Visitor Center

Brasstown Bald

Alert

WATER SYSTEM WINTERIZATION IN EFFECT – Friday, November 22 will be the last date water fountains and the family restroom will be available for the season. There will not be any potable water available at the Visitor’s Center until April 1, 2025. Modern restrooms at the parking lot are available at this time.

ELEVATOR OUT OF SERVICE – The elevator is currently out of service. Please note the only way to access the observation deck and/or Visitor Center Museum and Theater is by taking the stairs. We are working to make it operational as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Location
2941 Highway Spur 180
Hiawassee, GA 30546
Phone
706.896.2556
Hours

Open Daily
Thurs-Mon
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

There is no shuttle from 12:30 pm – 1:10 pm
Last shuttle to the summit 4:30 pm

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:
Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
December 26

ELEVATOR OUT OF SERVICE – The elevator is currently out of service. Please note the only way to access the observation deck and/or Visitor Center Museum and Theater is by taking the stairs. We are working to make it operational as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Admission

$8/adult (Ages 16+) (Fee includes shuttle transportation to the summit)

Free for children up to age 15

Complimentary Brasstown Bald Season Passholders
Purchase Season Pass

Have you been here?

Experience the boundless beauty of 360-degree skytop views from the highest point in Georgia, Brasstown Bald.

Located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area & Visitor Center is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level and just a short drive from Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Helen. On the Bald you’ll find picnic areas with great views; a general store with locally made products; three trailheads just off of our parking lot; a mountaintop natural science & history museum, and observation deck that offers a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding area, including four states (GA, TN, NC, & SC) and on a really clear day, even the skyline of Atlanta! If you want to check the current weather, follow this link to view the LIVE webcam from the south side of the lookout tower and the LIVE webcam from the North side of the lookout tower.

For general information and questions, call the Visitor Center: 706-896-2556
For questions about groups and events, call the Office: 706-896-4137
For other information, contact the Blue Ridge Ranger District: 706-745-6928

For questions about educational programs, please email Matt Christian – matt@gofindoutdoors.org

Directions

From Hiawassee, head southwest on Franks St/Wood St toward N Main St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto US-76 E/N Main St. Continue to follow US-76 E. Pass by Dairy Queen Grill & Chill (on the right in 0.4 mi). Turn right onto GA-17 S/GA-75 S. Turn right onto Owl Creek Rd. Turn right onto GA-180. Sharp right onto GA-180 Spur N. Turn right onto GA-180 Spur.

FIND Your Next Adventure

Amenities
  • Viewing platform on the highest peak in Georgia!
  • Shuttle service to summit (during operational hours)
  • Picnic areas with charcoal grills available for use at the south end of the large parking lot
  • Gift shop & general store
  • Exhibit hall
  • Mountain Top Theater (recently remodeled)
Things to do…
Hiking trails Available 24/7
  • The Summit Trail is a steep .6 miles hike from the parking area to the viewing deck.
  • Jack’s Knob Trail is 4.5 miles and begins at parking area.
  • The Arkaquah Trail is 5.5 miles, begins at parking area and ends at Track Rock Archeological Site.
  • Wagon Train Trail is 5.7 miles, begins on the Summit Trail and is of major historic significance.

Educational Activities

Jr. Ranger Program

The Jr. Ranger program at FIND Outdoors introduces visitors to the seven Leave No Trace principles in a fun and easy to understand way. Each FREE booklet provides games, things to talk about around a campfire, and different “Ranger Missions” to explore each of the Leave No Trace principles.  

Ask about becoming a Jr. Ranger the next time you visit a FIND Outdoors site!

Find Outdoors Tours

FIND Outdoors Tours & Field Trips

Education is integral to FIND Outdoors mission, we offer educational programs, field trips and tours at all of the visitor centers and campgrounds we manage. Whether you use our self-guided Junior Ranger booklet to become a Leave No Trace advocate or visit with a school field trip, we love seeing children, adults and families explore, learn about and enjoy their public lands.

Learn More →

Get your Visitor Center Passport!

