Preachers Rock via the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is arguably the most famous thru-hike in the world.  Along its 2,181-mile journey, there are many beautiful mountain views, and Preachers Rock is definitely one of them.  A large granite slab near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain reveals mountain views that are truly the epitome of what North Georgia is all about.

Just 1.5 hours North of Atlanta, the Woody Gap trailhead marks the beginning of the climb to Preachers Rock.  The trail begins following the white AT blazes to the northeast and gently climbs for the first half-mile.  After about 10-15 minutes of hiking, the trail becomes noticeably steeper as it begins a much more aggressive climb up Big Cedar Mountain.  Several switchbacks bring you through the hardwood forest and past some large boulders until you get to Preachers Rock.

The view from Preachers Rock is one of the finest in the entire state, overlooking a deep valley, with Mount Yonah and Cowrock Mountain in the distance.  Catching a sunrise from this vantage point is one of my all-time favorite Blue Ridge Mountain adventures. 

The return to Woody Gap follows the same trail that was taken on the climb up, descending just over a mile to the parking lot.  This hike is great year-round and is well known, but does not draw as many crowds as some other hikes in the area.