- Region
- GA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm wilderness permit requirements wit…
- Managed by
- United States Forest Service, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests; Blue Ridge Ranger District
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Brasstown Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Brasstown Wilderness
How to get there
From Blairsville, take US 19 and 129 south for 8 miles. Turn left east onto Georgia 180 and continue 9 miles to Georgia Spur 180. Turn left north and drive 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald parking lot. The physical address is 2941 Highway Spur 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546. For navigation, the intersection of Highway 180 and Spur 180 is at 34.847894, -83.798567; check the calculated route rather than relying solely on GPS.
- Arkaqua National Recreation Trail access
Begins at the Brasstown Bald parking area, just outside the wilderness. This is the starting access for the steep Arkaqua trail.
- Jack’s Knob National Recreation Trail access
Accessible from the same Brasstown Bald parking lot. The trail connects this developed access area with the Appalachian Trail.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
GA, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
Wilderness on the flanks of Georgia’s highest mountain
Brasstown Wilderness occupies steep mountain country in Union and Towns counties within Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest. Designated in 1986, it spreads across the northern, northeastern, and southwestern flanks of Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest mountain at 4,784 feet. The terrain includes boulder fields, rock formations, and streams that descend through narrow gorges, occasionally forming waterfalls. Second-growth hardwood forest covers much of this rugged ground. Keep the wilderness and the developed summit destination distinct when planning: the Brasstown Bald visitor center sits just outside the wilderness and provides a panoramic view over it. The summit’s observation deck, museum, store, and picnic areas offer a developed mountain visit; the trails leading away from the parking area provide the more demanding walking options.
Choosing a walk
Two developed trails anchor hiking plans around Brasstown Wilderness. The Arkaqua National Recreation Trail begins at the Brasstown Bald parking area, just outside the wilderness, and is described as a steep, 5.5-mile trail. Jack’s Knob National Recreation Trail runs 4.5 miles and connects the same parking lot with the Appalachian Trail. Choose between them according to the terrain and connection sought, rather than treating the summit facilities as a measure of how easy the surrounding hiking will be. A separate option, the Brasstown Bald Summit Trail, links the parking area with the visitor center and viewing platform. That paved path is only 0.6 mile long but is very steep. A shuttle provides an alternative to the summit walk, not transportation along the wilderness trails.
Forest, wildlife, and practical preparation
Spring and summer bring wildflowers to Brasstown’s hardwood forests, adding a reason to slow down beyond the mountain views. Wildlife includes deer, squirrels, ruffed grouse, woodcocks, wild turkeys, and black bears; the area also shelters small mammals such as the pygmy shrew. Black bear encounters are common, and bear-proof food storage containers are strongly recommended. Keep food secured and give wildlife space rather than approaching for a closer look. Bring drinking water: potable water is not available at the Brasstown Bald visitor site. Steep trails and rugged terrain call for footwear with dependable traction and enough time to walk without rushing. Check current conditions and applicable wilderness rules with the Forest Service before setting out. At the summit site, dogs must be leashed and cannot enter the visitor center.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Brasstown Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 34.8826, -83.8160
- Latitude (DMS)
- 34° 52′ 57.5″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 83° 48′ 57.7″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Brasstown Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
This steeply rugged Wilderness drapes across the northern, northeastern, and southwestern flanks of 4,784-foot Brasstown Bald Mountain, the highest point in the state. A Forest Service visitor center is...
Key takeaways
- Region: GA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 34.883, -83.816
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Brasstown Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Brasstown Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
Wilderness on the flanks of Georgia’s highest mountain
Brasstown Wilderness occupies steep mountain country in Union and Towns counties within Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest. Designated in 1986, it spreads across the northern, northeastern, and southwestern flanks of Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest mountain at 4,784 feet. The terrain includes boulder fields, rock formations, and streams that descend through narrow gorges, occasionally forming waterfalls. Second-growth hardwood forest covers much of this rugged ground. Keep the wilderness and the developed summit destination distinct when planning: the Brasstown Bald visitor center sits just outside the wilderness and provides a panoramic view over it. The summit’s observation deck, museum, store, and picnic areas offer a developed mountain visit; the trails leading away from the parking area provide the more demanding walking options.
