^^ Summit GA’s Highest Peaks: #10 - Brier Creek Bald (4163’) ^^

The North Georgia mountains may not be the Himalayas or the Rockies, but they do offer many opportunities for challenging and exciting hikes to outstanding scenic views.  For this series, we are summiting the 20 highest peaks in Georgia.  (For more info on the criteria used, click here.)

If you've ever hiked to Tray Mtn, you may have noticed a very large mtn looming to the west through the trees as you make the final ascent up Tray.   This is Brier Creek Bald and is the 10th tallest mtn in GA. It is only 1 mile from Tray and certainly worth a visit when in the area...and that is what we plan to do on this event.  

(And note that the exact route and date are subject to change, but it should be a great hike.)

This will be a strenuous hike with approximately 4000 feet of elevation gain.  We will begin by ascending Rocky Mtn (just over 1100 feet elevation gain) and then descend into Inidan Grave Gap and then to Tray Gap.  From here we will walk down the road about a quarter mile before taking a rarely used trail to the top of Brier Creek Bald.  Actually the trail becomes less and less of one as we get higher and the last few yards are light bushwhacking, but we will make it to the top.

After savoring our BCB summit for a few minutes, we will head down and back to Tray Gap and make the final push to the top of Tray Mountain where we will enjoy a well deserved lunch (weather permitting), and then take a short hike to explore the overlook for an excellent view. On the way back we will have one final ascent back up Rocky Mtn before descending back to the cars.

If you have not recently completed a D5 event with the AOC I will contact you to see if this event is appropriate for you. 

The event will go ahead rain or shine but not in severe weather. 

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at Chevron station. continue on GA 115. Go 4.8 miles where GA 115 meets GA 52. Turn right. Continue on GA 115 until Cleveland GA. At traffic circle in Cleveland go north on US 129. 

Continue past GA 75 to Alt GA 75. Take a right on Alt GA 75. Continue until Alt 75 ends at GA 75. Take left away from Helen. Continue on GA 75 until signs you see signs for AT parking lot on right side of highway.