Bell Mountain
Bell Mountain - Hiawassee, GA
Start: Shake Rag Rd
Location: Towns County, GA
Distance: 100+ stairs to amazing views
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
Although, this is not technically a hike, this makes the list as a family favorite place to go. You will ascend up a 2 mile windy road to the top of Bell Mountain in your vehicle. When you near the top, the road turns into a single lane and becomes incredibly steep. Be careful and move slowly. There is a parking lot below and above the steep incline. You can either park and walk up the incline or drive the incline, which is a bit nerve wracking, and park at the top. Bell Mountain overlooks Chatuge Lake and the surrounding mountains. The top is littered with graffiti and it is illegal to participate in the activity. Please, just don't. Once parked, you can take the 100+ steps to several different viewing decks with incredible views.
These 360 degree views off of the viewing decks make this place unique and well loved. You can sit on the viewing platform and peer out over Chatuge Lake with views a far as the eye can see. You know you are up high when you can look down at birds flying over the lake.
The only thing that could make this place more incredible is staying for the sunset. If you get a chance to do so, you will not be disappointed. This has one of our top votes for places to watch the sunset in Georgia and when you go, you will see why. You cannot be sitting in a bad spot for this magical show. Every seat is the best seat in the house.