Are you looking for views that will take your breath away? This week my family and I visited Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, Georgia. Let me rephrase that: we visited the most beautiful part of Georgia I have ever seen. If you are looking for a great day trip that will leave you feeling like you are on top of the world, this is a must see. I am still in awe when I think of the indescribable views, and we only had to travel two hours away from our home in Marietta to see them. Not a hiker? That’s ok because you can drive to the top of Bell Mountain and enjoy views that are arguably the best in Georgia. Standing 3,424 feet above sea level, I stood mesmerized by the Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee, and North Carolina views. A word of caution though: be careful on the drive up Bell Mountain because the road is narrow, winding, and scary at times.
As you approach the top, there is a small parking lot with a warning that if you proceed further by car, you do so at “your own risk.” You can either park here and walk up the remaining 300 foot stretch or drive up and park at the top. We drove to the top and were one of the only cars and visitors there. As soon as you park, you are less than 100 feet from the Hal Herrin Overlook where you will see amazing views of Lake Chatuge, surrounding Hiawassee, the Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee, and North Carolina. There is also a long stretch of stairs that resembles a stairway to Heaven; take these to the top where you will find additional overlooks and 360 mountainous views. You’ll feel like you are suspended in the mountains because you quite literally are. However, the main Hal Herrin Overlook is level with the parking lot and provides equally stunning views. So you certainly do not have to climb to experience unparalleled beauty!
As I stood at the Hal Herrin overlook, I read the plaque describing the mountain’s history. It quoted an Athens Newspaper editor named J.A. Grant, who exclaimed in 1883, “…as we reached the summit the greatest sight that the mortal eye ever rested upon met our gaze, it is impossible for the pen to do justice to this scene, for several famous tourists who have visited this mountain pronounce it the GRANDEST MOUNTAIN IN AMERICA.”[1] I can hardly find the words to describe Bell Mountain’s beauty, but this quote is as close as I can get. It is certainly the most beautiful place I have ever been, and I’m amazed that this type of beauty is so close to home.
Cherokee Indians first inhabited the mountain in the early 1800’s; the rugged rock formation is the result of a 1960 mining exhibition where three North Carolina men mined for minerals that they never found.[2] Hal Herrin purchased the mountain to preserve its beauty and later donated the 18 acre summit to Town County in 2016 so that people like you and I could enjoy it for years to come.[3] This donation led the county to construct a road, parking lots, and overlooks for all to enjoy. If you do some research, you will find that Bell Mountain is a gem that many wish was not as well known.[4]Sadly, graffiti covers the rocks that surround the mountain. While this is allowed, I’d rather focus on the unobstructed views that surround anyone lucky enough to visit.
To get a better idea of how beautiful Bell Mountain is, you have to see it in person. No words or pictures could ever do it justice, but I would suggest looking at pictures on Instagram and reading reviews and blog posts online while planning your visit. If it had not been for a photographer I know, I never would have known about or seen this incredible place. He provided me with great advice and warnings so that my family and I would have a safe visit. As I write this, I am still in awe of the beauty that surrounded me that day. Thankfully, my family and I stayed long enough to see one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever witnessed. A sunset at 3,324 feet is hard to beat, especially when you are with your family and surrounded by God’s beauty.
What I love most about Bell Mountain is that anyone can enjoy these incredible views; it is not limited to those who are willing or able to hike. This makes the mountain accessible to anyone regardless of age or physical abilities. Anyone who is able to drive to the top can enjoy views of Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee, the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Talk about a getaway! Bell Mountain gives new meaning to the words hidden gem; it is exactly the type of place we had in mind when creating this blog. I am blown away that such a beautiful place is so close to home. If you are planning a trip to Georgia from North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, or South Carolina, Bell Mountain should be at the top of your list. It should also be at the top of your list if you live in Georgia.
Just be careful on the drive up and down Bell Mountain. Keep your speed down and prepare for narrow roads, steep inclines, and hair pin turns. Let’s preserve these beautiful views and not add to the graffiti that, in my opinion, takes away from Bell Mountain’s beauty. While no pictures could do this gem justice, I’ve included some pictures for you to experience it with me. When you’re ready to see the most beautiful gem in Georgia, head up to Bell Mountain and grab some pictures. Follow and tag us on Instagram (@mygeorgiagems) when you do so that we can enjoy the views with you! You'll be glad you did!
-Audrey
[1] Towns County Georgia. (n.d.). Ordinance: Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site. Explore Georgia | Official Georgia Tourism & Travel Website | Explore Georgia.org. https://www.exploregeorgia.org/sites/default/files/listing_images/3afdd4726770b89a1e96ed71c14a7e24_BellMountainCountyPark.pdf
[2] 365 Atlanta Traveler. (2020, June 29). Bell mountain: The best little non-hike in Georgia. https://365atlantatraveler.com/bell-mountain/
[3] ibid
[4] Jason Barnette. (2019, August 28). The stunning views at Bell mountain Park in Hiawassee, Georgia. Road Trips & Coffee Travel Blog. https://www.roadtripsandcoffee.com/bell-mountain-park-hiawassee-georgia/
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