Hightower Bald - Georgia’s 3rd Highest Mountain

The route we will take up to Hightower Bald will be along Shoal Branch to Eller Gap, to Shooting Creek Bald (4,317 ft) and then along a knife-edge ridge line which offers some terrific views to the peak of Hightower. After we have reached the summit of Hightower, we will head north a few hundred yards to visit Montgomery Corner, which has a unique and interesting story in the Georgia boundary definition. There is a geocache located at Mongomery Corner for any who may be interested in that. We will then re-summit Hightower, and then head down to the top of some cliffs, where we will get some other great views. From there it will be down, down, until we scramble out to the top of a cliff with some great views. Then we'll continue down some very steep terrain where we will visit a hidden waterfall - which we named Bawling Bear Falls, as we ran into a bawling bear there. Once below the waterfall it will be a more gradual downward hike along some creeks until we get back to the cars.

Now, if the thought of going where relatively few others have gone, no trails, steep hills, extra steep hills, butt sliding at times, cliffs, rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets, wild boar, and possibly a bear (yes... ran into one there) are your kind of adventure, then you won't want to miss this hike.

Although this hike is not incredibly long, don't be deceived by the distance.... the hike is virtually all off-trail, on very rugged terrain, with VERY steep hills, and some obstacles... it is difficult. You should have a good sense of balance, sure footing, and be comfortable hiking on some extremely steep terrain, with loose dirt, leaves, and rocks. If you do not have recent D5/D6 hiking experience your trip leader will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you.

Due to the nature of this hike, it will be cancelled if there is a significant chance of rain or bad weather. At the moment, the weather is looking perfect on Saturday.

I plan to stop in Clayton for dinner afterwards, so if you do not wish to eat then you will either need to drive your own vehicle or arrange to ride with someone else who's not stopping.

If there is anyone who for some reason needs to meet at the event, I will provide directions to a meeting location, because there is very limited parking at the trail-head. 

Up to 2 well behaved dogs will be allowed on the event. Dogs should be able to be trusted off-leash as the terrain, vegetabtion, and obstacles will make it difficult, if not impossible, to deal with a leash. However, there are a few points on this hike near cliffs, where dogs will have to remain on a leash for safety.