The views from the top of Bell Mountain are spectacular! The drive up the mountain is not for the weak either. My husband and I took some great photos, but at the very top deck I could barely stand still due to all of the gnats flying around!! (Nov 1) read more

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Bell Mountain has some incredible views, but unfortunately this has to be one of the most disturbing examples of society today. The amount of graffiti and trash is absolutely disgusting and shows a complete lack of respect for the land, the scenery, and the people around you. Nearly every inch of rock is covered in graffiti, including the platforms that taxpayers paid to build so visitors could enjoy the view. The entire place feels reminiscent of movies that depict the breakdown of society and the end of the world--where chaos takes over and respect, responsibility, and common decency no longer exist. This is not artistic expression; it's vandalism and selfishness. Instead of appreciating the beauty of nature, visitors are forced to look at layer after layer of damage left behind by people who clearly have no regard for preserving anything for others to enjoy. It's honestly sad to see such a beautiful place ruined this way. read more

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Definitely worth checking out! It's a great view, and it's super convenient that you can drive to it. We had a rental minivan that made it alright (although we stopped in the parking lot right before the really big danger sign and hiked the last little bit). If you had an SUV you could be completely confident driving all the way. The roadway seemed to be well maintained and the signage was clear! read more

Bell Mountain - Parks Near Me - Hiawassee, Georgia

Bell Mountain is such a fun spot to visit, and the view from the top is absolutely unbeatable. The drive up can be a little nerve-racking -- the road is steep and winding -- but it definitely adds to the adventure. Once you reach the top, you can either climb the big rock or take the stairs, and both options are manageable for most visitors. While there isn't much else to do once you're up there, the stunning view alone makes it well worth the trip! read more

Bell Mountain - Parks Near Me - Hiawassee, Georgia

What a view. Needs a trash can so people stop trashing the place. Not crazy about the spray paint, but the view is what you go for!

Frankly, I didn't know about Bell Mountain having been Yelped. Our road trip to the mountains of Northern Georgia wouldn't be complete unless we went up the steep road to the top. A one lane going up or down made for a treacherous trip. The winding uphill battle with hairpin turns and narrow paved road was a challenge not only for the driver, but it put a strain on the vehicle as well. We finally reached the upper parking lot and saw we were not alone. Others have made their way up, and now it is our turn to marvel at the sights and take picture postcard fotos. Chatuge Lake below offered a vast Vista that is second to none. A clear and clean view for sure of Georgia and parts of North Carolina, but sadly, the sides of the rocky Bell Mountain outcropping of boulders and rocks have been tainted with all the colors of the paint department available at Home Depot. Graffiti to the maximum of anotherwise pretty Bell Mountain peak. We got back down safely in awe of the view but saddened by the human endeavor to leave a mark on everything. read more

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Hiawassee, Georgia is a lake town of some renown among travelers from far and wide given the presence of Lake Chatuge that flows through and around the area and the various outdoor activities on offer in the mountains of North Georgia. Bell Mountain stands stark and tall looking down on the city and surrounding area. If you ask a local where to go, what to do and what to see, they'll tell you to visit this place.A narrow one lane road is your path by car, truck or motorcycle up the steep, no shoulder incline. For some, this trek is intimidating. The views say it all. You can see four states from the summit: GA, NC, SC, and TN. It's truly quite spectacular and worthy of a visit. read more

Bell Mountain - Lake Chatuge. - Parks Near Me - Hiawassee, Georgia

Don't miss this natural beauty! view is absolutely stunning and worth the trip--you can view Georgia , North Carolina, South Carolina and the mountains of Tennessee on a sunny day. Catch both majestic sunrise and sunset! read more

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I gotta admit I thought Brasstown Bald would have a better view, but Bell Mountains absolutely kills it! Painting in the rocks were once permitted (unfortunately, not anymore) and it left a beautiful view that is pure art. You don't see this very often. Have in mind the road is very narrow, and twisty. It's almost scary to drive up there, so be careful. Once you get to the top of the mountain the 360 degree views of the village, and lake Chatuge are absolutely breathtaking. Parking, and entry is free, but everything is at your own risk. ESPAÑOL Debo admitir que pensé que Brasstown Bald tendría una mejor vista, ¡pero Bell Mountains lo mata por completo! La pintura en las rocas una vez estuvo permitida (desafortunadamente, ya no) y dejó una hermosa vista que es puro arte. No ves esto muy a menudo. Tenga en cuenta que el camino es muy estrecho y sinuoso. Es casi aterrador conducir hasta allí, así que ten cuidado. Una vez que llegas a la cima de la montaña, las vistas de 360 ​​grados de la aldea y el lago Chatuge son absolutamente impresionantes. El estacionamiento y la entrada son gratuitos, pero todo es bajo su propio riesgo. read more

