Arkaquah Trail & Brasstown Bald Sunset Hike

The Arkaquah Trail is widely regarded to be one of the most challenging and scenic in GA... Looking north from the overlooks, you can see Standing Indian Mtn and even parts of the Smokies as well. Most of the AOC hikes here begin at Track Rock Gap and go up.  Instead, we'll be starting the hike at the visitor center going down the Arkaquah trail, then turning around and going back up.

It will be mostly flat to downhill on the way out...there are some climbs in there on the way out, but not like on the way back.  This will get our legs warmed up for the return from Track Rock Gap...beginning with about 1500 feet elevation gain in under two miles. From there it is up and down, but gaining 700 more feet in the next 3 1/2 miles. We will then hike the .6 mile Brasstown Bald trail to the top of the mountain where there are superb 360 degree panoramic views to be enjoyed.

If we time it right, we'll arrive in time to relax and enjoy the sunset.

The Arkaquah is an 11 mile hike with over 3500 feet of total ascent, so be sure to be in great shape if you choose to join us. We are allocating ~6 hrs to do the Arkaquah hike. Yes, it can be done much quicker with a fast group but we're not hiking with guns o' blazing; yet we want to get in a nice steady hike and move at a moderate pace.  The BB trail is paved and just .6 miles but gains about 400+ feet, so it will be slow going after tackling the Arkaquah.

This is not a beginner hike. If you are an intermediate hiker, you may want to challenge yourself and try this, but be sure you are up for a tough workout as well as a beautiful trail. If I have not hiked with you before, I may be contacting you to ask about your previous hiking experiences especially if you don't have similar events in your AOC history. 

Food and snacks. We're starting at a funky time, right at noon, so we're not going to be eating lunch on the way, nor will we stop and have lunch in the parking lot.  I encourage you to eat a hearty breakfast and try to snack during the drive up.  We'll make strategic breaks along the way and then we can sit and relax and eat dinner snacks for the sunset.    Also be sure to bring plenty of fluids.  It shouldn't be hot, but you need to stay hydrated.

Carpool Departure time.  Please try to be there by 9:45 am so we can get organized and leave promptly at 10:00 am.

Directions to Trailhead:

• From downtown Helen, GA, go north on 17/75 for about 11 miles.
• Turn left on Hwy 180.
• Proceed 5.3 miles you should see the sign a and road for Brasstown Bald on the right.
• Proceed about 2.5 miles to the parking area.