Choosing a walk
Two developed trails anchor hiking plans around Brasstown Wilderness. The Arkaqua National Recreation Trail begins at the Brasstown Bald parking area, just outside the wilderness, and is described as a steep, 5.5-mile trail. Jack’s Knob National Recreation Trail runs 4.5 miles and connects the same parking lot with the Appalachian Trail. Choose between them according to the terrain and connection sought, rather than treating the summit facilities as a measure of how easy the surrounding hiking will be. A separate option, the Brasstown Bald Summit Trail, links the parking area with the visitor center and viewing platform. That paved path is only 0.6 mile long but is very steep. A shuttle provides an alternative to the summit walk, not transportation along the wilderness trails.
Forest, wildlife, and practical preparation
Spring and summer bring wildflowers to Brasstown’s hardwood forests, adding a reason to slow down beyond the mountain views. Wildlife includes deer, squirrels, ruffed grouse, woodcocks, wild turkeys, and black bears; the area also shelters small mammals such as the pygmy shrew. Black bear encounters are common, and bear-proof food storage containers are strongly recommended. Keep food secured and give wildlife space rather than approaching for a closer look. Bring drinking water: potable water is not available at the Brasstown Bald visitor site. Steep trails and rugged terrain call for footwear with dependable traction and enough time to walk without rushing. Check current conditions and applicable wilderness rules with the Forest Service before setting out. At the summit site, dogs must be leashed and cannot enter the visitor center.
Route options
- Arkaqua National Recreation Trail5.5 milesSteep
A developed hiking route beginning at the Brasstown Bald parking area just outside the wilderness. Allow for steep terrain when planning the walk.
- Jack’s Knob National Recreation Trail4.5 miles
Connects the Brasstown Bald parking lot with the Appalachian Trail, providing an alternative to Arkaqua for exploring the area on foot.
- Brasstown Bald Summit Trail0.6 mileVery steep
A paved foot trail from the parking area to the visitor center and viewing platform, outside the wilderness. Shuttle service offers an alternative to walking.
Sample itineraries
- Arkaqua Trail Day Hike · 1 day
Start at the Brasstown Bald parking area, just outside the wilderness, and hike the steep Arkaqua National Recreation Trail. The trail is listed as 5.5 miles; choose a turnaround suited to your fitness rather than treating that figure as a round-trip distance. Carry drinking water and bear-resistant food storage.
- Jack's Knob and Summit Overview · 1 day
Explore part of the 4.5-mile Jack's Knob National Recreation Trail from the Brasstown Bald parking lot; it connects with the Appalachian Trail. Return with time for the separate 0.6-mile paved Summit Trail or summit shuttle. The visitor center and observation deck sit outside the wilderness.
- Two Days of Trail Exploration · 2 days
Use separate day hikes to explore Arkaqua and Jack's Knob from the Brasstown Bald parking area. Adjust each day's turnaround to the steep terrain and available daylight. Add the summit museum and observation deck during operating hours for an overview of the surrounding wilderness.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Wildflowers highlight the hardwood forest. Allow time for slow travel on steep trails, and bring layers and rain protection for a mountain outing. Keep exploration around cascading streams and narrow gorges conservative.
Summer
Summer
Wildflowers continue through summer. Steep hiking calls for careful pacing and adequate drinking water; potable water is unavailable at the Brasstown Bald visitor site. Carry food in bear-resistant storage.
Fall
Fall
Plan mountain hikes around available daylight and carry warm layers. The visitor facilities close the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day. Confirm current facility hours before relying on the shuttle or museum.