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I have been wanting to go and see Bell Mountain for years! It's the only mountain I know of in GA that is covered with graffiti art and I could just imagine all the cools pictures I could get. Not to mention, the 360 degree views that you can see from several pavilion decks! I went on a cloudy rainy day and it was still impressive, so I can't imagine how breathtaking it would be on a clear day! You will need a car with 4 wheel drive to get up to the parking area, because the road on the way up is windy, very narrow and paved. And it is so worth it, so be sure to add this place to your list to explore the next time you are in or near Hiawassee. read more

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As some locals we met in previous places suggested, we decided to drive 36 minutes outside of Helen to visit Bell Mountain located in Hiawassee. There you can enjoy one of the best views of Georgia. Additionally, you can see four states from the top all together. Amazing, isn't it? Some tips: You definitely need a car in very good condition to visit this place. The road to get to the top of the mountain is narrow (only one car at a time) and there are 90 degree curves. After reaching the top there is a small space where you can park and continue climbing the rest of the mountain or you can take the risk of climbing the rest of the mountain in your car but it isn't safe. This place is completely free. Despite the fact that I got dizzy on the road and wanted to vomit. All those symptoms disappear once you reach the top and take in the wonderful view. It's heaven on earth! read more

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Great views of the area, it's fascinating to be able to have that kind of perspective. Word of warning though, it's a very steep drive, go slow both up and especially down, and always shift your car into a lower gear to give your brakes a rest, you will end up smelling burnt rubber on your descent, and it's narrow so please be careful when driving. read more

What and amazing stop! Steep short drive to the parking lot. A easy enough climb up the stairs for an absolutely amazing view. I think we were very lucky with the clouds being settled in and giving the illusion of totally being IN THE CLOUDS! read more

I've seen views all over the world from Fiji, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Iceland and more. In the moment you're always thinking this is the greatest view I have ever seen. In the moment when I was looking at the view from the top of Bell Mountain I thought it was the greatest view I had ever seen. Driving up to the summit makes this opportunity to view this epic overlook easy for anyone. I highly recommend going here to snap some pictures around sunset but then putting your phone in your car and just taking in the moment at peace. read more

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Nice view but too bad all the rocks are covered with graffiti. Nice balcony to see view. Steep drive up. Finally paved.

The views are amazing! You can drive right up to the site so if you have trouble hiking, no problem! Careful on the one lane road to get there! read more

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Well, the drive to get here made this FL girl squeal a couple times (narrow roads! Insane inclined!), but it was well worth it! The view from the top of Bell Mountain was truly spectacular, especially with some storm clouds over the mountains to the north. Definitely a great place to watch the boats motor around the lake below and just relax. I'm also a huge fan of the graffiti, but am glad that not all mountain tops are like this ;) unique photo ops for sure! Boardwalks/stairs are well maintained and get you at even better views than just at the pavement. If you're in town, you gotta stop by! read more

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Beautiful views Steep drive but worth the effort. Sunset is fantastic take some pics Great place to take the family read more

An easy to get to, amazing place. Don't miss the spectacular views! Even on a stormy evening, it was absolutely beautiful. read more

