Brasstown Bald Observation Deck
Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia · 4,784 ft
Georgia's highest summit carries a 360-degree observation deck above the surrounding ridges, so color reads as receding layers rather than one hillside. Peak arrives here a week or two ahead of the valleys below.
Typical peak
Oct 12 – Oct 20
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Park at the fee lot at the end of GA 180 Spur off GA 180 near Jacks Gap, then walk the paved 0.6-mile grade or ride the shuttle to the deck.
What turns here
- red maple
- northern red oak
- sourwood
- yellow birch
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 16Typical color progression for Brasstown Bald Observation Deck. No change from Sep 8 to Sep 25. First color from Sep 25 to Oct 4. Approaching peak from Oct 4 to Oct 12. Peak from Oct 12 to Oct 20. Past peak from Oct 20 to Oct 30. Bare from Oct 30 to Nov 13.
Color starts around Sep 25.
Light at peak
Brasstown Bald Observation Deck on October 16, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:16 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 100° | 7:41 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 34 min of low, warm light | 8:16 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:20 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 34 min before sunset | 6:25 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 260° | 6:59 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:25 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 18m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.