Georgia · Hiking · Brasstown Wilderness

Arkaquah

4.2 mi
round trip
3,347 ft
climb
3,670 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Nov
best months

Is Arkaquah open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name Arkaquah, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Arkaquah is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Brasstown Wilderness, part of the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia. The trail starts at about 3,580 feet and climbs to a high point of 3,670 feet, with a total elevation gain of 3,347 feet over the course of the round trip. The steepest stretch comes at about mile 1, where the grade reaches 33 percent. The route is on natural surface, and the Forest Service manages the land. Bikes and horses are not allowed. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Germany Valley run to highs around 72°F in May and 74°F in September, with July the warmest month at about 80°F. That station sits roughly 800 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. The hike takes about three hours. The Arkaquah Trail lies about 1.3 miles away, and Brasstown Bald is about 2.6 miles off. Across the line in North Carolina, Chatuge Lake is about 7.3 miles away, and the A.T. Low Gap Shelter is about 7.5 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Nov

    Best time to visit Arkaquah

    Best months: March–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 26°

    2. Feb

      50° / 28°

    3. Mar

      57° / 35°

    4. Apr

      66° / 43°

    5. May

      72° / 51°

    6. Jun

      77° / 59°

    7. Jul

      80° / 62°

    8. Aug

      79° / 61°

    9. Sep

      74° / 55°

    10. Oct

      66° / 44°

    11. Nov

      57° / 35°

    12. Dec

      49° / 30°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Germany Valley, GA, 22.6 mi away at 2,832 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Spring 2026 Forest-wide Fire Restrictions

      Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests · Order dated April 23, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Oct 13, 2026 · Forest Service

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