Laurel Ridge - Member Hike

Hike Name: Laurel Ridge
Country: United States
State: Georgia
Nearby Town: Mountain City
Rating: 4 stars
Directions: From Clayton, GA:
Turn left onto US-23 N/US-441 N for 2.9 mi
Then turn left onto Black Rock Mountain Pkwy for 0.4 mi
Continue onto Black Rock Mountian Rd 0.6 mi
Then take a slight right onto Black Rock Mountain Pkwy to the visitor's center
Total Hike Distance: 3.20 miles
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required: Yes
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends: Black Rock Lake Parking Area
Trails Used: Edmonds Trail/Edmonds Trail West Fork
Backcountry Campsites: Yes
Backcountry Water Sources: None
Management: State Park Service
Contact Information: Black Rock Mountain State Park
3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway
Mountain City, GA 30562
Rabun County
Best Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users: Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions: Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads
Hike Summary: Georgia's highest state park encompasses some of the most outstanding scenery in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Roadside overlooks provide spectacular 80-mile vistas, and four hiking trails lead visitors past wildflowers, streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. Visitors enjoy the summit visitor center for its views, gift shop and picnic tables.

This hike to the backcountry campsite at Laurel Ridge starts with a 1.6 mile climb from Black Rock Lake and ascends for ~1000 feet to the summit of Lookout Mountain (3162'). It ends with outstanding views to the west. There is water along the West Fork of the Edmonds Trail for about half of the route but the summit area is dry. So plan accordingly. The Laurel Ridge campsite (like all backcountry campsites in the park) requires a reservation, but it is a short distance from the overlook.

Map:

Hiker:

BirdShooter


47,200 points


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