My wife and I were recently in Hiawassee and since it was a perfectly clear day we decided to visit and are happy we got the opportunity. There is a paved road up (about a mile to the top) which is steep with a lot of twists. It is also extremely narrow. There are very small pullovers provided along the route in the event you meet another car. As you approach the summit you will reach the first parking lot. You can park here and walk up the final 300 yards (very steep incline) to your destination or you can drive up. We drove up and parked (lot is very small maybe 7 cars). There are multiple signs informing you that painting is now illegal but obviously it wasn’t in the past (Interesting Graffiti on all the rocks). At an elevation of 3424 feet the view from the parking lot is fantastic. For an even more spectacular view I walked the additional 150 steps up to the top observation platform. The 360 degree views of Lake Chatuge with the mountains as the backdrop are nothing short of breathtaking. Add to your “Must Do” list.

The trip to the top of this place is an adventure and a thrill ride in itself. The road is only wide enough for one car most of the way up the mountain with a few places where you can pass another one coming down. Several times going up the hill our tires “spun” because it was so steep. (Use low gear on your car, better yet go in a truck or 4x4). I recommend making the trip because once you get there the views are breathtaking in the thrill of making it to the top is beyond FUN!!! Just read the photo plaque attached...

My mother and I went here yesterday. There are a handful of changes from the older posts. There is no upper parking. There is a gate that is closed preventing you from driving to the upper lot. This may just be seasonal due to not wanting to maintain the road from ice and snow. The lower “parking” is not traditional parking. It is just a flat spot on the side of the road. Not paved. There are two areas people used for parking. There is about a 10in to a foot drop from the pavement in most spots to park so it is not recommended to take a car. In the two spots to park, there was room for about 10 cars to park. There is no where to turn around if the parking is full. The drive to this “parking lot” is not a fearful drive. It takes about 10 minutes. It is curvy and hilly and just about a one lane road. It is all residential though. There are mirrors to help you see around the curves and there are paved pull offs in case of on coming traffic. Put it in low gear and you’ll be just fine. There are a handful of closed signs but they are permanent signs. I believe this is to warn you that there is no official parking for the park. From the parking to the top is about a half mile of steep hills so it is not for the faint of heart. It was a bit hectic when we showed up to find parking, not drop off the pavement, and attempt to drive backwards down a curvy hill since there is no turn around. But over all, we are glad we waited for someone to leave so we could experience the view. This was definitely a must do when you’re in the area.