Exploring the Brasstown Bald Mountain, GA

Now, for every weekend i have made it a point with my friends to visit some place or the other. They very much liked the idea since its better to move your butts on weekends than sulking in your bed and being a potato couch. So we pinned down places which are one hour drive away or two.Last time i picked Helen, this time it was Mrs. Sinha turn and she chose The Brasstown, the highest point in the state of Georgia at 4,783 feet.

The plan was set for coming weekend in the month of May last week. We invited another couple The Khalids who have a very doting three years old son. Since the place doesn't have lot of activities involved i assumed it shall be a very easy trip for a family with a kid. The time was fixed at 11am to move out and i was literary upset to know that the Khalids were already ready and it was Ani who made them wait for one hour. They didn't mind the delay because it let them have nice round trip around Buckhead, Atlanta.

The 2hrs drive from Buckhead was pleasant as we crossed the city and forests and hills encircle us. Now here the road becomes pretty snaky which remind me of my trip in Chandigrah,India where we drove an endless mile to enjoy the sky-rail.

We made a pause at the famous Mountain Crossing, Walaris to overcome the motion sickness and sudden dizziness.Parked beneath a tree all of us were surprised to discover multitude of boots and worn shoes dangling from the tree branch. The place has a general store with eatables, souvenirs, and backpacking gear. A little picnic spot is attached nearby where we did bit of stretching our legs and arm as the wind chime played its mystic rhythm.

After a quick break we resume the drive. In no time we could already see the observation desk standing majestically as it shone bright on the highest point of Georgia.

Arriving at visitor center you have choice to take steep trail or ride in a van up to the observation area which is totally free and you can ride up countless time.

For hikers the 6/10 mile trail is bit tiring but not exhausting and since we're not in the greatest shape with a kid around we opt for the 2 mins van trip and a very pleasant driver took us up presenting a narrative about these mountains. It was the first I heard the explanation of the blue haze being caused by decomposing vegetation, so it was indeed educational.

On arriving at the top, you could take stairs or elevator for a spectacular view of the four states – Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina.

Downstairs they offer a movie in a theater, displaying about earlier times and how these mountains came to be. We skipped watching the film as it was crowded when we were ready. Their is also a fun small museum with a scavenger hunt for the kids.
We were satisfied sitting out getting a lot of sun in the chilly cold wind.