Brasstown Bald, GA

Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, is located alongside the Appalachian Trail in close proximity to its Southern terminus. We tackled this highpoint as part of a short three day backpacking trip along the AT, via the Blue Mountain Shelter and Unicoi Gap.

October may be the perfect time to backpack in Northern Georgia, striking a perfect balance between oppressive summer humidity and the chill of late autumn.

The Blue Mountain Shelter sits atop a wooded hill alongside the AT. At night, the shelter is a wonderful place to rest near the fire and admire the starry sky.

Brasstown Bald can be accessed from the AT via the Jack’s Knob Trail, a 4.5 mile climb through the Mark Trail Wilderness. Like most highpoints in this region, this one is also accessible via road and features a museum and historic firetower at the top.