The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Cowrock Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

Looking for a short but rewarding hike in North Georgia? Cowrock Mountain might be just what you need

Cowrock Mountain is a hidden gem in North Georgia! The trail is only 1.8 miles round trip and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. We only saw a few other people and had the summit mostly to ourselves, which is a rare treat for such a scenic spot. Keep reading to find out what to expect on this peaceful and rewarding hike!

Getting to Cowrock Mountain

There are two ways to get to Cowrock Mountain: via Tesnatee Gap or Hogpen Gap. I was looking for a short hike so I started at the Tesnatee Gap Trailhead. 

On google map when I put in Cowrock Mountain it takes me directly to the trailhead, however you can also put in Tesnatee Gap Trailhead. This takes you to a small parking lot that holds roughly 10-15 cars. 

The Trail

The trail starts off on the left side of the parking area. You’ll follow the stairs around the curve. At the start of the trail you should see a sign for Neel’s Gap, if you see this, you’ll know you are in the right place!

While the stairs end pretty quickly, the trail does immediately start gaining elevation. At some points the trail is a little overgrown, taking you through tall weeds on both sides, but it doesn’t last for long. The trail is pretty rocky the whole way up, so I’d definitely recommend wearing hiking boots if you have a pair! After a few switchbacks, you’ll come to a clearing in the trees and see a large rocky surface. From here you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains!

 Be careful at the top because I have heard that a family of copperheads live under one of the rocks at the top. Always be aware of the where your walking and stay away from the cervices in these rocks!

When you are ready to head back, just retrace your steps back to the car. 

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from spring through fall. In the spring and summer, the trail is lush with greenery, and in the fall, this area becomes a perfect spot to enjoy vibrant autumn colors.

I’d probably skip this hike in the winter, since it sits at a higher elevation, the trail can become icy and more difficult to navigate.

More Hikes in the Area

If you’re in the mood for another short hike there are a few options in the area. 

On a hot summer day, headed over to Helton Creek Falls, where you can take a swim at the bottom of the falls. 

You can also visit Vogel State Park which has several hiking trails, including Trahlyta Falls.

Another option would be to visit Desoto Falls, just gives you views of three waterfalls, however you can’t swim in any of these