North Georgia is home to the southern end of the Appalachian mountain range, and while most of our peaks aren't quite as tall as those mountains to the north, a few reach heights of over 4,000 feet. From Brasstown Bald to Blood Mountain, we take a look at some of the more accessible of these mountain peaks and show you a few ways to enjoy yourself in these high elevations.

Whether it's a bike race to the top of Brasstown Bald, hiking and stargazing, or bouldering, this episode is packed with fun activities to enjoy atop our highest mountains. We also take a look at the unique ecology and climate found far above sea level.

Web Resources

Brasstown Bald
Beautiful Brasstown Bald, at 4,784 feet above sea level, is Georgia's highest mountain. On clear days, the 360-degree view from atop the mountain allows you to see four states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Blood Mountain Wilderness
Blood Mountain is the highest peak on Georgia's portion of the Appalachian Trail and the state's sixth highest mountain. Some believe the name came from a bloody battle between the Cherokee Indians and Creek Indians.

Rabun Bald
Rabun Bald is the second-highest peak in Georgia. An observation tower on the summit provides hikers with a spectacular view.

Lookout Mountain Flight Park
A comprehensive hang gliding training facility with a 44-acre mountain retreat with camping and lodging conveniently located in our landing zone.

Brasstown Bald Buster Century
Are you ready to ride 100 miles, and over 14,000 ft of elevation gain?

Tour de Georgia
The Tour de Georgia a premier, professional cycling event and rolling festival of community activities. It is held annually for one full week in April.

Atlanta Austronomy Club
The Atlanta Astronomy Club was founded in 1947 to promote amateur astronomy and professional and amateur collaboration. It is one of the oldest and, with over 380 members, one of the largest clubs in the southeastern United States.

Old Friends Hiking Club
This site highlights the many hiking trails in the tri-State area of Northeast Georgia, N.W. South Carolina and S.W. North Carolina. It is also the official website for the Old Friends Hiking Club.

Recommended Reading

The Hiking Trails of North Georgia, by Tim Holman

Hiking Georgia, by Don Pfitzer

The Georgia Conservancy's Guide to the North Georgia Mountains, by Fred Brown, Nell Jones, Thomas Perrie, Georgia Conservancy