Winter
Winter
Check mountain weather and access conditions before departure, and pack insulation appropriate to the forecast. Visitor facilities close Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do not assume summit services will support a wilderness hike.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Wildflowers highlight the hardwood forest. Allow time for slow travel on steep trails, and bring layers and rain protection for a mountain outing. Keep exploration around cascading streams and narrow gorges conservative. |
| Summer | Summer | Wildflowers continue through summer. Steep hiking calls for careful pacing and adequate drinking water; potable water is unavailable at the Brasstown Bald visitor site. Carry food in bear-resistant storage. |
| Fall | Fall | Plan mountain hikes around available daylight and carry warm layers. The visitor facilities close the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day. Confirm current facility hours before relying on the shuttle or museum. |
| Winter | Winter | Check mountain weather and access conditions before departure, and pack insulation appropriate to the forecast. Visitor facilities close Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do not assume summit services will support a wilderness hike. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm wilderness permit requirements with the Forest Service's Blue Ridge Ranger District at (706) 745-6928. Brasstown Bald visitor-site admission is separate from wilderness trip planning.
Fees: Brasstown Bald Visitor Center and Day Use Area: $10 per person ages 16+, including shuttle and visitor center access; $6 per person ages 16+ after hours. Children 15 and younger enter free. These are visitor-site charges, not stated wilderness permit fees.
Official source: Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center - USDA Forest Service · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Steep, rugged terrain requires conservative pacing. Arkaqua is steep, and even the paved Brasstown Bald Summit Trail is very steep.
- Black bear encounters are common. Bear-resistant food storage is highly recommended; keep food and scented items secured.
- Boulder fields, rock formations, narrow gorges, cascading streams, and waterfalls make off-trail exploration more demanding than established-trail hiking.
- Potable water is unavailable at the Brasstown Bald visitor site. Bring enough drinking water rather than relying on a refill there.
- GPS routing may be inaccurate even with correct coordinates. Check the road approach before driving.
What to pack for Brasstown Wilderness
- Footwear suited to steep, rugged trails
- Trail map and navigation tools
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Drinking water for the full outing
- Bear-resistant food container
- Trail food
- Bags for packing out scraps and trash
- Rain shell
- Warm layers matched to the forecast
- Sun protection
Brasstown Wilderness FAQ
- What distinguishes Brasstown Wilderness?
- This Forest Service-managed wilderness covers steep northern, northeastern, and southwestern flanks of Brasstown Bald in Georgia. Second-growth hardwoods surround boulder fields, rock formations, and streams dropping through narrow gorges and waterfalls. The summit visitor center sits just outside the wilderness.
- Where should a hiking trip begin?
- The Brasstown Bald parking area provides access to Arkaqua and Jack's Knob. From Blairsville, take US 19 and 129 south for 8 miles, Georgia 180 east for 9 miles, then Georgia Spur 180 north for 3 miles to the parking lot.
- Which developed trails serve the area?
- Arkaqua National Recreation Trail is a steep 5.5-mile route beginning at the Brasstown Bald parking area. Jack's Knob National Recreation Trail is 4.5 miles and links that parking lot with the Appalachian Trail. These listed lengths should not be assumed to describe round-trip hikes.
- Can the summit be visited without walking the steep trail?
- A shuttle offers an alternative to the very steep, 0.6-mile paved Summit Trail. Visitor hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. There is no shuttle from 12:30–1:10 p.m.; the last summit departure is 4:30 p.m., and the last return is 5 p.m. Confirm service before travel.
- Are dogs allowed at Brasstown Bald?
- Dogs must be leashed and cannot enter the Visitor Center. Confirm any additional wilderness-specific pet rules with the Blue Ridge Ranger District before hiking.
- What can be seen from the summit?
- Brasstown Bald rises to 4,784 feet, Georgia's highest point. The observation deck offers a panoramic view that can include Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The mountaintop museum covers natural science and history.