Sun, Aug 31 2008 - Brasstown Bald, up Arkaquah Trail, down Wagon Train Trail (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): John Weatherman Participants: John Weatherman, Scott Looper, Jenna B, Terry, Gene Shiau, Jason B, Gray R, Marshall, Gary Babiarz, Gary Hubert, Sunnie, Matt, Josie Caves, Yuling, Sharon, JesseK

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Write Up:
Brasstown Bald By The Arkaquah Trail September 1, 2008 by Scott Looper My crash course in the hiking trails of North Georgia continued this past Saturday with a hike to the top of Brasstown Bald. The highest point in Georgia, Brasstown Bald rises 4,784 feet high. An observation platform at the top offers a 360 degree view of four states. Many tourists drive up but our group of able hikers worked hard for the big payoff at the top. Our hike began at the Arkaquah trail head at Table Rock Gap. After a quick look at the ancient petroglyphs at the Table Rock Gap Archaeological Area our hike began. The Arkaquah is an incredible trail rising steeply to gain the ridge that would take us to the summit of Brasstown Bald. With a total elevation gain of 2,504 feet from the gap to the summit, the trail is more than challenging. Many of the experienced hikers in our group agreed that the first two miles or so ranks among the most challenging climbs in the state. The trail features numerous switchbacks, moist rock outcrops lined with ferns, and even some light scrambling in a couple of areas. The ridge offers views left and right as we approached the parking lot and the last half mile hike to the top of Brasstown Bald. The view from the top was incredible. The strong breeze and sunshine were a welcome reward for our group. After spending a little over an hour at the top we began our hike down by way of The Wagon Train Trail. This trail, built by convict labor, follows an old abandoned road bed that was to become Highway 180. In fact, I’ve read that there are maps printed years ago that show the road completed up to Brasstown Bald! There were great views of the top of Brasstown Bald looking back over our shoulder as we hiked steadily to the north. The trail ends near the campus of a small college in Young Harris, Georgia. The entire hike was over 13 miles. I look forward to a repeat of this hike maybe in the fall or winter.

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