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Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: 2252 Trackrock Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512   Hike: Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Dec 13 2026  9:00 am >> Sun, Dec 13 2026 4:30 pm
Registration Opens: Sun, Oct 18 2026 6:50 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Dec 9 2026 12:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Distance:13.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Linda L
Kip
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:5
Number Registered So Far: 2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

NOTE:  This hike will not have a carpool as trip leaders are staying in Hiawassee the night before.  We will be hiking on 12/12.  If you are coming to both hikes, please join us a for a group dinner Saturday night.

MILES - 13.5

ELEVATION GAIN - 4,000+ FEET

PACE - 2.6+ MPH, MODERATE

TERRAIN - ROCKS/ROOTS/DIRT/CONCRETE/GRAVEL

AOC EXPERIENCE - Recent high end (3,000+ Feet) D5's or above.  This is a very challenging hike.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The hike is a combination that includes the Arkaquah Trail and the paved summit trail to the observation deck at the top of Brasstown Bald.

The trail quickly ascends to Buzzard Roost Ridge over the first 1.6 miles, gaining 1370 feet in elevation.

We’ll catch some views from near the summit of Chimneytop Mountain before reaching the Brasstown Bald parking lot at 5.3 miles. This is where the Arkaquah Trail ends.

Then we’ll follow the short and steep paved path to the Summit Trail as it ascends over 400 feet in just over half a mile. 

 


Required Items to Bring:

Water (2 to 3L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Wear appropriate clothing with layers

Trail hiking shoes

Lunch/Snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles (highly recommended)

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Rain Gear, in case of rain


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Directions to Trailhead:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qe7uV9EqJirWmo7X8

 

We’ll park at the small parking lot at Track Rock Gap and walk up the road for about 100 feet to reach the trailhead. 

Please try to carpool as the parking lot is small.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can start the hike on time.

There is no bathroom.

 


Notes:


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.


Registration for this event opens at 10/18/2026 6:50:00 PM