Named after the sheer cliffs and dark-colored rocks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Rock Mountain State Park is a scenic 1,743-acre GA State Park that is well known for its breathtaking views and abundant outdoor recreation. At over 3,000 feet, it’s the highest park in the state and offers expansive panoramic vistas of rolling hills and valleys that are the perfect backdrop to an afternoon exploring. Just a 30-minute drive from Glen-Ella Springs Inn, Black Rock Mountain State Park is a must-see when you visit North Georgia. Here are some of our favorite features of the park.
Spend a Day at Black Rock Mountain State Park
Scenic Overlooks
Not only is this GA State Park breathtaking, but the drive up is an adventure itself. Four overlooks provide spectacular 80-mile vistas and are the perfect place for a photo op, so don’t forget to bring your camera! The Cowee Overlook is first on the drive in and sits almost directly above the Ada-Hi Falls. Next is the Nantahala Overlook, which is in the tent and RV parking circle (perfect for campers), and the Blue Ridge Overlook is located on the road to the Visitor Center. Finally, make your way to the Black Rock Overlook that is adjacent to the Visitors Center for more stunning sights.
Beautiful Trails
Black Rock Mountain State Park also provides guests with a number of activities throughout the year that are sure to bring out your inner nature lover. In particular, 11 different hiking trails offer guests a breath of fresh air, excellent physical activity, and some of the best views around.
- James E Edmond Trail follows cascading streams with small waterfalls and climbs to the summit of Lookoff Mountain for a stunning vista of Wolffork Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.
- Black Rock Lake Trail is a .85 loop around scenic Black Rock Lake, rimmed by forests of white pine and yellow poplar. Beautiful wooden bridges will lead you across Taylor Creek and Greasy Creek, and an 80-foot bridge spans Cricket Cove on the lake’s southwest corner.
- Ada Hi-Falls Trail features mature hardwoods, lichen-covered rocks, a variety of ferns and wildflowers, and a dense thicket of rhododendron. At the trail’s end is the observation platform for Ada-hi Falls.
- Tennessee Rock Trail winds through lush forests and is the park’s most popular hiking trail. On clear days, guests have views that span into the neighboring states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- Norma Campbell Cove Trail gives hikers the chance to pass by huge rock outcrops and springs that flow down the cove into the wild and scenic Chattooga River.
Black Rock Mountain State Park Weather
Because of its high altitude, Black Rock Mountain is often cooler than other Georgia parks and may close when the weather is icy. During this time of year, RVers should be comfortable driving on steep, winding roads. In contrast, the fall, spring, and summer months offer ideal temperatures for adventure, and hikers should wear appropriate footwear and clothing during each season.
Book Your Stay Glen-Ella Springs Inn
After a wonderful day in this GA state park, head back to our Clarkesville bed and breakfast and unwind in one of our beautiful rooms or suites! You can reminisce about all of the amazing things you’ve seen, then refuel with a delicious dinner in our acclaimed restaurant. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures in the mountains!
