Laurel Ridge

Georgia’s highest state park encompasses some of the most outstanding scenery in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Roadside overlooks provide spectacular 80-mile vistas, and four hiking trails lead visitors past wildflowers, streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. Visitors enjoy the summit visitor center for its views, gift shop and picnic tables.  Black Rock Mountain State Park is named for the sheer cliffs of dark-colored rock which are found occasionally in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is located on both sides of the Eastern Continental Divide at an altitude of 3,640 feet, and Black Rock Mountain is the highest state park in the State of Georgia. Hikers will enjoy dramatic views of the Southern Appalachians, and several hiking trails lead visitors past cascading streams and waterfalls in the park.

This hike to the backcountry campsite at Laurel Ridge starts with a 1.6 mile climb from Black Rock Lake and ascends for ~1000 feet to the summit of Lookoff Mountain (3162′). It ends with outstanding views to the west. There is water along the West Fork of the Edmonds Trail for about half of the route but the summit area is dry. So plan accordingly. The Laurel Ridge campsite (like all backcountry campsites in the park) requires a reservation, but it is a short distance from the overlook.