Originally constructed as a portion
of Georgia Route 66, this road was built in the 1950's by convict
labor. For years, dozens of local families formed a wagon train and
traveled the seven winding miles from the town of Young Harris to
camp and socialize on the Bald. The road, now only open to hikers
and horses leads into Brasstown
wilderness.
The Brasstown Bald parking lot
is the upper elevation entrance to this trail. To find the entrance,
go between the bookstore and the concession stand located in the parking
area. Take the paved trail and turn right (east) onto a dirt road.It
is a moderate, 5-7 mile walk with fine views. Near the summit, the
trail passes remarkable cliffs and boulder fields where rock tripe,
lichens, reindeer moss, old-man's beard, and club moss flourish. In
early spring, silverbell, serviceberry, mountain buttercups, white
saxifrage, toothwort, cinquefoil, bluets, highbush and low-bush blueberries,
white and purple violets, solomon's seal and plume, pussytoes, and
four varieties of trillium can be seen blooming along the trail. The
trail ends at private property 2 miles south of Young Harris.
