Rising high above Lake Chatuge, Bell Mountain in Hiawassee offers a striking juxtaposition of natural beauty and human impact. The popular drive-up mountain is known for its kaleidoscopic graffiti covering the rocks at its summit, all while offering what I believe to be the most stunning panoramic view in North Georgia.
Location, Cost & Hours
Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site: 220 Shake Rag Rd, Hiawassee, GA
It’s just a short drive from downtown Hiawassee, near the North Carolina border. If you’re driving from Athens, GA, it’s about 2 hours.
Cost: Free!
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
The Steep Ascent
While Bell Mountain is a drive-up destination, don’t underestimate the journey. Shake Rag Road is notoriously steep and narrow, demanding slow cautious driving. As you approach the summit, you’ll find a parking area partway up the mountain. I recommend parking here and walking the rest of the way (it’s a short walk). If you want to drive all the way to the top, there’s parking up there too, but take that last stretch of steep, narrow road at your own risk.
What to Expect
When you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by a literal mountain of graffitied rocks. Look, I do NOT think people should graffiti a beautiful mountain. There’s something very cave man and uncool about man’s urge to mark his territory. But I have to admit, my juvenile, cave man brain can’t help but find the visual tension of nature and not-nature striking. Graffiti is a total grab bag of bored youth and/or artists and/or racists. It is at tacky odds with the surrounding Blue Ridge majesty, yet it’s now an inseparable feature of Bell Mountain and I have a perverse appreciation for it. But please do not further vandalize this poor, painted knob!
Long before Bell Mountain became a park, it was scarred by human activity. In 1963, three men tried to mine the mountaintop for minerals, leaving a deep gash in the landscape that remains visible today. Mining was halted in 1971 and the mountain was purchased by Hal Herrin who eventually donated the land to Towns County for preservation in 2016. Since then, the site has been paved, observation decks have been added, and Bell Mountain has become a spot to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The view itself is untouched and awe-inspiring. From the observation decks at the summit, you’ll be treated to a spectacular 360-degree panorama of Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. On the highest observation platform, you’re higher than 3,400 feet above sea level. I caught one of the most beautiful rosy-skied sunsets here.
Nearby Attractions
- Brasstown Bald: Just a 20 minute drive away, Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest peak. Take a shuttle or hike to the top for views spanning four states on a clear day.
- Hiawassee Antique Mall: An excellent antique mall with solid vendors and reasonable prices. Don’t miss the excellent book selection!
- Helen, GA: Heading back toward Athens? Make a detaour to Georgia’s little Bavarian town for a soft pretzel.
