Three miles up, three miles down. For hikers and history buffs alike, Toccoa’s Currahee Mountain is one of Georgia’s must-see peaks. As the last mountain in the Blue Ridge chain, Currahee offers a blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and controversial graffiti. Whether you hike or drive up its gravel road, reaching the summit will reward you with an epic view. I’ve been lucky enough to catch the sunrise at these graffitied rocks three times, and each visit has been different and wonderful. I highly recommend making your way to the top in time to see day break over this colorful mountaintop.
Location, Cost & Hours
Location: Currahee Mountain Road, Toccoa, GA 30577
Currahee is just over an hour’s drive from Athens, Georgia, and closer to 2 hours from Atlanta.
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open all day, every day
Getting there is straightforward and it’s a choose-your-own-adventure getting to the top. I recommend parking at the bottom and taking the gravel road by foot. If you’d prefer to drive, take it slow.
The Mountain
The name “Currahee” comes from the Cherokee word gurahiyi, meaning “stands alone.” Rising 1,700 feet above sea level, Currahee doesn’t quite tower like some of its peers, but don’t underestimate its steep incline. You really feel the burn as you near the summit. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling landscape of northeast Georgia. It takes about 2 hours, 30 minutes to complete the hike up and back down. Experienced hikers can explore side trails all over the mountain, with at least a couple spots for repelling/bouldering and caving.
Let’s talk about the graffiti. Over the years, Currahee Mountain has been subject to a lot of spray paint. While vandalism of nature is always a bummer, it’s become an inseparable art of Currahee’s visual identity. The colorful markings add a weird layer to its pristine surroundings. That said, we definitely do not need any more graffiti up here! Please embrace the “leave no trace” philosophy to help preserve what’s left of the mountain’s natural beauty. If you’re passionate about restoration efforts, check out the Currahee Cleanup Project.
History
From 1942 to 1944, Currahee Mountain served as a training ground for World War II paratroopers stationed at nearby Camp Toccoa. These soldiers, part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, famously ran the “three miles up, three miles down” several times a week as part of their training. HBO’s Band of Brothers brought the mountain’s wartime history to the spotlight. Even cooler, Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone, trained here during his service years. He was 5’4″ and so tough! I first read about Serling’s time at Currahee in Koren Shadmi’s graphic biography The Twilight Man.
What’s Nearby?
Currahee Mountain is a solid half-day adventure, but while you’re in the area, you should also check out:
- Toccoa Falls: Just a 5 minute drive from Currahee, this 186-foot waterfall is located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. There’s a $2 entrance fee.
- Tallulah Gorge: About 30 minutes away from Currahee, this natural wonder features a 1,000-foot-deep gorge, a suspension bridge and incredible hiking opportunities. Read all about hiking the gorge floor here.
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