Bell Knob and Eagle Mountain

These are two very cool North GA hikes that aren't that well known, for whatever reasons.   Eagle Mtn is the 9th tallest in GA (using the Colorado Rule) and it's a good challenging hike with some nice views at the top.   

And it's fun to start with Bell Knob because you get panoramic views, including Eagle looming right next door...you can see what you are about to tackle.

I'm tempted to make this a D4 because the pace will be slower than most D5s, but will avoid doing so just because it is winter and will be chilly.  There is a D5 level of total elevation gain, but relaxed pace will make that feel easier.  If you dress properly and are in solid D4 shape for it, you will be fine.  

The trail up Eagle is on old logging roads for the most part and not totally easy to follow, unless you have been there before.  So everyone will have to stay together as a group and we'll just go at about a 2mph pace...or maybe a bit slower on the steeper sections. 

Just off the summit, there is a rocky area where we can sit and have lunch. it depends on how cold and windy it is.   Also I would like to do an optional short "explorer" hike south along the ridge to what appears to be a rock outcropping about a tenth of a mile away.  It will depend on the vegetation up there as far as whether it is doable or not but we can try. But you can sit this part out and hang out at the summit if you'd prefer.

More on each hike:  

Bell Knob



This is a fun little warmup hike and everyone I've taken up there before has really enjoyed it.   It is about a mile up to the top and gains about 700 feet.  That's about the same as Kennesaw or Stone Mtn.  Everyone can hike up this part at their own pace.  It's along a gravel/dirt road so iimpossible to get lost.

Unfortunately the summit area of Bell (3420') is not very naturalistic....the top is scarred from quartzite mining..and if that wasn't bad enough, there is graffiti littering most all of the exposed rockface..  However.....keep your gaze directed outwards and you will enjoy panoramic views of Brasstown Bald to the NW, Eagle Mtn right next door to the E and Chatuge Lake/Hiawassee river to the W.   And also a great view of Tusquitee Mtns to the north just over the NC border.  And it is still fun to climb on the rocks a bit.  


Eagle Mtn
 

Eagle Mtn is 4240' above sea level with 600' of clean prominence. It is on the western end of the sub chain that includes Hightower Bald near its eastern end.

All of our hike will be along old logging roads...this means the trail is relatively wide but also not maintained. The distance is about 8.5 miles round trip with 1900' of ascent on the way up but only 100' of descent...so as you can see from the elevation profile below, it is a fairly steady uphill climb.

When we scouted out this hike, we did not expect any views from the top, but we were pleasantly surprised to find some rock outcroppings on the southwest side just below the summit. This will be a great location for a long lunch break and provides sweet views of Brasstown Bald, Bell Knob, and parts of Lake Hiawassee far below.  And maybe some bonus views on the southern end of the ridge, if we can make it there.

Summary:
- Bell Knob ~1.9 mi, 700' ascent/descent
- Eagle Mtn up - 4.2 mi 1900' ascent, 100' descent
- Eagle Mtn down - 4.2 mi 100' ascent, 1900' descent

- Total distance: ~10.3 mi
- Total ascent/descent: ~2700 feet.
 
Bell Knob    Click on elevation profile for larger versions    Eagle Mtn
  
 

Directions to trailhead will be given at carpool (or via email if meeting at event).