Wednesday, July 3, 2024 Perched at a lofty 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald stands as Georgia’s highest peak, offering not just a cool escape from the heat but a chance to explore an alpine environment rarely seen in the Peach State. Located at the northern tip of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, a 40-mile loop winding through picturesque valleys and mountain gaps of the Southern Appalachians, Brasstown Bald provides access to the heart of the Tennessee River Basin. Here, visitors can witness pristine mountain creeks and streams feeding into the mighty Tennessee River.
The scenic byway connects visitors to stunning vistas, water features, and captivating landforms, making it an ideal road trip year-round, especially during the hot months when temperatures in the Southern Appalachian highlands are notably cooler than elsewhere in the region. Away from the summer heat, Brasstown Bald’s observation deck and museum complex offer panoramic views of four states and the sprawling beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The 8,000-square-foot museum features interactive exhibits on cultural and natural history, including a mountaintop theater showcasing a film on the area’s dramatic weather and seasonal changes.
Due to its elevation and abundant rainfall, Brasstown Bald hosts plant and animal species typically found much farther north in mountainous regions. Indeed, some of these species are exclusive to North Georgia. Bald, But .
