We went earlier this week and the fee is now $5.00 PER PERSON. Children under 13 are free. I think it should also be mentioned that from the parking lot there is also a free shuttle to the top. Both the parking lot and top have restrooms. There is a great visitor center at the top and 14 minute video on the bald.
The elevation difference between the trailhead and the summit is indeed 2500 ft. However, on my hike, there was about 550 ft of downhill going up. This needs to be re-climbed each direction. So the total elevation gain for round-trip is about 3600 ft. This might make a difference for those not used to climbing a lot.
Thanks for the page.
moneal - Jul 10, 2006 10:41 pm - Hasn't voted
Parking feeThe parking fee has been raised to $3
Alpinist - Apr 28, 2010 1:11 pm - Voted 10/10
Road closure (GA-348)A 7-mile stretch of Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (Ga. 348) is closed due to road damage and may not reopen for months.
Source.
hgrapid - Apr 28, 2010 2:15 pm - Hasn't voted
That doesn't block accessThanks for the update. My directions don't indicate use of that highway though. So, should I just instruct people to avoid it?
Bark Eater - May 14, 2010 12:33 pm - Hasn't voted
Parking fee now $4The parking fee is now $4 for cars.
zimzimhp - Sep 19, 2013 1:46 pm - Hasn't voted
Parking fee updateWe went earlier this week and the fee is now $5.00 PER PERSON. Children under 13 are free. I think it should also be mentioned that from the parking lot there is also a free shuttle to the top. Both the parking lot and top have restrooms. There is a great visitor center at the top and 14 minute video on the bald.
hgrapid - Sep 19, 2013 6:00 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Parking fee updateThanks. When I went there was a visitors center, but pretty rustic as I remember. I also went late at night in January 2002.
richh - Nov 1, 2017 1:28 pm - Hasn't voted
Arkaquah Trail gainThe elevation difference between the trailhead and the summit is indeed 2500 ft. However, on my hike, there was about 550 ft of downhill going up. This needs to be re-climbed each direction. So the total elevation gain for round-trip is about 3600 ft. This might make a difference for those not used to climbing a lot.
Thanks for the page.