Smokies Guide

Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains

â›°ī¸ Black Rock Mountain State Park

Situated astride the Eastern Continental Divide in Rabun County, Black Rock Mountain State Park holds the distinction of being Georgia's highest state park, reaching an elevation of 3,640 ft (1,109 m). Named for its dramatic, dark cliffs of biotite gneiss, the park features sweeping 80-mile panoramic vistas of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, cool mountain breezes, and 11 miles of forested hiking trails.

🌅 Highlights & Scenic Overlooks

Summit Overlooks

Five roadside overlooks along Black Rock Mountain Parkway provide expansive vistas across Rabun County into North and South Carolina.

Summit Visitor Center

Located near the peak, offering regional exhibits, a gift shop, restrooms, picnic areas, and panoramic views from the ridge.

Black Rock Lake

A peaceful 17-acre mountain lake nestled at the base of the park, popular for trout fishing, kayaking, and walking along the gently winding shoreline.

đŸĨž Popular Hiking Trails

Tennessee Rock Trail

A scenic 2.2-mile loop trail leading to the park's highest ridge at Tennessee Rock Overlook, offering views into Tennessee and North Carolina on clear days.

Black Rock Lake Trail

An easy 0.85-mile loop path around the 17-acre lake, crossing wooden bridges and fishing piers.

James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail

A challenging 7.2-mile loop for experienced hikers winding down through steep coves, past cascading mountain streams, and up to rugged backcountry campsites.

Springhouse Trail

A short 0.3-mile path starting near the visitor center that leads past an old mountain springhouse.

đŸ•ī¸ Camping & Lodging

Mountaintop Cottages

10 fully equipped, two-bedroom mountaintop cabins featuring kitchens, wood-burning stoves, and outdoor rocking chair porches.

Campsites

44 RV, trailer, and tent campsites with water and electric hookups, plus 12 walk-in tent sites surrounded by mountain laurels and gnarled oaks.

Backcountry Camping

4 primitive backcountry sites located along the James E. Edmonds Trail (equipped with bear boxes).

â„šī¸ Visitor Information & Driving Tips

📍 Address

3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy, Mountain City, GA 30562 (Just 3 miles north of Clayton, GA off US-441)

⏰ Park Hours

Gates open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

đŸŽŸī¸ ParkPass

A standard Georgia State Park Daily Pass ($5 per vehicle) is required.

🚗 Driving Notice

The parkway climbing the mountain is steep, narrow, and winding. RV drivers and trailers should exercise caution. Winter ice may cause temporary road closures.