Get your adventure on and climb every mountain in North Georgia! These 6 mountain hikes will take you to the tallest peaks in Georgia and on some of the most challenging yet rewarding trails in the area. What are you waiting for? Your mountain adventure is calling!
Springer Mountain
A short drive from downtown Blue Ridge, Springer Mountain, is the start of many avid hikers 2,192 mile trek along the Appalachian Trail. If you don’t plan on hiking the full Appalachian Trail, then take the 8.6 mile round trip hike through Three Forks to Springer Mountain instead. Along the way you’ll find mountain peak views, tranquil streams, waterfalls, and a lush environment. Or you can take the shorter one mile trek from the Springer Mountain parking lot if you’re just looking for a leisurely hike. While there’s many ways to reach the summit of Springer Mountain, we assure you that whatever journey you choose to take, you won’t be disappointed by the views that await you at the top!
Preachers Rock
About an hour outside of Blue Ridge, GA is Preachers Rock. This is a great hike for beginners and for their four legged companions, because the whole hike is only a 2 mile round trip. Short and sweet! You’ll start the hike at Woody Gap off of Highway 60 and make your way through Woody Creek Valley. Keep following the signs for the Appalachian Trail and head up Big Cedar Mountain, through switchbacks and rock outcrops until you reach Preachers Rock – a broad rock outcrop about a mile into your journey. Preachers Rock is a great viewing area and a place to take a mid-hike break because the trees open up and frame the surrounding mountains just perfectly! After a few photos and a quick break, retrace your steps and head back down the mountain.
Bell Mountain
About 45 minutes outside of Blue Ridge in Hiawassee, GA is the beautiful Bell Mountain. While the steps to the top observation deck are steep, there is no hiking actually needed to take in the views here. You can simply drive in, and park in the parking lot next to the first observation deck. Just be wary, the drive up is incredibly steep, so make sure you take the right kind of vehicle for the drive. If you’re ready for a little more of a climb, take the steps up to the second observation deck where you’ll have incredible 360 degree views of Lake Chatuge, the surrounding mountains, and the small town of Hiawassee below. You’ll feel on top of the world up here and will actually be over 3,400 feet above sea level! While the journey to Bell Mountain isn’t much of a hike the views that await you at the top are so worth it!
Brasstown Bald
Are you ready to climb to the tallest peak in Georgia? Brasstown Bald, near Blairsville, sits at 4,784 feet above sea level AND you can even see 4 states at once from the top! The trek there is a 1.1 mile short but steep trail. It’s all uphill and quite the challenge, but the views at the top will make it worth your while. Brasstown Bald is a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers alike, and it’s not hard to see why! Even astral photographers and astronomers love to visit Brasstown Bald because it has the least amount of “atmospheric turbulence” in the state of Georgia! From the observation deck you’ll have stunning 360-degree views of the colorful Southern Appalachian Mountains and valleys below, and you will be surrounded by the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest. Want these amazing views without the hike? No problem! You can take the shuttle up to Brasstown Bald, Thursday-Monday in the spring thru the fall, and enjoy putting your feet up & taking the scenic ride there!
Blood Mountain
Take Highway 129 South through Chattahoochee National Forest to reach the top of Neels Gap and the base of Blood Mountain. This 4.3 mile round trip hike will take you along the Appalachian Trail via the Byron Reece Trail at Neels Gap. And while Brasstown Bald may be the highest peak in Georgia, Blood Mountain is the highest elevation summit on the Appalachian Trail in the state of Georgia, so you’re in for quite the trek. Along your steep ascent to the peak you’ll pass by scenic view after scenic view. And after about 2 miles on the trail you’ll finally reach the summit. Stick around to take in the views and snap a few photos of the stunning mountain peaks that surround you. The best place to capture the scenic beauty of the overlook is from the outcrop next to the old Civilian Conservation Corps building. Once you’re satisfied with your photos and have taken a well deserved break, begin your two mile trek back down the mountain to the Byron Reece Trail trailhead.
Fort Mountain
One of our favorite mountain trails to hike in the fall is Fort Mountain in Chatsworth, GA. In the fall, the valley below is aglow with bright reds, oranges, and yellows and you’ll be in awe of its utter beauty; but this lovely mountain hike is great any season! Fort Mountain State Park is made up of over 4,000 acres of forests, streams, lakes, and miles and miles of hiking trails. If you explore the 5 mile Grassy Mountain Tower Trail you’ll pass by the historic Grassy Mountain Fire Lookout Tower that has incredible views of the surrounding countryside at the top. And you might also notice the mysterious 855-foot-long wall around the park that was thought to have been built by the early Indians that called the North Georgia Mountains home. However, if you’re looking for some of the best views in the park and a truly rewarding hike, follow the Gahuti Trail which is an 8.1 mile round trip that takes you past multiple scenic overlooks, a waterfall at Goldmine Branch Creek, and through the tall trees of the forest. You’ll find some of the most instagrammable spots and overlooks along this trail.
Plan your route to these tall & beautiful mountain peaks at https://www.atlantatrails.com/ and don’t forget to tag us in all the photos from your many adventures! We hope you have a Mountain of Fun on your next Escape to Blue Ridge! 🙂
