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Brasstown Bald, Hiawassee, GA

Photo: Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Brasstown Bald

2941 Hwy 180 Spur · Hiawassee, GA

Why you should go…

Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest point at 4,784 feet, and from the parking area you take a shuttle or walk a paved half-mile trail to the summit visitor center. Its observation deck gives 360-degree views of the Southern Appalachians, and on a clear day you can see four states. Inside, an 8,000-square-foot museum covers the mountain's natural and cultural history. Gates close during bad weather.

  • #mountain summit
  • #observation deck
  • #scenic views
  • #hiking
  • #national forest

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Brasstown Bald, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Anna Ruby Falls

    Under $25

    Follow a paved trail along Smith Creek to viewing platforms at the foot of twin waterfalls near Helen.

    9.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Helen

    Free

    A Blue Ridge Mountain town built as a Bavarian-style alpine village, promoted by its convention and visitors bureau.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Babyland General Hospital

    Free

    Tour the Cabbage Patch Kids hospital, watch a doll's birth at Mother Cabbage and adopt one to take home.

    18 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Project Chimps

    $25–$50

    Guided tours of a chimpanzee sanctuary in the north Georgia mountains, home to retired research chimps.

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

    $25–$50

    Heritage train excursion from downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia to McCaysville and Copperhill along the Toccoa River.

    29 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Amicalola Falls State Park

    Under $25

    Hike to a 729-foot cascading waterfall, ride the zip lines and stay at the lodge in this north Georgia state park.

    32 mi awayMore like this