Wildlife Viewing Guide
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Wildlife Viewing Guide |
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Brasstown
Bald and Wilderness Area
Description:
At an elevation of 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest
mountain. The surrounding area is the 11,000-acre Brasstown Wilderness which
provides habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals specially suited to
cold, harsh environments and solitude from humans. For the hearty visitor this
rugged area offers plenty of wilderness and wildlife viewing opportunities.
A short but steep paved trail leads from the parking lot to the visitor information
center on the Bald, which offers exhibits and interpretive programs.
Viewing Information: Birds that prefer high altitudes abound in spring and fall. The rose-breasted grosbeak, for example, prefers elevations above 3,000 feet and can be seen in good numbers in the rhododendron thickets along the trail to the Bald. Here in the spring may also be seen the black and white warbler, black-throated green warbler, veery, and winter wren. The area supports a large black bear population; white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys may also be seen. Exceptional spring wildflowers and fall color abound throughout the Wilderness Area and Bald. Visitors have access to four hiking trails up to 6 miles in length.
Directions:
From Blairsville take U.S. Hwy. 19/GA Hwy. 129 south for 8 miles. Turn left
(east) on GA Hwy. 180, go 9 miles to GA Hwy. 180 Spur. Turn north and go 3 miles
to parking lot.
Management: U.S. Forest Service 706-896-2556, Brasstown Bald Visitors Center 706-745-6928.
Closest Town: Blairsville, GA
Site Notes: observation platforms, interpretive programs, bookstore, shuttle bus
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