Wagon Train Trail to Brasstown Bald (Camino Training Hike 3)

As several of us are going to be hiking the Camino Portugués in the late spring and with numerous back to back to back big mileage days included in that journey, I thought it would be a good idea to plan a series of training hikes in preparation. These hikes are intended to be big mileage, but with only low to moderate elevation gain. While this series of hikes is intended for those training for the Camino, anyone is welcome to participate, assuming you are up to the challenge.

Most of you know my practices for hikes, but I'll repeat them here. This is NOT a guided hike and you are responsible for your own well-being and ability to complete the hike within the listed time. These are big mileage hikes at a brisk pace and if you don't hike regularly, I would strongly recommend against your participation.

We will be departing the trailhead at the posted time. Do not expect the group to wait for you if you are running late, though you are welcome to try and catch up with the group.

I will be monitoring the weather closely as the day of the hike approaches and will likely cancel in the case of inclement weather. This decision will generally be made the night before the hike and post accordingly. You should check this posting prior to leaving for the trailhead.

Now onto the details of this specific training hike:

We will be hiking approximately 15.1 miles along the Wagon Train Trail gaining and losing 3,000+ feet of elevation as we make our way to the summit of Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald (4,784'). This is NOT a trail for beginners, as we will be hiking approximately 2.5 mph with a LOT OF ELEVATION GAIN. We'll take a short lunch break when we reach the top.

Directions to Trailhead:
34.931477, -83.848300

-Head north on US 19

• Turn right onto Hwy 180 at Choestoe, GA (If you pass the Georgia Mountain Watch Store, you've gone too far)
• After about 2.5 miles, turn left onto Town Creek School Rd
• Follow for approximately 2 miles and then take a slight right onto Track Rock Church Rd
• Approximately 4.5 miles further, take another slight right onto Track Rock Gap Rd
• After approximately 3 miles, turn right onto Young Harris Hwy/US76N
• Just before the Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church (about 1.9 miles from your previous turn), turn right onto Bald Mountain Rd. and find the nearest Parking Spot (noting and obeying any signage).

Parking at the trailhead is limited and so you may want to arrive a little early and/or carpool. I have contacted both Young Harris College and the Brasstown Bald Visitor's center and from what I'm told parking at the church is free and acceptable, but please be aware of and obey any parking signs.