Black Rock Mountain State Park

Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia's highest in elevation state park. It is named after the amazing black rock formation that is visible from miles away. This unique black rock is biotitic gneiss and is one of the oldest rock formations at the planet. Estimates of the mountains age go back as far as a billion years. At 3,640 feet in height, the park has some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Several scenic overlooks along the parks roads offer visitors a nearly 80-mile panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park sits next to the eastern continental divide and several streams flow to the Atlantic Ocean while others flow in the opposite direction towards the west.

The best way to see the vistas, forests and wildlife at Black Rock Mountain State Park is to hike one of the four hiking trails that wind their way throughout the park. The shortest is a small 1/3 of a mile trail at the parks entrance. It leads visitors to the Ada-Hi falls, a 35-foot tall majestic flowing waterfall.

A half mile trail called Black Rock Lake Trail. It allows guests of the park to access the shores of beautiful Black Rock Lake. Anglers will love the clear mountain water and can expect to catch trout, bream, and catfish. Non-motorized boats can be launched on the lake from the trail.

A two mile and a seven mile loop trail provide access to the gneiss cliffs of Black Rock Mountain. The trail can be strenuous for those who are not used to climbing steep grades but the effort is well worth it. Once on top of the ridge, the views are spectacular. Hiking these trails are especially colorful when spring flowers burst forth.

Rental cabins with fantastic views are available for your overnight stay at Black Rock Mountain State Park. Ten cabins are available for rent ranging in price from $125 to $145 and two are dog friendly. A $40 fee is charged per dog with a limit of two per cabin.

If cabins aren't your idea of camping, a 44 tent/RV campground with all of the modern conveniences is available at Black Rock Mountain State Park. Sites have electricity, water and even cable TV hookups. Twelve walk-in campsites are available for tents and backcountry campsites are available for those who prefer to rough it. A group campground is also for rent for large groups and events for $105 a night.

For information on directions to the park, hours of operations and park fees, visit the official Georgia state park website here.