Georgia is located in the southeastern portion of the United States. Within Georgia, the most prevalent mountain range is the Appalachians. In Georgia, the Appalachians are comprised of the Blue Ridge and the North Georgia Mountains. The area has a history of human habitation dating back as far as 1000 B.C. Georgia has numerous mountains that can be used for various recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking and bird watching.
Brasstown Bald is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is easily identified by the tower that sits atop. The tower itself was originally conceived and designed by Arthur Woody, who also helped build it with assistance from the federal government. It rises to 4,786 feet above sea level and is the highest peak in Georgia. Several trails are available for hikers, including the Brasstown Bald-Georgia Highpoint, Jack's Knob Trail, Wagon Train Trail and the Arkaquah Trail. The Brasstown Bald Trail is open to mountain biking.
Blood Mountain is the sixth highest peak in the Georgia Appalachians at 4,458 feet above sea level. It overlooks the Chattahoochee National Forest and is the setting for a battle, some 400 years ago, between Cherokee and Creek Indians. Trails such as the Blood Mountain Loop and the Freeman Trail are open to nature lovers, bird watchers and hikers.
Big Bald Mountain, the 19th highest peak, is 4,081 feet above sea level and within Gilmer County, Georgia. Several trails, including the Stanley Gap Trail, Flat Creek, Long Branch Loop and Stanley Creek Loop, are available to mountain bikers. The Benton MacKaye Trail is designated for hikers.
Rising to 1,686 feet above sea level, Stone Mountain is considered the largest piece of exposed granite in the world. It is believed to have been formed 350 million years ago during immense collisions of tectonic plates. It prominently features the largest bas-relief in the world. Carved into its north face are three figures of the Confederate States of America: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Stone Mountain Park offers fishing at Stone Mountain Lake, an 18-hole mini-golf golf course and the Laser Spectacular show. This show lasts 45 minutes and is choreographed to music. The lasers feature characters, stories and more.
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Springer Mountain rises to 3,782 feet above sea level and is the beginning of the northward trek of the Appalachian Trail. Springer Mountain separates the northern and southern segments of the Appalachians in Georgia. Signs of humans in the area date back as far as 5,000 years.
