Hike the Appalachian Trail to Preachers Rock
Cleveland, Georgia
Details
Distance
2.1 miles
Elevation Gain
425 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Christian Murillo
Take a short hike on the iconic Appalachian Trail to one of Georgia’s most scenic mountain views. This 2-mile hike makes for a perfect half-day trip for your whole family any time of the year.
The Appalachian Trail is arguably the most famous thru-hike in the world. Along its 2,181-mile journey, there are many beautiful mountain views, and Preachers Rock is definitely one of them. A large granite slab near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain reveals mountain views that are truly the epitome of what North Georgia is all about.
Just 1.5 hours North of Atlanta, the Woody Gap trailhead marks the beginning of the climb to Preachers Rock. The trail begins following the white AT blazes to the northeast and gently climbs for the first half-mile. After about 10-15 minutes of hiking, the trail becomes noticeably steeper as it begins a much more aggressive climb up Big Cedar Mountain. Several switchbacks bring you through the hardwood forest and past some large boulders until you get to Preachers Rock.
The view from Preachers Rock is one of the finest in the entire state, overlooking a deep valley, with Mount Yonah and Cowrock Mountain in the distance. Catching a sunrise from this vantage point is one of my all-time favorite Blue Ridge Mountain adventures.
The return to Woody Gap follows the same trail that was taken on the climb up, descending just over a mile to the parking lot. This hike is great year-round and is well known, but does not draw as many crowds as some other hikes in the area.
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Reviews
Easy hike with a beautiful view!
5.0
I have hike the whole GA AT trail. Fantastic!
5.0
So many great views were seen on my last trip to Georgia, but this one was my favorite! Easy 1-mile hike to Preacher's Rock, and the view was spectacular and nearly 180 degrees! We could look out and see the shadows of clouds on the mountains and the sun beginning to set in the distance. We were the only one's out there, so crowds were not something we had to fight to see this beautiful view.
5.0
Its all in the title! This hike had some great views along the way and especially at Preachers Rock, but it wasn't that difficult to complete. There is a parking lot with a bathroom and campsite (just above the parking lot), and there is an additional campsite about halfway to Preachers Rock (just before you begin to gain altitude). My wife and I loved this hike and had fun taking pictures along the way. Its well worth the trip, if you're into hiking and views!
5.0
Really short hike very popular with students at my university. Well maintained and clean trail with beautiful views. Sunrise/sunset trips are great here!
5.0
One of the most beautiful spots in georgia I’ve been to. Takes my breath away every time and you never get tired of that view.
5.0
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