Bear Days of the Appalachia at Brasstown Bald
May 3, June 13, July 3, Aug. 2
Brasstown Bald
Thursday-Monday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:
Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
December 26
$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
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
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.
May 3, June 13, July 3, Aug. 2
Brasstown Bald
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. You may also pay online here.
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.
Dogs are permitted on the site, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Service Animals are permitted inside these facilities.
Smoking & Vaping are only allowed in the parking area.
For groups of 10 or more, please call 708-896-4137 to ensure that we can accommodate you.
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.
In order to preserve and protect the natural habits and environment, drone operation/flying/piloting is not permitted at this site.
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!
You can help ensure that sites like this remain available for generations to come.
