Brasstown Bald

Last Updated 22 Oct 2026

Brasstown Bald, also known as Enotah, is the highest mountain in Georgia. About 30 miles northeast of the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, Brasstown Bald offers a range of hiking options. The mountain is accessible via a steep 0.6-mile paved trail to the summit, but longer trails are also available. Situated near the North Carolina border, in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Brasstown Bald is approximately two hours north of Atlanta. On clear nights, it provides some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. The area is stunning in late fall and early winter, with views rivaling Glacier National Park's night skies.

Access Point

Navigate to V5CQ+6X, Young Harris, GA 30546.

Brasstown Bald and its trail entrances are easily reachable from Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Greenville.

• From Atlanta, GA: Take Route 19 North to GA 180 East, then follow the 180 spur. Alternatively, continue Route 19 North to Route 76 East and take Track Rock Road to reach the Arkaquah Trail.
• From Chattanooga, TN: Take I-75 South into Georgia, then Route 76 East to 19/129 South, followed by GA 180 East and the 180 spur. For the Arkaquah Trail, continue Route 76 East until Track Rock Road.
• From Greenville, SC: Take Route 123 to Route 76 West, then 17/75 South to GA 180 West and the 180 spur. To reach the Arkaquah Trail, continue Route 76 West until Track Rock Road.

Recommended Route

The Brasstown Bald Trail is the shortest and easiest route to the summit.

The steep, paved Summit Trail climbs 0.6 miles from the parking area to the visitor center and observation deck (1.2 miles round trip). For those who prefer not to hike, a shuttle (included with admission) runs from the parking area to the top.

Regulations

Admission is $10 per adult (ages 16+) during regular hours, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, and $6 per adult after hours. Children 15 and younger are free. Admission includes the shuttle and the visitor center. The last shuttle to the summit leaves at 4:30 PM, and there is no shuttle service from 12:30 to 1:10 PM. America the Beautiful interagency passes are accepted, but the national forest annual pass is not. All facilities close the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Lodging & Camping

While no campsites exist on Brasstown Bald, ample camping is available in the surrounding forests. Additionally, you can camp along the Appalachian Trail, accessible via the Jacks Knob Trail. It runs south from the Brasstown Bald summit area, crosses GA 180 at Jacks Gap after about 2.2 miles, and reaches the Appalachian Trail at Chattahoochee Gap after about 4.5 miles.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Brasstown Bald?

The best times to visit Brasstown Bald are in late fall and early winter when the foliage is beautiful and the skies are clear for stargazing. However, it is accessible year-round.

Are there shuttle services available to the summit?

Yes, a shuttle runs from the parking area to the summit for those who prefer not to hike. It's included with admission ($10 per adult, children 15 and younger free). The last shuttle up leaves at 4:30 PM, and there's no service from 12:30 to 1:10 PM.

Can I bring my dog on the hike?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails at Brasstown Bald, but they must remain leashed. Dogs are not permitted inside the visitor center.

What should I bring for the hike?

Sunscreen and a hat are also advisable for sunny days.

Are there restroom facilities available?

Restroom facilities are available at the Brasstown Bald parking area and near the summit.