Georgia · United States
Brasstown Bald Spur
GA 180 SpurJacks Gap to Brasstown Bald summit
The short, steep paved spur from Jacks Gap to the summit parking of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, climbing roughly 1,700 feet in under three miles.
This is a hill-climb in miniature rather than a long drive, and that is exactly its appeal. From the junction of GA 180 and the Spur at Jacks Gap the road rears up immediately, averaging better than eleven percent for the 2.9-mile climb to the summit lot, with switchbacks stacked between dense Blue Ridge hardwoods. It is a popular cycling test piece for the same reason, so expect to share the lane with riders grinding uphill. From the top a short walk reaches the observation deck and its 360-degree view that on a clear day takes in four states. The surface is good but the gradient is relentless and there is little room to recover between corners. Mind cyclists in the lane on blind switchbacks, the sustained steep grade that overheats brakes on the descent, and the gravel break where a trail crosses the pavement.
On the road
The road runs from Jacks Gap to the Brasstown Bald summit. It belongs to the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway and ends at the visitor centre car park, about half a mile (0.8 km) below the top. At 1,458 metres, Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, set in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Cyclists rank it among the hardest climbs in the state. The steepest quarter mile averages over 16 percent. The tarmac is in good shape but there is no shoulder. Come down in a low gear to spare the brakes.
From the car park, a steep paved trail of 0.6 miles (1 km) climbs to the observation deck. A shuttle also runs up during opening hours. The visitor centre also houses a museum. A day-use fee applies, which covers the shuttle, and the site is run by FIND Outdoors with the US Forest Service. On clear days you can see four states and even Atlanta’s tallest buildings. Gates close in bad weather and the road is often shut in winter, so call ahead.
Scenery
Best seasons
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Brasstown Bald Spur on the map2.4 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 2Elevation
under 4%4 to 8%over 8%900 to 1,323 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Wolfpen RidgeViewpoint1.7 mi in
- Brasstown BaldViewpoint2.4 mi in
- Henry KnobViewpointat the start
Hazards
- Cyclists on blind switchbacks
- Sustained 11%+ grade overheating brakes on descent
- Gravel pavement break where a trail crosses
Sources
“On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from the top of the mountain allows you to see as far as 80 miles, including four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.”
Route traced from OpenStreetMap, with its stats measured from that line. How the roads are mapped
Routes for iPhone carries Brasstown Bald Spur offline, with live weather and a 7 day forecast.
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