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I have a sad update this 3rd day of November, 2018! You can no longer spray paint on the rocks! As of my last review you could, but selfish human beings that decided to spray paint on the asphalt, wooden deck/steps and flagpole have ruined it for everyone! Still an amazing view with absolutely no hiking required. 2018/80 = = = = = = = = = = PREVIOUS REVIEW: It is hard for me to explain just how much I love this place, but I'll try! * I love it for the TERRIFYING drive up the mountainside, wondering around ever twisty bend if I'm going to encounter another vehicle that might be unpassable (and which of us will be the first to retreat). * I love it for the sign near the top that says that says: WARNING - STEEP GRADE. Vehicles travel beyond this point AT YOUR OWN RISK. There is a lower parking area right before the sign, which is 300 feet below the upper parking area. I must have sat there debating for 5 minutes whether I wanted to risk it! * I love it for the colorful graffiti that blankets the rocky mountain peak. Typically, defacing nature brings me to a deep rage, but here it almost feels majestic. I even plan to bring spray of my own when I return with my family. Painting on the rock is actually permitted, but painting on the wooden steps and platform structures is not. * I love it for not having a fee. You can tell this place is regular maintained by the well built stairs and observation deck system, as well as the freshly paved road. But there is no charge to visit, unlike nearby Brasstown Bald where the entry fee is $5 per person. * I love it for its history as a few men tried unsuccessfully to mine it for minerals, but scarred it for life. How locals would rather the beauty of the mountain remain a secret for fear others would come to do more damage by stripping its resources. * BUT MOST OF ALL, I love it for its incredible 360 degree views, especially of the town of Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge in the valley below. The view of the lake is even better than from the observation deck @ Brasstown Bald. Another bonus is there is a viewing platform at the parking level for handicap or elderly people who aren't very mobile, or you can climb about 110 steps to two other viewing platforms. FINAL THOUGHTS Weather conditions make each visit a new experience. Some will have clear views while others will have a sea of low-lying clouds that make distant mountains look like islands in an ocean of white foam. Whatever awaits you in terms of a view, Bell Mountain will not disappoint!!! read more

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Probably my favorite mountain top in all of Georgia. Best views (minus the graffiti). PLEASE be respectful & DO NOT add more graffiti to such a beautiful natural landmark. Let's have a little more respect for Mother Nature! Quick & easy hike for people of all ages (kiddos & grandparents included!) with the most incredible scenery. read more

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The drive is not for the faint of heart LOL (as the driver)! The last climb is absolutely worth it though. Make sure you go about an hour before sunset, give you enough time to make the ascent (via car and stairs), and see the sun before it dips behind the mountains. We saw people driving up at the time of sunset, but it had already disappeared behind the mountains at that time. Absolutely gorgeous!!! read more

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After almost a year a later, we came back during Mother's Day weekend to look at the gorgeousness. Last year when we came, my son was still overseas for his military service. He's back now and wanted him to check out the beauty. It's still as beautiful as I remembered. I'm all about views. Whether it's waterfalls or a view from the top, it gotta worth the drive AND hike. It must be a 2018 thing because in 2017, Bell Mountain welcomed graffiti but I think visitors have abused it. In 2017 when we came, the top parking lot had NO graffiti, neither did the wooden stairs leading you to the top. Not even the cement stand holding the flag. I was quite disappointed. Instead of a sign welcoming the artwork, it's a sign saying it's prohibited and there's cameras. Regardless of this, still worth the drive. 41/2018 read more

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This totally random incredibly scenic outlook was close to our cabin in Hiawassee so drove up to take a look. Like the other roads on this mountain, the road up is pretty steep. Nothing any normal car couldn't handle and 4WD not necessary but go slow because the roads are super narrow and you aren't the only one on them. When we walked to the top, you see spray painted rocks everywhere that at first really makes the place look trashy, but then the more you see it the more it kind of makes a cool contrast between nature and man made stuff. The 360 views from the top of the tower on a clear day are amazing. read more

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A must-do if you are in the area, and ready for a leg workout. Great views! Climb stairs, climb rocks, or drive to top and look around. read more

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The road is treacherous both way! Be very careful and put your ride in low gear going up AND down. Older cars may overheat going up even if it's not that warm out, and if your car has a clutch use the hand/e-brake to resume travel or you're going to burn the clutch out if you have to stop for any reason; it's that steep. Once at the top, great panoramic views ruined by idiots spray-painting garbage all over the place despite NO PAINTING signs, going so far as to paint the damn asphalt with Trump bullshit. The sheriff or whatever stationed at the lower parking lot was mostly asleep. Park there and walk the rest of the way, you lazy fat assholes. I am a lazy fat asshole and I did it. Going back down do NOT ride your brakes or you'll burn them up. Put the go-thing in L (manual in no higher than 2nd) and let engine braking do the work. Be prepared to pull over and let ascending cars pass. They're working harder than yours is. The stink of burning brakes and clutches was pretty strong so don't let that happen. read more

