Georgia has several unique geographical landmarks. Amicalola Falls, just west of Dahlonega, is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, and a very popular place for folks to visit and hike.
Tallullah Falls Gorge, just south of Clayton, is the deepest gorge, east of the Mississippi River, which is the approximate East-West delineator of the USA.
Stone Mountain, just east of Atlanta, is the largest granite outcropping in the state, and as such was decorated, many years ago, with carvings celebrating several heroes of the Confederacy – which has fallen into disfavor in recent years, as revisionism has unfortunately taken root in current thinking.
Brasstown Bald, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the highest peak in the state, almost a mile high, and affords an amazing view from the observation tower at the top. Chimney Rock, just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is another amazing geological formation that is well worth a visit – even if it is just across the state line, and offers a similar far-reaching view.
“Brasstown Bald rises 4,784 feet above sea level and its peak looms half a mile above the surrounding valleys. The observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the mountains’ scenic vistas, which sweep a four-state area, making it a popular visitor attraction in the North Georgia Mountains. On clear days in late September and October, it’s even possible to see the skyline of Atlanta.
Brasstown Bald Observation Tower:
“Brasstown Bald Visitor Center is located on the summit of the Bald and is now open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offers exhibits, video presentations, and information about the surrounding areas.
“A steep, paved ½ mile trail leads from the parking lot to the visitor information center on the Bald. For those who don’t want to walk, a concessionaire operates a shuttle bus from the parking areas to the Visitor Center for a fee. A U.S. Forest Service parking fee is also required.”
I have been here several times, over the years, both with friends, and later with my wife. It is a spectacular place, with an amazing view!
The best bet is to park in the parking lot below the tower, and then take the shuttle bus to the tower at the top. One time, the fellow who was with me wanted to take what appeared to be a short hike, straight up from the parking lot to the base of the tower; so we did that. But we discovered, in so doing, it was a much steeper climb than we had thought!
So next time we took the bus. (As the old saying goes, “Experience is a great teacher.”) Georgia sits at the southern edge of the Appalachian trail, which extends northward all the way to Maine (we have been there too), and while Brasstown Bald is roughly one-third the height of some other places we have been, such as Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and Crater Lake in Oregon, it is still a spectacular place to visit.
We are very lucky, in Georgia, to have so many interesting places to visit, so close to home!
Rafe Semmes is a proud graduate of (“the original”) Savannah High School and the University of Georgia. He and his wife, both long-time Rotarians, live in eastern Liberty County with their menagerie of rescue cats. He writes on a variety of topics, and may be reached at rafe_semmes@ yahoo.com.