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Georgia
17

Georgia State Parks

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USA Parks
Georgia
Northeast Georgia Mountains Region
Black Rock Mountain State Park
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Black Rock Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Black Rock Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Black Rock Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Black Rock Mountain State Park Black Rock Mountain Overlook © Ben Prepelka
From the highest elevation in Georgia, this Black Rock Mountain view looks over the city of Clayton.
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BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway
Mountain City, Georgia   30562
(lat:34.9046 lon:-83.4125) map location

Phone: 706-746-2141
Reservations: 800-864-7275
Black Rock Mountain State Park, named for its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss, encompasses some of the most outstanding country in Georgia?s Blue Ridge Mountains. Located astride the Eastern Continental Divide at an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is the highest state park in Georgia. Numerous scenic overlooks provide spectacular 80-mile vistas of the Southern Appalachians, and several hiking trails lead visitors past wildflowers, cascading streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. The summit visitor center and picnic tables are popular with travelers in northeast Georgia.
History of the Area
Located in Georgia's Rabun County, the park was established in 1952. It covers over 1,743 acres of land and is named after its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss. The area offers a diverse range of flora and fauna due to varying altitudes ranging from approximately 1,800 feet to well above sea level at Black Rock Mountain's summit (3,640 ft). In addition to natural beauty with panoramic views across Blue Ridge Mountains' southern ranges; it also provides recreational activities including hiking trails and camping facilities for visitors.

Camping
- Standard Campsites: Black Rock Mountain State Park offers 44 standard campsites with amenities like picnic tables and grills.

- Walk-In Tent Sites: There are 12 walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

- Pioneer Camping Area: This area is designed specifically for large groups, accommodating up to 50 people at once.

- Backcountry Camping Site: For experienced campers who prefer solitude, there's an isolated backcountry site available by reservation only.

- Cottages Rental Option: The park also has ten fully equipped cottages that can be rented year-round.

- RV Hookup Spots: RV enthusiasts will find spots complete with electric hookups in the campground section of the park.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in tranquil lakes, home to catfish and bream. Trout streams are also available for angling enthusiasts.



Picnicking
1. Black Rock Mountain State Park offers numerous picnic spots with stunning mountain views.
2. Picnic tables and grills are available for use.
3. There's a large, covered pavilion perfect for group picnics or events.
4. Many trails lead to secluded areas ideal for private picnicking experiences.
5. The park provides trash cans at every site ensuring cleanliness after your meal.


Trails
JAMES E. EDMOND TRAIL (Backcountry)7.2 mile loop. Rated difficult to strenuous.

The 7.2-mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail, named in honor of one of the park?s first rangers, offers both day hiking and backpack camping. This trail is quite steep in a number of places and is rated as ?moderate to strenuous.? In laurel-filled coves, the trail follows cascading streams with small waterfalls. In the northernmost section of the park, the trail climbs to the summit of Lookoff Mountain and offers a stunning vista of Wolffork Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

Backcountry Camping by Permit Only. Camping allowed on four designated campsites. See map for exact locations. Advance reservations required. Call 1-800-864-7275.

BLACK ROCK LAKE TRAIL.85 mile loop. Rated easy.

The loop around scenic Black Rock Lake is the newest segment in the park?s trail system. 17-acre Black Rock Lake is unspoiled by development and is rimmed by forests of white pine and yellow poplar. The gently rolling .85-mile loop is rated ?easy? and is perfectly suited for beginners. Wooden bridges cross Taylor Creek and Greasy Creek, the two cascading streams that feed Black Rock Lake, and an 80-foot bridge spans Cricket Cove on the lake?s southwest corner. A wheelchair-accessible pier adjacent to Turtle Rock allows anglers a chance to fish for bass, bream, catfish, yellow perch, and rainbow trout. In addition, several tables along shady Taylor Creek offer the perfect location for a creek-side picnic.

ADA HI-FALLS TRAIL.25 mile one way. Rated moderate to difficult.

The Ada-hi Falls Trail provides a delightful but challenging walk into an outstanding example of a moist, north-slope Appalachian cove. The trail features mature hardwoods, lichen-covered rocks, a variety of ferns and wildflowers, and a dense thicket of rhododendron. At the trail?s end is the observation platform for noisy Ada-hi Falls, a small cascade typical of those found at higher elevations throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.

TENNESSEE ROCK TRAIL2.2 mile loop. Rated moderate to difficult.

The yellow-blazed 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail, winding its way through some of the highest and lushest forests, is the park?s most popular hiking trail. Rated by experienced hikers as ?easy to moderate,? the trail offers most visitors a perfect opportunity to get better acquainted with the area?s rich woodlands and vistas, that on clear days span over 80 miles into the neighboring states of both North and South Carolina, as well as Tennessee.
Birding
The park offers birding trails with diverse species including warblers, vireos and flycatchers. Bird checklists are available.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 28 So so Quite, my family loves it by Susan Browner
park review stars; one to five We stay in one of the cabins they have, and we have been visiting the park since the early 90;s on picnic;s we now have grandchildren and they love the park and hiking trails and lets not forget the cookouts at night the rangers are so very kind.
February 10 Beautiful place by Lee Ann
park review stars; one to five My friend and I camped at the park in October 09 and it was great. The leaves were beautiful and the park was awesome. Clean, very scenic and the people there were very nice. We will definitely be back.
July 26 relaxing in the shade by pandtwrye
park review stars; one to five Black rock mountain state park is a nice getawy from the heat. It is typically 20 degrees cooler than the middle georgia area. It was 75 degrees @ 2:30 pm on 7/26/08. The park is on top of a mountain and has a 2 mile steep climb to get there. The road is steep with curves so just take your time. The park is very clean with showers. The sites have elec and water. The sites are fairly close together. There are several lookout points with benches. It is a nice place to go to get away from the heat and just relax. The town is a few miles away with anything you may have forgotten. Plenty of resturants and a walmart.
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Area Campgrounds
Mr Bud's Camp Ground
7796 Georgia 197
Clarkesville, GA
706-947-3420
River Vista
20 River Vista Drive
Dillard, GA
706-746-2722
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
- All pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Pets are not allowed in any park buildings, including cottages and lodge rooms.
- Pet owners should clean up after their pets immediately and dispose of waste properly.
- Noisy or dangerous animals may be asked to leave the park by management for safety reasons.
- Owners are responsible for any damage caused by their pet within the state park boundaries.
- It is prohibited to leave your pet unattended anywhere inside Black Rock Mountain State Park premises.
- Pets should have current rabies vaccinations; proof might be required upon request from authorities.

Directions
Located on Black Rock Mountain Parkway, 3 miles north of Clayton off U.S. Hwy. 441. Look for brown directional signs in Mountain City.

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Georgia
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Georgia State Parks

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