Adventure Out Romantic Overlooks - Blackrock Mountain State Park

By Peter McIntosh

Once again it’s Valentine’s Month, a time when I like to visit a romantic overlook. The destination this month has several stunning view spots to share with that special someone. The first observation platform you’ll come to when entering the park is the Cowee Overlook, a small deck offering views to the northeast. If it’s a clear day, one can see all the way to the Cowee Mountains, far in the distance in North Carolina.

Further up the road is the Blue Ridge Overlook, with views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the line where the mountains meet the foothills. Alex Mountain and Pinnacle Knob are right across the valley and to the southeast are the foothills of South Carolina. This is a great spot to watch a moonrise. The full moon this month on Sunday, February 5th, but on the Saturday the 4th, you can see the almost full moon breach the horizon at 5pm. (Bring a camera and a telephoto lens.)

Up next on the Blackrock Mountain Parkway is the visitor’s center and the Blackrock Overlook, a sprawling rock face overlooking the lovely hamlet of Clayton.

The three view spots mentioned so far are easily accessible whereas the next point of viewing grandeur requires a little hiking. I’m referring to the Tennessee Rock Overlook on the Tennessee Rock Trail. I rate the trail as moderate, with one reasonably steep ascent along the way. This is an interpretive trail, ( a 2.2 mile loop ) with numbered markers that correspond with an illustrated trail guide available for one dollar at the visitor’s center. I strongly recommend you purchase this booklet so you can learn about the flora, the fauna and the geology you’re walking through. From the trailhead at the junction with the James Edmonds Backcountry Trail, the footpath follows along the northern side of the mountain. A bit further along, the trail begins turning to the left and ascending. This is the steep part of the hike but it’s not too bad, and the rewards are well worth it. There’s a stone marker marking the high point of the mountain, a good place to rest and catch your breath.

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com

Now we continue on as the best is yet to come. I’m referring to the Tennessee Rock Overlook, the most spectacular viewing spot in the park. To the north, you’re looking across Wolffork Valley into the mountains of North Carolina. Looking in a more westerly direction, you’re looking across the Germany Valley and into the mountains of Tennessee. From this overlook it’s a quick downhill hike back to the parking area. Bring a headlamp if you want to stay and watch a sunset. Happy hiking!

P.S. If you want to be really romantic, I suggest celebrating your adventure with a visit to Napa South in downtown Clayton. It’s just off Main Street on Oak Crescent Circle and is a great spot to sample some lovely wines and perhaps a charcuterie tray.

And now before I bid you adieu, here’s my poem for month number two: You can hike a little or a lot.

To get to one of many sweet viewing spots. These romantic overlooks are all oh so fine, Then maybe top it off with a nice glass of wine,

NAPA Wine

Getting there: From US 441 in Mountain City, follow the Blackrock Mountain Parkway into the park entrance. There is a $5.00 fee but I encourage everyone to purchase an annual pass, good at all of Georgia’s state parks, for $50.00. This gives the park much needed funding.

On the web: www.gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain Phone: 706.746.2141

Napa South: www.napasouth.wine

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com