Appalachian Trail in Towns County North Georgia Mountains

You can say that the Appalachian Trail either begins or ends in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia depending on where one begins their journey. Stretching over 2,100-miles from Georgia’s Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the Appalachian Trail is world-renowned to serious hikers and backpackers as well as day hikers looking for fresh air, exercise and outstanding mountain views.

The trail’s grand vision began in 1921 by forester, regional planner and conservationist Benton MacKaye, and completed in the Georgia region in 1931. A section of the trail’s most outstanding views stretch across the southern regions of Towns County, offering hikers the opportunity for a causal day’s hike, or overnight camp outs for backpackers looking to escape the world below for an experience to remember in the natural world.

The Appalachian Trail has several access points within Towns County, listed in the points of interest points below are 3 of these access trails.

Available on the Blue Ridge Highlander’s, Mtn Top Georgia Mobile App, are three GPS locations where hikers can access the Appalachian Trail in southern Towns County Georgia. Two of these locations are at Unicoi Gap and Dicks Creek Gap where hikers will find convenient parking for immediate access to the trail. One other access point to the to the Appalachian Trail is via a hike along a section of Jack’s Knob Trail which hikers can pick up just across the roadway to the entrance to Brasstown Bald and Wilderness Area.  There’s a parking area near the entrance to Brasstown Bald for hikers to use.

There are other trails in southern Towns County that can access the Appalachian Trail not contained in the points of interest listed below. We hope to make these available to hikers at a future date.

Appalachian Trail at Unicoi Gap

Unicoi Gap is located along GA Highway 75/2 high above the far southern reaches of Towns County. This is a perfect access point for day hikers or overnight backpackers looking to experience the wonders and beauty of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains along the renowned Appalachian Trail.

The spacious parking area at Unicoi Gap is located on the eastern side of highway.  One of the more notable features at this access point along the Appalachian Trail is an old green tarnished bronze plaque embedded in a large boulder with an embossed figure of a hiker dating back to 1934.  The plaque commemorates the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club that manages and maintains Georgia’s 75.6-mile portion of the trail. An inspiring message on the plaque reads, “A Footpath for Those who seek Fellowship with the Wilderness.”

Whether your looking for a backpacking trip across the mountain tops, a days hiking tour or just a quick one-hour in and out experience along the Appalachian Trail its well worth the journey and the claim that you also hiked the infamous trail.

Appalachian Trail at Dicks Creek Gap

Dicks Gap is located along GA Highway 76/2 high above the far eastern reaches of Towns County and is a perfect access point for day hikers or overnight backpackers looking to experience the wonders and beauty of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain’s along the renowned Appalachian Trail.

The spacious parking area and access to the trail at Dicks Creek Gap is located on the northern side of highway.  One of the more notable features at this access point to the Appalachian Trail is its tranquil beauty and setting within a hardwood forest.

This trail access site also offers a couple of kiosks providing hikers with valuable information for their journey. Also located at the site are several picnic tables for hikers or folks that are just looking for a roadside setting in a peaceful and beautiful environment. The leaf color here during the autumn season is exceptional.

Whether your looking for a backpacking trip across the mountain tops, a days hiking tour or just a quick one-hour in and out experience along the Appalachian Trail its well worth the journey.

Like many highway access points to the Appalachian Trail there is a large boulder at the trailhead with the trail access name and compass directions carved into a large boulder. It’s a good spot for a personalized photo opportunity before setting out on the trail.

Appalachian Trail via Jack’s Knob Trail

Located along GA Highway 180 adjacent to the entrance to Brasstown Bald is the halfway point along Jack’s Knob Trail that begins atop of Brasstown Bald and concludes at the Appalachian Trail at Chattahoochee Gap, approximately 2-miles to the south of GA Highway 180. Jack’s Knob Trail is rated moderate to strenuous.

Though the trail is conveniently located across from the entrance to Brasstown Bald, it is a little difficult to see at first. The trail beings on the south side of GA Highway 180 and instead of boldly opening into the woods, the trail runs parallel along the roadway before turning south, a marker is near the entrance to the trail visible when looking westward.

From this access point that leads to the Appalachian Trail, Jack’s Knob Trail begins as a long ascent before reaching a descent along a ridge trail, then a second ascent to the Appalachian Trail above. There is a convenient parking area next to the entrance to the Brasstown Bald and Wilderness Area for hikers. 

Georgia Mountain Fairground Festivals and Super Star Concerts

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee Georgia

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are right on beautiful Lake Chatuge in Towns County Georgia. The Fairgrounds sit along the banks and are surrounded by the mountains, including the tallest mountains in Georgia.

The Festivals and Concerts start in early spring with the Rhododendron Festival, followed by the Georgia Mountain Fair, Fall Festival, Super Star Concerts, Georgia's Official State Fiddler's Convention and there are campgrounds right on beautiful shores of Lake Chatuge.

1311 Music Hall Road • Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 • 706.896.4191 • GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

North Georgia Mountain Campground

Campgrounds at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Scattered throughout the beautiful Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are 207 camping and RV sites that offer modern conveniences such as water, electricity, telephone and internet.  There are 92 sites in the first area and 115 paved sites, open year-round, in the second area. Most sites offer beautiful views of Lake Chatuge, and campers can take advantage of the Fairgrounds' many amenities including a playground, boat ramp, paved playing courts, full time Park Ranger/Security Guard, shaded picnic tables and the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens.

706-896-4191   •  96 Pavilion Road • Hiawassee GA 30546  •  Campgrounds at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Gardens in Hiawassee Georgia

Hamilton Gardens at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

The Gardens are located on a gentle hillside on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee Georgia. Plants, both native and hybrid, sit quietly along 20 acres of majestic walking trails, spilling over as if to greet you with warmth and color.

The Rhododendron Festival at Hamilton Gardens takes place from mid-April to mid-May, everything will be in bloom, showing colors even an artist dreams about! Hundreds of varieties, and as many as 1,500 rhododendrons and azaleas create a magnificent backdrop for many other equally beautiful plants. Come take a stroll and feel the beauty and peace surrounding you.

Open Every Day 8:00 am - Dusk
96 Pavilion Road  •  Hiawassee, GA 30546  •  706-896-4191  •  Hamilton Gardens

Real Estate North Georgia Mountains

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When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.

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White Water Rafting Mountains

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Great mountain adventures is offering the "Best Fishing" available in the Mountains. We create a fishing trip, designed specifically towards your needs with a professional fishing guide to guide you to make the most of your fishing adventure on the Finest Lakes, Rivers and Streams in the Southern Appalachians!

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