Highway 180 Spur to Brasstown Bald Summit Road
Georgia's highest point with four-state summit views
The narrow paved spur road to Brasstown Bald’s summit climbs the final 2.5 miles to Georgia’s rooftop at 4,784 feet, winding through dense Appalachian forest that transitions from hardwood to high-elevation spruce-fir. Built in the 1960s to access the FAA radar installation, this steep mountain road gains 800 vertical feet in just over two miles, with hairpin turns that’ll test your trailer-towing skills. The summit parking area sits just below the observation tower, where clear days reveal four states spreading out like a topo map.
This is an easy scenic drive suitable for any vehicle, though RVs over 30 feet struggle with the tight switchbacks. Open year-round except during ice storms, but fall foliage season (October) brings heavy traffic. No permits required, but the summit parking lot fills fast on weekends. Bring a jacket—it’s typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor. The payoff is standing on Georgia’s highest point with views stretching from the Smokies to the Atlanta skyline on exceptional days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Paved |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 5 mi / 8 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4784 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Hiawassee, GA |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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Frequently asked questions
Can any vehicle drive the spur road to Brasstown Bald, or do I need 4WD?
Any vehicle handles this — it's a paved road the whole way. A sedan, minivan, or stock anything will get you there without issue.
Is the road to Brasstown Bald open year-round?
The road is generally open year-round, but it can close temporarily during winter ice or snow events. Check with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests or call the ranger district before heading up in January or February.
Is there a fee to drive the Brasstown Bald spur road?
There's a parking fee at the Brasstown Bald trailhead — currently a few dollars per vehicle. The road itself doesn't charge a toll, but budget for the lot fee when you arrive.
What's the hardest part of the drive up to Brasstown Bald?
There's no hard section — it's a short, paved spur road. The steepest challenge is the half-mile paved walk from the parking lot to the summit observation tower, which gains around 200 feet.
Can you camp near Brasstown Bald, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There's no camping at the Brasstown Bald summit area itself, but Vogel State Park and several dispersed sites in the Chattahoochee National Forest are within a short drive. Nearest gas is in Hiawassee, roughly 9 miles away — fill up before you head out.
Trail track
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