Bell Mountain
Bell Mountain
4.5
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
267 reviews
Excellent
188
Very good
51
Average
16
Poor
3
Terrible
9
Skyarrow1
Atanta, GA108 contributions
Jul 2021
Want to see a great view without any climbing... here is the place. Now if you can do a set of stairs, the view gets even better. If you get there early, might even see clouds/fog in the valley plus not as many people. It was pretty cloudy the day when we were up there, but still worth it. Only one other set of people up there when we were there because we were so early (about 8:30am).
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chaz Parks
Atlanta, GA80 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I’ve seen views all over the world from Fiji, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Iceland and more. In the moment you’re always thinking this is the greatest view I have ever seen. In the moment when I was looking at the view from the top of Bell Mountain I thought it was the greatest view I had ever seen.
Driving up to the summit makes this opportunity to view this epic overlook easy for anyone. I highly recommend going here to snap some pictures around sunset but then putting your phone in your car and just taking in the moment at peace.
Driving up to the summit makes this opportunity to view this epic overlook easy for anyone. I highly recommend going here to snap some pictures around sunset but then putting your phone in your car and just taking in the moment at peace.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chaz Parks
Atlanta, GA80 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
I’ve seen views all over the world from Fiji, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Iceland and more. In the moment you’re always thinking this is the greatest view I have ever seen. In the moment when I was looking at the view from the top of Bell Mountain I thought it was the greatest view I had ever seen.
Driving up to the summit makes this opportunity to view this epic overlook easy for anyone. I highly recommend going here to snap some pictures around sunset but then putting your phone in your car and just taking in the moment at peace.
Driving up to the summit makes this opportunity to view this epic overlook easy for anyone. I highly recommend going here to snap some pictures around sunset but then putting your phone in your car and just taking in the moment at peace.
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mleggett
6 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
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.
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.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beetle
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
I'm sure the veiw from Bell Mountain is beautiful, HOWEVER, I absolutely do not recommend driving to the top. We attempted to drive a van up Shag Rag road and thought we were going to die. It is one lane, mostly no shoulder, cracked pavement, deadly drop offs, and inclines of 50 degrees at least. We got to the point where we were crawling along while stepping hard on the gas. Luckily there was a small gravel shoulder before a sharp turn and an even steeper incline, so we made a very very careful 16 point turn.
Bell Mountain was recommended to us by a local, and we are convinced it's some sort of sick joke they play on us tourists.
Do NOT drive up Shag Rag.
If I could select 0/5 I would.
Bell Mountain was recommended to us by a local, and we are convinced it's some sort of sick joke they play on us tourists.
Do NOT drive up Shag Rag.
If I could select 0/5 I would.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dlipp
Loxahatchee, FL18 contributions
Oct 2021
The accesses Bell Mountain is a paved blacktop 1.5 lane road. There are several switch-backs, hair-pin turns and STEEP. The last stretch to the top is the steepest. I drive an Tundra and at times I could not see the road ahead of me. With that said, the drive is worth it. The painted rocks and ledges is very colorful (to say the least). The drive down the mountain is less harrowing.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoverTreks
Thailand1,640 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Hiawassee, Georgia is a lake town of some renown among travelers from far and wide given the presence of Lake Chatuge that flows through and around the area and the various outdoor activities on offer in the mountains of North Georgia.
Bell Mountain stands stark and tall looking down on the city and surrounding area. If you ask a local where to go, what to do and what to see, they’ll tell you to visit this place. A narrow one lane road is your path by car, truck or motorcycle up the steep, no shoulder incline. For some, this trek is intimidating.
The views say it all. You can see four states from the summit: GA, NC, SC, and TN. It’s truly quite spectacular and worthy of a visit.
Bell Mountain stands stark and tall looking down on the city and surrounding area. If you ask a local where to go, what to do and what to see, they’ll tell you to visit this place. A narrow one lane road is your path by car, truck or motorcycle up the steep, no shoulder incline. For some, this trek is intimidating.
The views say it all. You can see four states from the summit: GA, NC, SC, and TN. It’s truly quite spectacular and worthy of a visit.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alpvy1
Montgomery, AL29 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
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...
Written June 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vick F
Clemmons, NC51 contributions
Jul 2020
The view on Bell Mountain is 360 and so beautiful. The negative is the graffiti that is all over the rocks; handrails even the plaque giving information about elevation etc. The road accessing the top is treacherous although paved it is basically one vehicle. The lower parking area is 300 ft from top if you walk up from there. You can drive to very top to park if elderly or handicapped. There is no barriers around this area. We went on a weekday about 8 in morning and we were only ones there. They do have different hours due to covid. You won't be disappointed in the view.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
Panama City Beach, FL14,085 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
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.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning on driving to Bell Mountain on Thursday, 11/5/20. How are the fall colors this year?
Written November 1, 2020
The fall colors were brilliant mid to late October. Hurricane Zeta may have washed a good bit of the color away but hopefully there is still a nice yellow, orange and red hue for you to enjoy.
Written November 1, 2020
Yes. I have a picture of my dog on the mountain.
Written November 1, 2020
So apparently its steep. Is it paved or gravel? We were thinking of going on our motorcycles but now I'm not so sure. Thoughts?
Written October 7, 2018
Paved road all the way to the top with paved parking area. A bit of a windy narrow road up, use caution. Some folks drive it too fast for my taste.
Enjoy.
Written October 8, 2018
I did not see hiking trails near Bell Mountain. It’s rocky terrain and you can park about 300’ from the top view. Going that last 300’ hiking up is strenuous. I had to stop several times along the way and I’m in good shape. However, you can also drive to the top if you have 4/wheel drive. There is a wooden stairway you can climb for the highest view. Hope this is helpful.
Written August 21, 2018
Towns County officially closes Bell Mountain Park at dark.
GolfTango61
Written November 9, 2017
Did you mean to answer another question? You left this on my review as a question. :)
Written November 9, 2017
Ok, so I tried to go up in my 2015 Nissan Versa, only made it a mile and a half before my car started to slide backwards! So just hoe FAR is it to the top? How close was I? I only had just seen the first three painted rocks before having to quit. Someone needs to run the milage on it to tell others just how far it is to make it to the parking lot so they don't get discouraged.
Written October 28, 2017
Begin your trip by turning onto Shake Rag Road from US Highway 76 E. of Hiawassee Georgia. This is a very narrow but well paved road with some turn outs available when meeting on coming traffic. The first 8/10 of a mile is relatively easy. The sharper turns and curves begin at the 1.4 mile mark and continue up a sharp grade with switchback sharp curves to the easier level located at the 1.8 mile mark. From there the road continues on up to the first parking lot at 2.1 miles and then on to the very top parking level at the 2.3 mile mark. Park your Nissan Versa there (if you made it this far) and then hike up the 111 steps to the very top for a spectacular 360° view.
GolfTango61
Written November 2, 2017
Probably at dark. Wouldn't be safe.
Written January 3, 2018
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