Brasstown Bald Wilderness Area
The Brasstown Bald and Wilderness Area are located in the heart of North Georgia's mountainous Chattahoochee National Forest. Brasstown Bald is the highest and most accessible mountain summit in North Georgia, and is considered by many to be a virtual stairway to the heavens for visitors exploring the high country. The mountain summit is 4,784-feet above sea level, offering breathtaking vistas that reach into the mountainous country of four surrounding states within the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The four states are parts of North Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. What's exceptional about this mountaintop site is that it is accessible by a paved roadway to the parking area just below the summit.
From the Visitor's Center , access to the summit is by way of the Summit Trail, a fairly steep half-mile blacktop trail, which follows through a bald thicket containing Mountain Laurels, Rhododendrons, seasonal wildflowers and dwarfed trees. Also conveniently located near the summit's trailhead next to the Visitor's Center and Gift Shop, is a shuttle passenger van that will take visitors to the top viewing area and return trip for a modest fee. Shuttle services are available daily from Memorial Day to the end of October.
Surrounded by the 12,975-acres of Brasstown Bald Wilderness is Brasstown Bald, considered the crown jewel of North Georgia's mountaintops. Balds exist mainly on the tallest mountaintops of the Blue Ridge-Smoky Mountains region, and are mostly void of any sizable trees. These balds are normally covered in low shrubs, dwarf trees or tall grasses and are considered a mystery in their making. Both geologist studies and Cherokee folklore have their own separate ideas regarding the characteristics of balds and how they were formed.
On a clear day from its circular 360-degree stone observation deck at the mountain summit, visitors can gaze upon Georgia's neighboring mountains along with Lake Nottely and Lake Chatuge in the valley lands below. Standing watch over the observation deck is an old circular wooden fire-lookout-tower that adds a personal sense of character to the balds' summit; this structure is closed to the public.
Also located along the observation deck is a must see museum with excellent exhibits displaying the lives of early settlers, a narrow gage locomotive, plaques of Native American cultural legends and myths, plus displays of local wildlife. There is also a small theater featuring a film of the natural geological history of this mountainous region.
Other features located near the Visitor's Center are three additional hiking trails plus a nearby boulder field that surrounds most of the bald. The boulder field is accessible from the Wagon Train Trail. Also located on the mountaintop are a flourishing amount of natural Mountain Laurels and Rhododendrons that are native to these mountains.
On occasions, the Visitor's Center hosts special events that are quite an experience to enjoy since these festivities take place on an actual mountaintop. Information for these past and future events may be obtained at the local Forest Ranger District Office in Blairsville.
Brasstown Bald and Wilderness Area in Union County Georgia is an outdoor experience that says it all; it is magnificent, indescribable and awe-inspiring.
Brasstown Bald Trail Access...
Plan your Trip and Save it in Your Back Pack
Overview of Union County Georgia
Blairsville Georgia, the County Seat
Township of Suches Georgia
Wilderness Areas & Trails
Appalachian Trail Access
Blood Mountain Wilderness
Brasstown Bald & Wilderness
Brasstown Bald Trails
Chattahoochee National Forest
Cooper's Creek Wilderness
Cooper's Creek Wilderness Trails
Duncan Ridge Trails
Community Resources
Farmers Market & Cannery
Butternut Creek Golf Course & Community Center
University of Georgia Department of Agriculture Mountain Research and Educational Center
History & Culture
Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center
Trackrock Archaeological Site
Union County Georgia History
Union County Historical Society & Museum
Lakes, Rivers & Waterfalls
Lake Nottely • Lake Trahlyta • Lake Windfield Scott • Dockery Lake
Nottely River
Parks & Recreation Areas
Meeks Park & Trails
Vogel State Park & Trails
Waterfalls
Scenic Road Trips
Gold City Tour
Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway
Other Union County Scenic Road Trips
Union County Farmers Market in Blairsville GA • Every Tues & Sat ~ June through October
The Union County Farmers Market has over 60 covered vendor spaces in our outdoor setting.
148 Old Smokey Rd • Blairsville, GA • 706.439.6000 • CCFarmersMarket.com
Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins
224 Blue Ridge Dr • McCaysville, GA • 877.628.3353 • www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com
Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts
Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Juanita Greenspan • Linda Thompson • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Marla McCormick • Don Milsaps
Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 ish - 5:00 ish
10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com
Great Mountain Properties & Cabin Rentals in now accepting additional cabins
Whether you purchased your mountain home as an occasional getaway, an investment, or the destination of your future retirement, we realize the importance that it be respected as your home first and foremost.
It is our objective to provide you with both quality property management as well as a rental program to help offset some of the expense of owning a 2nd home. Through the combined knowledge of all of us at Great Mountain Cabin Rentals, we have the expertise to help you understand and create a Great Mountain Cabin Rental.
896 Green Cove Road • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.835.3275 • www.GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips
So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMountainFishing.com
Rafting on the Ocoee River
Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Rafting on the Nantahala River
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River
Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers
Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.
tara@greatmountainretreats.com • 828.835.3275 • GreatYouthRetreats.com
Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina
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.
10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 • GreatMtnRealEstate.com
Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker
224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA • 706-964-6470 • RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com
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