The tallest peak in South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain at 3,560 feet. It sits right on the North Carolina border above Table Rock off of Highway 178. It’s a little difficult to find as the road labeled “Rocky Bottom Road” on the maps has no sign designating it as such. The best way to get there is to go to the Rocky Bottom Community and head east on the only state road heading out of the valley. Eventually this road will turn in to Sassafras Mountain Road. From there, just follow the winding road to the top. However, don’t get your hopes up of seeing amazing views from this peak, especially when leaves are still on the trees, because South Carolina’s tallest peak has been relegated to nothing more than a home to radio and cell phone towers. There’s a parking lot at the base of the peak and then about 100 yards to the top. Also, the Foothills Trail crosses the summit of Sassafras and there are several primitive spots where you can camp.
The tallest peak in North Carolina is the famed Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet. This peak also holds the title of the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. It is located in Mount Mitchell State Park near Black Mountain, NC right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 355. There are options to get to the top of the peak. Option one is to park at the ranger station about 2.5 miles after entering the park and hike the Commissary Trail to Alice Camp Trail that ends to the summit or take the Old Mitchell Trail that also ends at the summit. Both trails are about 2 miles each with about 600 to 800 feet of elevation change. Option two is to drive to the base of the summit and take a 100 yard walk to the summit. Either way, the views are VERY rewarding. On a clear day the 360 degree views from the platform at the peak affords you visibility as far away as Tennessee. However, be prepared because the weather here can change on a moment’s notice and the wind is always an issue. During the summer months, the park runs a snack shack, a gift shop and an informative display. There’s also great camping in Deep Gap (about a 4 mile hike north on the Deep Gap Trail that takes you over four 6,500 ft. plus peaks!) as well as camping right within the park boundaries.
The tallest peak in Tennessee is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. This peak holds the title of the third tallest peak east of the Mississippi; third only to Mount Mitchell and Mount Craig, both in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome is located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park near Newfound Gap on Highway 441, aka the Blue Ridge Parkway. FYI, the road to the summit is closed in the winter months but the peak is still accessible via the Appalachian Trail as it crosses the summit of the peak – the highest point on the 2,175 mile journey of the A.T. However, if you choose not to take the long way to the summit, there is a shorter way: take Clingmans Dome Road to the parking area at the base of the peak and hike up the steep half mile asphalt trail to the observation deck at the summit. Be prepared with additional clothes as the temperature at the top can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding lower elevations. The views here are supposed to be amazing, but I wouldn’t know. The times I have ever been to Clingmans Dome a thick fog has teased me as to what actually lies just beyond the ridge.
The tallest peak in Georgia is Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet. Brasstown Bald is located south of Blairsville, GA off of Highway 19. This is the only peak that charges a fee for admittance. There is a $3 fee to park at the base of the peak and there is another $3 fee to ride to the peak in a van if you decide to not take the half mile trail that rises over 500 feet to reach the summit. The van ride suited me as I had just got off of another 14 mile trail in nearby Vogel State Park. At the summit of Brasstown Bald there is an observation tower that gives you 360 degree unobstructed views. I must say, this is one beautiful place. Inside the tower plaza is a small museum that gives you the history of the area and the property itself. On a clear day the price of admittance is well worth it.
Hope you enjoy these peaks for yourself!
Until the next hike,
~ Ryan
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