Atlanta: Arkaquah Trail
First, check out the petroglyphs; then climb 2,500 feet to the state high point on this popular 11.6-mile out-and-back in Chattahoochee National Forest.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 9.5
Waypoints
ARK001
Location: 34.8826217651367, -83.8777465820312
From lot, head R to trailhead. Before setting off, inspect Indian carvings behind metal wiring on L side of road
ARK002
Location: 34.8841896057129, -83.8721466064453
Huff up steep climb, rising more than 1,100 feet to forested top of Buzzard Roost Ridge
ARK003
Location: 34.880558013916, -83.864128112793
Follow a series of ridgetops and saddles as flora shifts from fern, oak, and willow to mtn. laurel & rhododendron
ARK004
Location: 34.8803939819336, -83.8495254516602
Cross Locust Log Ridge and descend into dense oak forest, watching for black bear or white-tailed deer
ARK005
Location: 34.8756332397461, -83.8437576293945
Wildflowers flank the N slope amid slick, moss-covered rocks
ARK006
Location: 34.8737182617188, -83.8303756713867
Amid ferns along Chimneytop Mtn., relax under big gray boulder on L
ARK007
Location: 34.8743057250977, -83.8279495239258
Rock outcrop in clearing offers majestic views of the blue-hued southern Appalachians and distant ridges to the S
ARK008
Location: 34.8711776733398, -83.814582824707
Begin moderate incline to Brasstown Bald
ARK009
Location: 34.8703880310059, -83.8110809326172
Arkaquah Trail ends at Brasstown Bald parking lot. Walk S to a paved, half-mile trail to Georgia’s highest peak
ARK010
Location: 34.8742332458496, -83.8108596801758
An animatronic Arthur Woody greets visitors to the tower built at the 4,784-ft. summit; view 4 states on a clear day. Retrace steps back to Arkaquah trailhead