Wagon Train Trail to Brasstown Bald plus Little Bald - No Carpool

The Wagon Train Trail follows an old roadbed that was abandoned some time ago. This trail roughly follows the Wolfpen Ridge in the Brasstown Wilderness, which also serves as the county line between Union and Towns counties. If we are blessed with a clear day, we will have fantastic views of the peaks and nearby valleys on both sides of the ridge. It is believed this trail was a favorite of the former Governor Zell Miller who hailed from Young Harris and taught at the college there. It is also one of three trails that leads to Brasstown Bald, which at 4784 ft is the highest peak in Georgia. Our hike will begin at the red iron gate, near Bald Mountain Road in Young Harris, Georgia. We hike approximately 6.5 miles to the Brasstown Bald trail junction, near the visitor's center parking lot. Along this trail, we will encounter lots of mud and running water, so be prepared with good boots and the right attitude. 

About 1 mile before reaching the Brasstown trail junction, we may make a peakbagging attempt to the top of Little Bald (4400ft), one of Georgia's highest peaks. This will be a short bushwhack with some additional elevation gain, that is optional.

After we reach the Brasstown visitor's center parking lot, will take a short break during which we will have access to bathrooms. There may or may not be running water depending on weather conditions. We will then take the paved trail up for .6 miles to the summit. Once we reach the observation deck, we will take our lunch break and enjoy the 360 views of 4 states. After lunch we will re-trace our steps back down the mountain to our cars. This hike has approximately around 3500 feet in elevation gain so we would like to see hikers who have recently done high D4 and D5s with the AOC. The trip leader reserves the right to move anyone to the waiting list if he can't confirm you have the proper background.

This is MODERATE pace hike. That doesn't mean fast, but also not slow, but we will need to move at average speed of 2.5 mph to finish the hike as planned. 

Event Directions: : You will go north on Georgia 400 to Dahlonega. Continue on US Hwy 19 North past Voget State Park, then take a right on State Road 180 East. Stay on 180 for 2.4 miles, turn left at Town Creek School Rd and after 2 miles turn right on Trackrock Church Rd. Take another right onto Trackrock Gap Rd. You will meet up with State road 76 (Main Street of Young Harris).Turn right when you get to Bald Mountain road, it will be the parking lot of the Sharp Methodist Church and then park. The trail head is up the hill at the red iron gates on the right, Wait at the parking lot!......... More direct is US Hwy 19 to Blairsville Georgia to Hwy 76.