Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site
On our quest to encourage our visitors to ‘Get Outdoors’, I highly recommend a trip to Bell Mountain in the heart of Hiawassee Georgia. As a child my parents would take a truck load of us kids to the Georgia Mountain Fair every summer and we knew we were very close to the fairgrounds when we could look back and see the face of this granite stone mountain! I had always heard it was a mountain which could be visited but we would need 4 x 4’s to get there. Now it’s totally accessible to everyone.
Back on February 18, 2016 The Hal Herrin Estate graciously donated the 18 acre Bell Mountain Summit to Towns County. The rough road was then paved all the way to the top. This rugged mountain top with graffitied rocks & an observation deck providing panoramic views of mountains and Lake Chatuge was a trip well spent for us last summer on Father’s Day weekend!
The observation deck has a little over 100 steps (whew, what a work out!) and the elevation is 3,424 feet with 360 panoramic views! It is free, great parking and is handicap accessible. The views are still incredible without using the steps, so handicapped folks can get in on the views as well. This shot was taken from the parking lot.
The drive up there was a bit steep and I noticed parking below the gates also for those who have that extra energy and want to walk more of a distance to get to the top. Its also good for extra parking in case of over flow. We went after a shower had come through and we stayed for well over an hour, taking in the panoramic views and walking around on the observation deck. I am glad we hung around a while, as it cleared out a little and I was able to get more photos.
The photo above is one of my favorite images I captured on our visit! Even though there are over 100 steps, if you take it slow, it’s doable and worth it when you finally get to the top! The image below was taken after the skies started clearing.
This shot shows you one of the observation decks. There was plenty of graffiti on the rocks. (By the way, bring your spray paint because it is legal to write on these rocks.). I enjoyed looking at all the talented work.
As you can see below, the decks and walkways are roomy and there are plenty of places to get awesome shots of the 360 view which is ALL around you!
Below are shots of the land and more views of the available parking area.
click images to enlarge
I really felt like the queen of the mountain up there! I could’ve literally hung out all evening but we had other places to go. It was Father’s Day weekend so we headed out for supper and a trip back over the mountain.
Here you see more of the beautiful observation deck and pano views of the mountains!
My son ventured out onto a ledge (carefully) to get better views. I was kind of nervous until he got back safely to me. I am sure, as with any place or venture you decide to take, precautions are always encouraged. Never get too close to ledges as it only takes one slip to fall. The site also encourages you to stay on the beaten path of stairs and pavement.
OH those Blue Ridge Mountains! I am truly blessed to call this area my home! We plan to go back very soon as this was an incredible adventure!
I hear the sunsets on Bell Mountain are spectacular! As we had to leave, I wasn’t able to get a good sunset shot. However, my friend Rena Johnson visits Bell Mountain regularly and was kind enough to allow me to use one of her awesome sunset images. Thank you Rena!
We hope this article encourages you to GET OUTDOORS and plan your trip to Bell Mountain! Don’t forget June 9th IS “National Get Outdoors” Day! Plan and book your stay with Majestic Mountain Getaways
Bell Mountain Basics ⤵️
☑️ Handicapped accessible, paved, steep grade drive incline.
☑️ Pet Friendly and suitable for all ages
☑️ Observation decks at top for easy viewing 360 degrees of Lake Chatuge and the blue ridge mountains.
☑️ SPEED LIMIT IS 5 MPH
☑️ 3,424 feet in elevation
☑️ Hours are 8 AM – 8 PM,
8 AM – 11 PM DST hrs
Closed during inclement weather
☑️ ADDRESS: 220 Shake Rag Rd Hiawassee, Georgia Need more info? Call (706) 896-2276
Thanks for reading!
Michelle J Ravan
Editor/ Team Member
