Slow and Steady - Arkaquah Trail to the Solar Eclipse atop Brasstown Bald

We will be working hard hiking up the Arkaquah Trail in order to get to the top of the Brasstown Bald Tower for a rare astronomical event - - a total eclipse of the sun.  The last total eclipse visible from anywhere in Georgia was March 7, 1970!  The maximum totality will be just a little over 2 minutes, though the partial phases will take place over 3 hours, between 12:05 pm and 3:10 pm.  Our plan is to hike up the mountain in time to reach the tower in time to witness the total eclipse (weather permitting).   We'll watch the full eclipse at about 2:35 to 2:38 and then head back down the trail as the final phases take place. (Thanks to Charlie Cottingham for info on the eclipse.)

At 4784', Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest mountain. The observation deck at the summit offers a breathtaking view of the mountains’ scenic vistas, which sweep a four state area. 

We begin the hike at Track Rock Gap, an ancient archaeological site, where six smooth, soapstone boulders are etched with a variety of symbols. The petroglyphs were created by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago – one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeast US. Check out the Track Rock site on the Chattahoochee Forest Service Website. 

The first 1.5 miles of the hike is intensely difficult in its relentless climb to the top. The Arkaquah Trail  has several major "rollercoaster-like" sections that require both uphill and downhill climbs while hiking in either direction..  Because of this our total uphill elevation gains during the entire day will be about  3900' - much more than the simple elevation difference between Brasstown's summit and the Trackrock Gap parking area. (Thanks for your editing of this paragraph, Charlie!   Much improved.)

At 5.5 miles we reach the Brasstown Bald trail head. From there we take a 1/2 mile steep paved trail to the observation deck for a 360 degree view. There will be ample views of the mountains and surrounding countryside that will provide photo opportunities and much needed rest breaks. We will have lunch at the summit, and after a quick tour of the visitor center we will return back to Track Rock Gap. 

This is a strenuous, approximately 12 mile round trip hike, at a steady slow to moderate pace. Average hiking pace will be 2.5 mph. If you have not completed any D4/D5 hikes recently, the trip leaders will contact you to determine your hiking experience and reserve the right to remove any registrants that they feel may not be able to complete this hike. This is not a fitness hike, so if you're a fast hiker please be okay with the fact that the hike is not designed to be at lightening speed. 

If you'd like to see the eclipse in all its glory for the longest viewing time without having to do a strenuous hike, check out Charlie Cottingham's event posted for the same day - - http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/details.asp? eventid=10991 - - with a D1 difficulty level.

Email the trip leader(s) if you have any questions. 

GPS Coordinates:  34.869967, -83.810733

Directions to Track Rock Gap (Arkaquah Trailhead): From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 to Dahlonega. Continue on US Hwy 19 North past Vogel State Park, then take a right on State Road 180 East. Stay on 180 for 2.4 miles, turn left at Town Creek School Rd and after 2 miles turn right on Trackrock Church Rd. Take another right onto Trackrock Gap Rd. The parking lot at the trailhead is on the left.