Miller Trek

Journey along the Miller Trek for a quite loop and an amazing view of Young Harris, Hiawassee, and the Brasstown Wilderness. A great hike year round and less popular than nearby adventures but no less the reward. With nice consistent elevation changes, this is also a great hike for those building up to more difficult hikes.

There are several parking lots mostly for the resort but none are restricted for hikers. This trail shouldn't be too crowded so you'll be able to park in the first lot on the right where the trailhead is located. The first section follows a pretty creek that will be somewhat hidden in summer. While the entirely of the trail is slightly rocky, the first section is more so.

There are two loops to hike, the green-blazed Miller Trek and the blue-blazed Keys Branch Loop, with multiple intersections between them. The easiest way to begin this hike is to just stay right, following the green blazes through the first three intersections.

The trail climbs at a consistent rate of 500 ft/mile for almost three miles. On the way up you'll pass the Miller Trek shortcut trail if you prefer to cut this loop short; however, you'll miss the views. At 2.1 miles there's an obvious side trail on the right that quickly ends at a road. If you cross the road there is a good view of Young Harris through the trees, but the main view on the later side trail is much better so you can skip this one.

After reaching the high point on this loop before you begin back down there's a side trail on the right about .15 miles after the sharp u-turn around the rocks if heading counter-clockwise. Walk .2 miles along the ridge line, dropping down to several large rocky openings with views south into the Brasstown Wilderness. Straight ahead but just out of sight behind the higher peaks is Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest mountain.

The rest of the hike descends almost at the same rate it ascended. Pass the other intersection with the Miller Short Trek and connect back to the blue loop at mile 5.5, turning left. Continue to follow the green blazes and signs, crossing through the middle of a 4-way intersection before coming back to the point where the green loop split. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead to complete your adventure.