This weekend I was able to get up to North Georgia and hike the approach trail to Brasstown Bald, the highest mountain in Georgia. The summit is only 4600 feet above sea level, so it’s no Everest, but the heat and the steepness of the half-mile trail made me appreciate all the wildflowers – and the opportunity to stop and catch my breath while I photographed them.

 

 

As you can see the woods are full of pollinators, always a happy sight these days. The whole area is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and there’s both an excellent visitor’s center and a shuttle from the parking area to the summit if you have someone who’s differently abeled or it’s just too darn hot for the hike. I highly reccomend it though – you struggle up the switchbacks (I struggled, at least; you may be less lazy than I am) and as you reach the last turn the fire tower at the summit leaps into to view, and the valley views spread out all around you.

The Appalachian Trail runs nearby, as well as some other good hiking trails. I’m looking forward to getting back to the area and exploring more.