Brasstown Bald

This route begins and ends at the Jacks Knob Trailhead, at the Brasstown Bald summit parking area (4,359'), and reaches the summit observation deck atop Brasstown Bald (4,784'), the highest point in Georgia. From the trailhead, climb the paved Brasstown Bald Trail, gaining about 410 vertical feet on a steep, winding but well-maintained path. The trail passes through a stunted forest of hardwoods, rhododendron, and mountain laurel unique to Georgia's highest elevations before a final set of stairs, or an elevator, reaches the observation deck, where plaques identify peaks, rivers, and towns visible across four states on a clear day. When the visitor center is open (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through November), a free shuttle can cover this stretch instead of walking. Return the way you came. For a longer approach to the same summit, Jacks Knob Trail continues 4.5 miles down to the Appalachian Trail, and the Wagon Train Trail descends 6 miles to Young Harris — both begin at this same trailhead.