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.

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.