It's time to get out and sweat off those extra Thanksgiving pounds. 

Ben will lead a butt-kicker to the peak of Georgia’s fourth highest mountain, Hightower Bald, at 4,568 feet.

Your effort will be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding area.  Details are below.

Meeting time, place and directions:

8:30 am, Ingles on US Hwy 76 in Hiawassee.

Hike location:

Towns County, Southern Nantahala Wilderness.

USGS Quadrangle:

Hightower Bald, GA – NC.

Distance/Difficulty:

About 9 miles, Strenuous!

Description:

We’ll carpool, preferably in vehicles with high clearance, to our trailhead up Upper Hightower Road on FS72. From Blue Ridge Gap (3,020 ft.) we’ll follow the Appalachian Trail north approximately 3 miles before leaving the trail to bushwhack about a mile and a half to Georgia’s fourth highest peak (4,568 ft.) then return by the same route. We will encounter briars, and it can be windy and much colder at higher elevations, so come prepared.

Bring:

Lunch, water, rain gear, walking staff if needed, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Hiking boots are recommended. Camera if desired. (Allergic to bees/wasps? Remember your meds/epi-pen)

Limit:

6 people only, due to bushwhacking thru sensitive areas.

Rain Date:

Hikers will be notified if hike is cancelled.

Pet Policy:

Thank you for not bringing your pet friends on Georgia ForestWatch outings.

Family Safe Policy:

Outings are a smoke, alcohol, and drug free setting, thanks.

Reserve your spot today!

Reservations required. This outing is free of charge, and open to everyone “first come, first served” up to the limit. Sign-up Deadline: 3pm Thursday prior to outing, but outings usually fill up long before the deadline.

Provide your name, phone number (preferably cell if you'll have one with you on outing day) and your e-mail address when you sign up.

Contact Lori Martell via e-mail at lmartell@gafw.org

or via phone at 706-635-8733.