Brasstown Bald
Mountain Highest point in Georgia with observation tower
Georgia’s highest named point, Brasstown Bald brings hikers and sightseers to an observation platform and short summit trails for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge.
Brasstown Bald is the highest natural point in the state of Georgia, United States, with a summit elevation of 4,784 feet (1,458 metres). It is located in the northern part of the state within the Blue Ridge segment of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
The summit area includes a visitor centre and an enclosed observation deck that offers 360-degree panoramic views on clear days. A paved road and a short steep trail provide access to the summit area from the car park.
The site is managed for public recreation and conservation, with marked trails radiating from the summit and interpretive information on the area’s natural history. Weather on the summit can change rapidly, so visitors should come prepared for cooler and windier conditions than in the surrounding lowlands.
Brasstown Bald lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia and is reached by road from nearby towns in the region.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 4,784 feet (1,458 metres), making it the highest point in the U.S. state of Georgia.
What to See #
- Visitor centre and summit facilities: A staffed visitor centre and interpretive displays at or near the summit that explain the mountain's natural and cultural history.
- Summit observation deck: An enclosed observation deck and short paved trail to the summit lookout that provide panoramic views from the state's highest point.
How to Get to Brasstown Bald #
Drive: Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, located in the northwestern part of the state near Blairsville. From Atlanta it’s roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive (about 85-95 miles) - a common driving route is I‑85 north to I‑985, then US‑23/US‑441 north toward Blairsville and onward via GA‑180 to the park access.
Onsite: there is a parking area below the summit; from the parking/visitor area it’s a short paved walk (about 0.6 miles / ~1 km) up to the observation deck and visitor center. A seasonal shuttle operates from the parking lot to the summit when available.
Tips for Visiting Brasstown Bald #
- Aim for sunrise or late afternoon for the clearest, most dramatic 360° views from the summit and to avoid the busiest midday periods.
- Use the visitor center parking and, in peak season, the park-operated shuttle to reach the summit; the shuttle drop connects to a short paved path up to the observation tower so you can avoid the narrow summit road.
- Visit midweek or very early in the morning during fall leaf-peeping weekends when the site is busiest; check the visitor center for summit visibility and shuttle schedules before you go.
Best Time to Visit Brasstown Bald #
Best visited in autumn for fall colors and clear summit views, with summer as a good alternative for hiking.
Weather & Climate near Brasstown Bald #
Brasstown Bald's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1957 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (203 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).
