Brasstown Bald | |
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Enotah | |
Observation tower atop Brasstown Bald
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 4,784 ft (1,458 m) |
Prominence | 2,108 ft (643 m) |
Listing | U.S. state high point 25th |
Coordinates | 34°52′27″N 83°48′38″W / 34.874199°N 83.810652°WCoordinates: 34°52′27″N 83°48′38″W / 34.874199°N 83.810652°W |
Geography | |
Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Jacks Gap |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Drive or hike |
Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state of Georgia. Located in northeast Georgia, the mountain is known to the native Cherokee people as Enotah. The name in English is derived from a mistaken translation of the term for a former Cherokee village nearby, located along the upper Brasstown Creek (named in English from the same error) feeding the Hiawassee River.
Across the North Carolina state line, immediately north of the mountain, are other places named in that error of English settlers: Brasstown, a community in the Brasstown township of Clay County, North Carolina.
Brasstown Bald is partly in both Towns and Union counties, the peak being divided by the county line. The mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian Mountains), and within the borders of the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The mountain consists mostly of soapstone and dunite.
On a clear day, it is possible to see the tall buildings of Atlanta from the summit. The U.S. Forest Service has webcams atop the observation tower, and a RAWS weather station further down the mountain. The public can drive to the top via Georgia State Route 180 Spur.