Test Your Trail Legs on Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald

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Test Your Trail Legs on Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

2252 Trackrock Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512

Hike: Test Your Trail Legs on Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald

Date(s) & Time:

Thu, Apr 24 2025 9:00 am >> Thu, Apr 24 2025 3:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:15 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Apr 10 2025 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Apr 24 2025 7:00 am

Event Duration:

6 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

12 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Deema

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

12 / 3 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations” Let’s put these words to the test together!

This well-traveled and established trail is listed as exploratory because I haven’t attempted this challenge before.

As one of Georgia’s most difficult day hikes, it's a combination that includes the Arkaquah Trail and the paved summit trail to the observation deck at the top of Brasstown Bald.

That said, we’ll have a great time and let in the dreamlike views. We will enjoy the trip and won’t rush to the end.

According to AllTrails reviews, on March 28th, six Mountain High Hikers trail maintainers cleared the top third and the the bottom half of Arkaquah Trail.

We’ll park at the small parking lot at Track Rock Gap and walk up the road for about 100 feet to reach the trailhead.

The trail quickly ascends to Buzzard Roost Ridge over the first 1.6 miles, gaining 1370 feet in elevation.

We’ll catch some views from near the summit of Chimneytop Mountain before reaching the Brasstown Bald parking lot at 5.3 miles. This is where the Arkaquah Trail ends.

We’ll follow the paved path to the Summit Trail, which is quite steep as it ascends over 400 feet in just over half a mile.

The Visitor Center features many informative displays, restrooms, and a Mountain Top Theater that shows a short film about the area.

We will take the stairs behind the theater to the expansive observation deck.

Unfortunately, the fire tower is not open to the public, but you’ll still get amazing views in all directions.

This isn’t a delegation; it’s a worthy adventure, so make sure to pack BOTH your fully charged willpower and cheerfulness.

Required Items to Bring:

Trekking Poles
Plenty of Water
Snacks / Lunch
Sunscreen
A smile and Peppy step

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Directions from Windward to Trailhead:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/h4wW1ZtQ2mNSdTgz5

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

143Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:15 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $57.20 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

AllTrails Arkaquah trail only:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/arkaquah-trail

Previous D5 or equevelant experience is required, this is not a good hike to attempt your first.

The parking space is limited, let's try to carpool as much as possible.

This hike will be postponed if there’s a significant chance of rain.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Waiting List

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