Pick up a complimentary FIND Outdoors Visitor Center Passport at any of our managed visitor centers — Anna Ruby Falls, Brasstown Bald, Cradle of Forestry, Gladie Visitor Center and Pisgah Visitor Center. Then stop by all five to collect your passport stamps.

When you’ve got all five stamps, email info@gofindoutdoors.org to receive a prize!

Additional Information





Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
What is the weather like today at Brasstown Bald?

Check current weather conditions by viewing the LIVE webcam from the south side of the lookout tower and the LIVE webcam from the North side of the lookout tower. As you might imagine, the site is very busy so please avoid calling the site to ask about current weather conditions.

When does the shuttle run?

The shuttle runs regularly during operating hours. There is no shuttle from 12:30 – 1:10pm. The last shuttle to the summit is 4:30pm.

How do I pay for admission after hours?

After hours the fee is $5 per adult. Fees can be paid through the yellow envelopes found at the green fee tube next to the ticket booth.

Can you visit the site after regular operating hours ?

Hikers are always welcome on the site (before/after normal operating hours, even after dark or before sunrise). When visiting the site outside of normal hours of operation, you should pay cash at the self service fee tube (green metal box) located next to the ticket booth at the site entrance.  Day use fees for the site outside of normal hours of operation are $5 per adult, children under 16 are free. There is little to no artificial light present on the site during the hours of darkness — please bring flashlights for your own safety.  The summit trail (no lighting) may be used to access the outdoor observation deck at the summit of the mountain.  Many astronomers prefer to view the night sky from our large parking lot because of the difficulty in hiking to the summit in the dark — and more town/city lights are visible from the summit — the night sky is framed by a ring of trees from the parking lot.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted on the site, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Service Animals are permitted inside these facilities.

Where is your designated smoking area?

Smoking & Vaping are only allowed in the parking area.

Can you accommodate large groups?

For groups of 10 or more, please call 708-896-4137 to ensure that we can accommodate you.

Do you honor the National Land Pass?

We honor the America the Beautiful pass issued by the National Park Service at all of our sites. Providing this pass gets you half off on non-taxed items at all of our locations.

Can I operate/fly a drone at Brasstown Bald?

In order to preserve and protect the natural habits and environment, drone operation/flying/piloting is not permitted at this site.

Educational Programs

At Brasstown Bald, education is one of our top priorities! Our program offerings range from environmental science to local history and culture. You must register for some of these events, but others will be all-day affairs during open hours. Along with those programs, we also have daily opportunities for education. At our visitor center children will have the opportunity to participate in a free Scavenger Hunt around the museum. For $4, older children (10 & up recommended) will have the opportunity to participate in the Brasstown Bald Junior Ranger program, where upon completion they will be sworn in as a Junior Ranger of Brasstown Bald.

The movie that plays at our mountain top theater provides insight into the seasonal changes that occur on the mountain; our observation deck includes informational panels that will help you identify what you can see; and our staff is always ready to help with educational interpretation. These opportunities are waiting for you at Brasstown Bald, with more to come!

From educational programs ranging from environmental science to Georgia history, Brasstown offers an incredible, immersive experience for everyone. To design and schedule an educational program or event with our education team, please contact, Matt Christian at matt@gofindoutdoors.org.

Nearby…
Please, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly so that your public lands can be enjoyed for generations to come!

Love the view?

You can help ensure that sites like this remain available for generations to come. 

FIND Outdoors Hurricane Helene recovery fund I "heart" NC

FIND Outdoors Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our people and places are facing significant challenges. Your support is crucial in helping us restore and reopen these vital spaces. 

Here’s how your donation can make a profound impact:

  • Repair and Restoration of Public Lands

Your contribution will directly fund the rebuilding of bridges and boardwalks damaged by flooding, rerouting heavily eroded trails, and clearing debris from our beautiful outdoor areas. These spaces are not just paths and parks; they are the backdrop for family memories, adventures, and connections to nature.

  • Education on Emergency Preparedness

We’re committed to empowering our communities with the knowledge and resources to prepare for future emergencies, ensuring everyone can enjoy the great outdoors safely.

  • Support for Displaced Employees

Many people who care for public lands have been affected by the storm. Your generosity will help provide them with vital support during this challenging time.