Georgia is for hikers! I could not pass the opportunity to hike to Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia on a weekend trip to Atlanta. Georgia has incredible diversity of landscapes, offering everything from rugged Appalachian peaks in the north to coastal marshes and barrier islands in the south. With its year-round mild climate, well-maintained state parks, and trails that range from easy family walks to strenuous backcountry routes, it’s clear why Georgia is one of the best places to hike in the U.S.
In Georgia, you can trek along the Appalachian Trail. You can wander through the colorful canyons of Providence Canyon (Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”), or chase waterfalls at Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. And of course you can hike Brasstown Bald.
Just 2.5 hours from Atlanta, you can take a day adventure to North Georgia for mountain views and wildlife encounters. Start your morning with a hike to Brasstown Bald and finish the day with a visit to the North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park.
Brasstown Bald: Georgia’s Highest Peak
At 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald towers over the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers 360-degree views of four states—Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina—on a clear day. Brasstown Bald is so high that on clear days you can see the Atlanta skyline—85 miles away.
The hike is a steep but short 0.5-mile paved trail that leads to the summit and observation tower. For a longer adventure, trails like the Arkaquah Trail (5.5 miles) and Jacks Knob Trail (4.5 miles) connect Brasstown Bald to the Appalachian Trail. And if you do not want to hike, this National Park has shuttles that take you from the parking lot to the summit. This park is all about convenience for its visitors! They even have rocking chairs for you to relax and enjoy the view from the summit.
Once I reached the summit, I was pleasantly surprised to find the visitor center is like a museum. It has a great variety of exhibits that highlight the geology, ecology, and Cherokee heritage of the area.
Quick Stop at DeSoto Falls
Before heading to the Safari park, you can take a quick stop on the route for an easy hike to DeSoto Falls. It is tucked into the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dahlonega, offering a serene escape into North Georgia’s lush wilderness. With parking and a restroom, you could stop quickly even if that is all you need.
DeSoto Falls is also a good spot for camping and fishing. It is equipped with picnic tables, grills and restrooms. The best time to visit is Spring and Summer if you want to see the waterfalls in full stream. There are two main waterfalls:
Lower Falls: A 20-foot cascade over mossy rocks.
Upper Falls: A dramatic 80-foot drop, the most scenic of the two.
North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park
After the beautiful 360-degree views from Brasstown Bald, and a quick stop at DeSoto Falls, head to Cleveland, GA, to experience a completely different kind of adventure at the North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park (NOGA-WILD).
If you are pressed for time, the Drive-Thru Safari is the one to choose. You will see zebras, camels, llamas, alpacas, Bisons and wildebeest walk right up to your car, creating a safari experience without leaving Georgia. Along the ride, you can also see exotic birds, penguins, capybaras and red river hogs. This wildlife and safari park is small, but the variety and diversity of wildlife is stunning!
There is an entrance fee depending on your chosen events. Drive Thru Safari, Interactive Encounter and a petting zoo.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Hike Brasstown Bald, enjoy the summit views, and explore the visitor center.
- Afternoon: Scenic drive along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway with a quick hike to Desoto Falls.
- Evening: Visit the North Georgia Safari for a drive-thru tour and interactive wildlife encounters.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests | Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center | Forest Service
Road Trip Thru America’s First National Park- GoTravelHiking
