Black Rock Mountain State Park
Georgia's highest state park: roadside overlooks with 80-mile views, backcountry trails and cottages at 3,640 feet
The short answer
The view is the point
This is the highest state park in Georgia, on the Eastern Continental Divide, and its roadside overlooks put you above a sea of ridgelines without a hike. On a clear day the Wikipedia article says four states show up: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. State Parks puts the vistas at 80 miles.
The park takes its name from the dark cliffs of biotite gneiss, a metamorphic rock that underlies much of Georgia's Blue Ridge. Up here the weather turns faster than in the valley, so pack a layer even in October.
Trails
The park has about 11 miles of hiking trails, and the elevation makes "moderate" feel harder than it sounds.
| Trail | Distance | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Rock Trail | 2.2 miles | The signature hike. It crosses the north slope with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The western section runs through the area hit by the 2011 tornado, so there is less shade. |
| James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail | 7.2 miles | The long one: steep and strenuous, reaching 3,162-foot Lookoff Mountain, with four backcountry campsites along it. |
| Black Rock Lake trail | Short loop | An easy walk around the 17-acre lake. Good for kids and anyone who wants to skip the climbs. |
| Ada-Hi Falls Trail | Closed | Closed for stair repair. Check the park page before you plan around it. |
Plan the trip
Cost
Parking is $10 per vehicle per day; the annual ParkPass is $70. Overnight guests don't pay a separate parking charge.
The road
The parkway climbs steeply with tight curves, and the park may close the road in icy weather. If you're towing or driving a big RV, call the park at 706-746-2141 before you go.
Stay overnight
The park has 10 cottages, 44 tent, trailer and RV sites, 12 walk-in sites and 4 backcountry sites. Walk-in and backcountry sites have bear boxes. Reserve at 800-864-7275.
Getting there
Black Rock is about 70 minutes from Helen. Pair it with Vogel State Park or a lake day to fill a full day.
A little history
The park was established in 1952 with 1,000 acres, according to Wikipedia. Rabun County native John V. Arrendale began assembling the land with a 70-acre purchase in 1938. Today the park covers 1,743 acres, per Georgia State Parks.
On April 27, 2011, an EF-2 tornado tore through the park, damaged camping areas and uprooted thousands of trees. Nobody was hurt. Young growth is filling in, and open patches along the trails now show off wildflowers in spring.
Spending the day
The park's own parkway does most of the work. Overlooks line the road, so you can see the ridges without a boot touching a trail, then decide whether you have the legs for the 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail. Plan the day in that order: views first while the air is clear, a hike second, and lunch before you head back down.
The Foxfire Village Museum is next door, at 98 Foxfire Lane in Mountain City, so a Black Rock morning and a museum afternoon fit in one trip. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM and Sunday noon to 4 PM. Vogel State Park is another 45 minutes from Helen, but check its page first: the lake is drained for dam repairs and the loop trail is closed.
If you only have an hour
Drive the parkway, stop at the overlooks, and walk the short Black Rock Lake trail around the 17-acre lake.
If you want a real hike
Tennessee Rock Trail (2.2 miles) crosses the north slope; the 7.2-mile Edmonds Backcountry Trail is steep and strenuous.
If you're staying
Ten cottages, 44 tent, trailer and RV sites, 12 walk-in sites and 4 backcountry sites. Call 800-864-7275 to reserve.
If the weather turns
The access road is steep and winding and can close in icy weather. Call 706-746-2141 before you drive up.
Quick questions
How much does it cost to visit Black Rock Mountain State Park?
Parking is $10 per vehicle per day. The annual ParkPass is $70. Overnight guests don't pay a separate parking fee.
How far is Black Rock Mountain from Helen?
About 70 minutes by car to the park at 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway in Mountain City.
What are the park hours?
The park is open 7 AM to 10 PM. The office is open 8 AM to 5 PM.
Is the Ada-Hi Falls Trail open?
No. Georgia State Parks lists it as closed while the stairs are repaired.
How high is Black Rock Mountain?
3,640 feet, the highest state park in Georgia, with overlooks that Georgia State Parks says reach about 80 miles.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
