Brasstown Bald Visitors Center — Attraction in Hayesville

My visit to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, was nothing short of spectacular, earning it a well-deserved five stars. Nestled in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this natural gem offers breathtaking 360-degree views that left me in awe. On a clear day, you can see four states—Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina—stretching across the Blue Ridge Mountains. The vibrant fall foliage during my trip painted the landscape in vivid hues of red, orange, and gold, making it a photographer’s paradise.

The visitor center at the summit is a highlight, with informative exhibits about the area’s ecology, history, and Cherokee heritage. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, answering questions with enthusiasm. The short but steep half-mile paved trail to the top was manageable, though the shuttle service is a great option for those preferring a less strenuous ascent. The observation deck at 4,784 feet feels like standing on top of the world, with cool breezes and sweeping vistas that make the journey worthwhile.

Facilities were clean, well-maintained, and accessible, with ample parking and picnic areas for a relaxing break. I appreciated the clear signage and the opportunity to learn about local wildlife, like black bears and migratory birds, through the interpretive displays. The gift shop offered unique souvenirs, from local crafts to guidebooks, perfect for commemorating the trip.

Whether you’re a hiker, nature lover, or just seeking a peaceful escape, Brasstown Bald delivers an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning scenery, educational resources, and well-kept amenities makes it a must-visit. I left feeling refreshed and inspired, already planning my next trip to witness the views in a different season. If you’re in North Georgia, don’t miss this incredible destination—it’s a...

The first time we went there there was a cloud on the mountain and no visibility. That review is below. This time it was a clear day; the views on the observation decks are spectacular. Pictures or words will not do it justice. There are shuttles to take you from the visitor center to the summit or you can take a half mile hike (OK, 0.6 miles) which I recommend if you can do it. Please keep in mind though that there are some steep grades and that this 0.6 mile hike may feel more like 5 miles if you have any physical limitations. There are elevators and bathrooms BUT all of this is closed and unavailable in the winter, so plan with that in mind. On the positive side, it doesn't cost you anything when closed. My earlier review:

So we went here on a day when a cloud was on the top of the mountain; visibility was so poor you could only see for about 20 to 30 yards. I mean, we were actually in the cloud when we got up there. The drive up was cool, the last three miles is a very thrilling drive up the mountain. The fact that we were driving in a cloud made it a little scary but we drove slowly. There are places to stop and take pictures on the way. We were not able to walk to the observation deck; even if we had we wouldn't have seen anything. We are definitely going back...it's about 20 mins drive NW of the alpine/German inspired...

A must-see location in the Georgia area. This location has a lot of reasons that you should see it. It is key to the history of the area. It is the highest point and it has a very nice visitor center. Please check the opening times prior to your arrival. It opens at 10 am on weekdays. If you get there early, you will have to wait for them to open. There is a lot of parking at a lot a few hundred feet below the visitor’s center. We got there early on a weekday but I was told that this location has a lot of traffic and can get very busy. I would recommend getting there early. There are 2 ways to reach the higher observation point and visitor’s center. Either, you can walk up a steep path or you can take the shuttle for $3 per person. I highly recommend the shuttle as it pays for a ride up and down and is well worth it. The view from the top is spectacular. The visitors center is a little dated but extremely informative. The observation deck is open but the tower is closed. There is a 14-minute movie that describes the area through the seasons. The center has many hands-on displays that show the history of the area and are very interesting and informative. The staff was very helpful and friendly and I highly recommend this as one of your stops if you are in the...