This is one of my absolute favorite picture worthy spots in Georgia. If you're looking for a photo shoot this is the place to do it. If you're looking for breathtaking views in every direction, you've also come to the right place. And if you're just a wanderer looking for something different, then you'll probably continue wandering but still I recommend checking this out. Seriously though, no "hiking" is required to enjoy this beauty, you literally just drive all the way up and park at the top. Warning, the drive up is very narrow so take caution. From the overlook spots you can see mountains and an amazing view of Lake Chatuge. From what I understand visitors are allowed to graffiti on the rocks and it adds an unexpected perspective to the area. Although I'm not sure about the rules with that, so probably best to get some info on that beforehand. Great observation deck with stairs to add another level to your photo ops. read more

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This was spectacular. The drive up was a little scary. We were in our jeep and we still had to floor it to get up to the top. The road is extremely steep, narrow, and curvy. Drive with extreme caution for cars coming directly at you. After the scariest road I've ever been on you come to a parking lot. You can either park and walk up or you can drive to the top and park. We decided to hike up and it was steep! Once you get to the top parking lot there's about 100 more stairs to climb to the very top! Don't do this unless you're in good shape. We were both out of breath! Once you reach the top of the steps there's a metal overlook and the view is unreal. I got down on one knee here and she said yes!!! read more

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Nice day to take in the beautiful views of all the areas from the mountains love it there you want some fresh air and pretty view off the mountains this is the way to do it. read more

We were a little hesitant to visit Bell Mountain bc of the graffiti... I just think it is so tacky and disrespectful to nature but we wanted to hit a mountain peak so took the trip. I am glad we did. The roads were wet from the nights rainfall so it was a bit scary driving up. A lot of twists and super steep! But in hindsight it made it part of the experience. I definitely sat in the back with the kids and looked at my pictures on the way down so my husband wouldn't have to suffer from my fear and anxiety on the way down! It was a cloudy day so we felt like we were on top of the clouds! We got amazing photos despite the colorful words everywhere. The rocks that are not painted on are stunning and look like unique granite! read more

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Amazing view! You need good brakes and I wouldn't dare going up this road in an older vehicle. It would even be borderline difficult in a 4 cyclinder, but the v read more

Worth the drive up, the view is special even for an area that has a lot of special views! I don't even want to post a photo, so you can experience it all yourself! read more

As much as I love Brasstown Bald, I'd say this place definitely beats it. I really don't like how the graffiti was allowed on the rocks but the views are just amazing. There are two parking lots, a lower and an upper and we just assumed the lower was the only option until we had a minivan coming towards us as we were huffing up the hill. If you want to give your car a little bit of a break, park in the lower lot and get your exercise. Even though the views are fantastic from the upper parking lot, keep up your hike and go to the top of the stairs for the full, awesome experience. Well worth it. read more

This view is unbelievable and worth the stressful drive up. 1 lane road with minimal pull off areas but adds to the excitement I guess you could say. Hidden gem!! If your in the area and never been, take 20-30 minutes and just do it. Won't regret it read more

Beautiful location with views for miles! I don't particularly love the graffiti but it's interesting to say the least. The drive was easy in our mini van on a paved road. There are steps but not too many to exhaust you. Definitely a must see if you are in the Hiawassee area. read more

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Great view at the top but man the road to get up is steep and narrow. Do not bring an older car up or you will have trouble making it up to the top. Mountain is covered with graffiti but the view is beautiful. Overall I'm not sure if I would recommend this lookout spot. read more

gorgeous! The drive to the top was pretty steep but totally worth it! There's parking all the way at the top so keep driving!! read more

Bell Mountain - The view !! - Parks Near Me - Hiawassee, Georgia

Great views. Crazy drive up the mountain but the views are worth it! A must see if you are in Hiawassee GA.

Absolutely beautiful view of the lake! A must do when visiting Hiawassee. We even had the opportunity to witness a sky diver jump off the mountain!!!! I was terrified for him as I watched him wait for the perfect drift of air to jump. It ended up being an incredible experience to witness. We waited to see him land and his wife left to pick him up. Great place for memorable pictures. If you can't drive don't go! read more

STUNNING VIEWS! It's really cool that you can drive up the mountain. I have a Jeep Cherokee and made it up ok. There is a parking lot about .25 mile from the top parking lot. We parked at the lower and walked the 1/4 mile. The walk is fine and paved VERY steep. Once at the top are views and rocks that have been graffiti. At first I didn't think I would like it but it's actually really cool. I recommend going when it it less busy because I couldn't imagine driving up or down that try to pass multiple cars. read more

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