Brasstown Bald via Jacks Knob Trail

The more difficult the route, the better the view. Tell yourself this as you sweat up the Jacks Knob Trail to Brasstown Bald instead of taking the half-mile Summit Trail. Climb more than 2200 feet in less than 3 miles from Jacks Gap as you hike the seemingly endless switchbacks up to Wolfpen Ridge. The view may be the same even if you drove up, but you'll appreciate it at least 10% more.

While the Jacks Knob Trail stretches from Brasstown Bald to the Appalachian Trail, this hike only covers the north half. Begin at Jacks Gap at the base of the road that leads to the summit. A small pull off for parking is on the left before the metal gate. The trail begins past the info board (with nothing on it at the time) near the metal gate for the road.

After quickly crossing an old road, the trail starts to pick up elevation. At .4 miles you'll begin a mile-long series of switchbacks as you head straight up to the ridge. This is by far the most difficult section of the hike, gaining 1000 feet over the mile. At 1.6 miles the trail begins to level out. Check out a small view on the right before the trail descends to the several hundred car parking lot directly in front of Brasstown Bald.

Walk through the parking lot and to the Summit Trail between the General Store and restrooms. Although a paved path, the Summit Trail is still quite steep as it ascends more than 400 feet in just over half a mile to arrive at the Visitor Center and observation deck at the summit.

The large Visitor Center has many information displays as well as restrooms and the Mountain Top Theater shows a short film about the area. Take the stairs behind the theater to the expansive observation deck. Unfortunately you can't climb up the fire tower as it is not open to the public, but you'll still get amazing views in all directions. As Georgia's highest mountain summit, nothing but the clouds block your view. Explore around and look out for signs detailing the surrounding mountains.