Georgia’s highest mountain is Brasstown Bald, which rises to an elevation of 4,784 feet and is situated on the Towns County-Union County line. It is part of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain. Topping Brasstown Bald is a stone tower and a separate stone building that contains a museum and observation deck.

The deck offers 360-degree views of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The forest has more than 430 miles of trails, and the river offers some of the most challenging rapids in the southeast.

The Cherokee called the mountain Enotah. Their legends tell the story of a flood that killed all people except for the families that landed on top of Enotah in a great canoe. The land was cleared so the survivors planted crops until the flood was over. The name originates from the Cherokee word itse-yi meaning “place of fresh green,” however, settlers misinterpreted the word for untsaiyi meaning brass in Cherokee.

Brasstown Bald has become a favorite of hikers with numerous trails and great panoramic views that are great for star gazing. And on a clear day, some of the tallest buildings in Atlanta can be seen.