the pass holder plus two adults in.
Operated By:
FIND Outdoors under permit by U.S. Forest Service
Information Center:
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 guarantee 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
SHOW
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
SHOW
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
SHOW
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.
SHOW
