“True simplicity begins when you learn to enjoy the amazing abundance of what is already yours.”
Thomas Kinkade
Being a Chattanooga native I am beyond lucky to have endless places to get outside and explore right here in my own backyard. Whether you like hiking solo or you’re looking for friends to connect with, whether you’re hiking with dogs or kids or both… I can guarantee there is a trail and a group of like minded folks waiting for you here. I am incredibly grateful I get to raise my son in such an outdoor centered city. I’ll share more on the beauty of my hometown in later posts.
Another great benefit of living in Chattanooga is the accessibility to surrounding areas. After Malcolm and I set our goal to become Highpointers we researched and realized we were no more than four to five hours from the highest points in most of the surrounding states. Let the road trip planning begin!
On a cold day in mid January 2016 we loaded up our dogs and hit the road towards the highest point in Georgia – Brasstown Bald. Approximately two and half hours from Chattanooga, the drive was nothing less than beautiful. We traveled along the Ocoee River (we always try to stop for lunch at the Ocoee Dam Deli) and then went through small towns like Ducktown, TN and Blairsville, GA. Even though all the leaves had fallen the journey there was more scenic and fun than reaching the top of the mountain! The turn on the back road to head up the mountain was well marked if I remember correctly and it seemed like we traveled straight up on that road for miles and miles (I’m pretty sure this was Highway 180). We pulled into the parking area and gift shop and saw the bulletin board that marked the start of 0.5 mile trail to the top. The gift shop closes during the winter months, but the trail is always open. I think they even offer a shuttle service during the warmer months to the summit for those who may have difficulty on the trail. Now, this was our first summit so we were inexperienced and overly cocky thinking half a mile would be nothing for us young, healthy kids. Y’ALL… this trail is STEEP! It is 0.5 miles of straight up climbing! I was getting passed by small children and people three times my age. The trail is paved, but it was mid January so it was VERY slick from recent snow and ice and Malcolm and I were both wearing tennis shoes with no traction at all. We basically held on and slid the whole way to the top while the dogs pulled us. I can imagine in the warmer months the trail is quite lovely. Even in the winter I could tell it was well maintained. There are several areas with benches to stop and rest and enjoy the scenery.
Once we reached the top with all bones in tact we were surprised to find a really nice visitor center and museum with an observation deck. The visitor center was closed for the season but there were a lot of people there checking out the views on the observation deck and although it wasn’t a particular clear day, the stunning view of the surrounding mountains was absolutely worth the icy climb! We spent a lot of time at the summit. There is a road that crosses the trail that was closed for the season so we found an area we could let the dogs roam for a bit while we prepared for the downhill slide. In theory, the hike down should have been easier, but ice + bad shoes + dogs pulling … you do the math. Spoiler alert – we made it! All in all, this is a great hike with rewarding views and super convenient for East TN and North GA locals. I’d recommend going before October or after March and I cannot emphasize this enough…. MAKE SURE YOU WEAR GOOD SHOES. I actually ordered a good pair of hiking boots on the trip home!
Thanks for reading! This is really fun to share and I’m excited to document more of our adventures. Stay tuned…
