Where is Brasstown Bald?

Where is Brasstown Bald?

Usa, north-america

Length

4.9 km

Elevation

1,458 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the northeast Georgia mountains, headed towards Brasstown Bald. This beauty sits right on the line between Towns and Union counties and is Georgia's highest point, clocking in at 4,784 feet!

You can totally drive to the top, just hop on Georgia State Route 180 Spur. Keep in mind that the road is paved but super steep. And there's a little gravel section where another trail crosses, just to keep you on your toes! The climb is just about 3 miles from the Georgia 180 junction.

Speaking of steep, get ready for an average grade of 11.2%! You'll be gaining over 1,800 feet in a short amount of time.

Once you're up there, you're in for a treat. Brasstown Bald is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains inside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. At the top, a five-story lookout tower awaits, along with an 8,000 sq ft museum packed with interactive exhibits. You can see four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And if you get lucky, the Atlanta skyline is visible. Just be aware that the mountain's weather can be super unpredictable. Fog, mist, and storms can roll in out of nowhere, so check conditions before you head up. If the weather's bad, the gates will be closed.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
4.9 km
Max Elevation
1,458 m
Difficulty
hard

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