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This easy trail is unmarked at either end. To get to the trail use the Brasstown Bald Access Trail from the parking lot. As you ascend towards the bald the Wagon Train Trail veers to the right. After a brief walk a gate blocks the road. Continue past the gate and you are on the trail.
This old roadbed was the original path that Georgia highway 66 was to follow. Because of this the trail is unusually wide and a good family hike, but beware, easy does not mean short. Even if a hiker is in acceptable condition the trail will wear you out, but it's worth it. Some of Georgia's most spectacular scenery is along this footpath and it is lightly traveled, except at either end. The trail ends behind the woman's dorm at Young Harris College and it is rumored to be a favorite trail of Georgia Governor Zell Miller.
The beginning of the trail passes through the only "cloud forest" in the state of Georgia, on the north end of Brasstown Bald. Mostly yellow birch, this forest is the southernmost habitat for many northern species. A deep, rich loam supports more abundant plant life than is found elsewhere in the north Georgia mountains. Among the species that can be seen:
| reindeer mossold man's beardviolets(blue and white)trilliumsilverbellrock tripe |
Near the forest is a boulderfield. While interesting, a better example is above the parking lot for Sosebee Cove. After passing through the cloud forest the trail winds north, generally following the border between Union and Towns County. Among the notable geographic features passed on this hike(in order from south to north):Little Bald, Buzzard Ridge, Chimney Top, Old Rocky Knob, Double Knob and Granny Knob. As you approach Young Harris an obtrusive radio tower is visible.
The trail ends(or starts) on the Young Harris side at the top of the parking lot behind Rollins Hall. A gate that is painted red blocks entry of motor vehicles. The gate can be hard to find.
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Wagon Train Trail
Wagon Train Trail maps and directions
Trail reports for Wagon Train Trail
Historic reports for Wagon Train Trail