Description
This steep, paved trail leads from the parking lot on Brasstown Bald to the Visitor Information Center at the summit. Access to the summit is also provided by a shuttle.
It would probably be better to call this footpath up and down instead of in and out. Although difficult, this is an excellent hike for most people. Frequent stopping places along the path make it achievable for even the most out-of-shape hikers. As you climb from the parking lot to the summit the change in flora is the equivalent of walking a thousand miles further north.
At the base of Brasstown,Rosebay Rhododendron are dominant, but are replaced by purple rhododendron as the trail climbs. Trees at the base are a mix of large oak and a variety hardwoods. As the path climbs the trees are smaller. The top of the shrub bald is covered by an unusual dwarf forest. Twisted and gnarled branches of both red and white oak create an unusual sight. Because Wolfpen Ridge is predominantly hardwood, Brasstown Bald (which is the highest point on the ridge) is a wonder to behold in the fall. Normally the best colors occur during the third week in October.
The top of the mountain is 500 feet higher than the base. Be sure to carry a jacket for warmth at the top except during the summer. From the Visitors Center is an unencumbered 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. Visible from the top are Rabun Bald (Georgia's second highest mountain, slightly north of due east), Blood Mountain (south of due west), and the Cohutta Mountains, (due west of the center).
The trail begins near the bulletin board just north of the gift shop in the parking lot. A modest fee is charged for parking. The trail is steep and is an access path to the Wagon Train Trail. The path follows the Union and Towns County border.
At the top is a visitors center with an extensive museum and various presentations on forestry in north Georgia. Plan on spending a few minutes to see the exhibit as it is well worth the time. The trail is 1.2 miles ROUND TRIP! It is a very steep hike though...
Brasstown Bald Visitors Information Center(706) 896-2556
Trail length: 1 miles
Posted by Virgo Fabulous on March 3, 2010
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Reviews of Brasstown Bald
Reviewed by jb boyd on October 19, 2015
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This is a crowded, steep, paved, footpath to the top of the somewhat misnamed Brasstown Bald. Make no mistake, there is nothing really "nature" or "trail" about it, despite the signs insisting to the contrary. But I have to admit, the view at the top is simply stunning, hence the four stars.
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Reviewed by Troop 321 on March 17, 2014
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Nice hike to the top with an awesome view. Enjoy the museum. Then if you want a little more adventure grab your backpack and head down the trail to Young Harris College. There is one place to get water from a stream about half way down to the college. This trail can be done in one day or camp on the trail one night.
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Reviewed by Melissa Peacock on October 30, 2013
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On Saturday October 26, 2013 I ventured up to Brasstown Bald, The biggest change is that they charge $5.00 per person and it includes the shuttle bus up to the visitor center.
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Reviewed by Greg Heil on January 25, 2013
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The views from the overlook at the top are AMAZING! This is the highest point in Georgia, so you can see for miles and miles, including the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The short, steep paved trail from the visitor center to the top is a pretty easy hike, but if you're looking for more challenge there is a dirt singletrack trail from the base where the road turns off of the highway all the way up to the visitor center.
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Reviewed by Melissa Peacock on November 8, 2012
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I had my very first BLACK BEAR ENCOUNTER HERE. The bear ran across my path I was so excited and caught off guard so I was not camera ready for the event. I will be next time. I am headed back next weekend it was so fun and hope to catch snow shots of the mountain. This was the most interesting hike I have ever taken. I was putting on jackets and taking off jackets. I was rained on, I was clouded by fog. Cold???Hot?? How fun was this to hike. Another words the weather could not make up it's mind. It is an absolutely awesome place to hike with all levels of trails available. The interpretive center was one of the best I have been to. Very interactive any age children will love the upclose encounters in the interpretive centers. A family event but call ahead to make sure you can access it. Due to the weather they shut the roads down up to the top. HYou can hike it all year but it is DIFFICULT VERY DIFFICULT.
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Brasstown Bald
4.50
out of 5
based on 5 ratings.
5 user reviews.
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