Hike Preachers Rock for Amazing Views of the North Ga Mountains
If you’re looking for a short trail with some amazing views of the North Ga Mountains, Preachers Rock is the perfect hike. This hike is just an hour and a half from Atlanta, making for the perfect day trip.
Getting to Preachers Rock Trailhead
Preacher’s Rock is located in Dahlonega, right off of highway 60. When using Google Maps, make sure you put in ‘Preacher’s Rock trail head’ and not just ‘Preacher’s Rock’. We made this mistake and were taken to a gravel road with a no trespassing sign. You’ll know you’re at the right place when see a sign reading “Chattahoochee National Forest Woody Gap”, with parking lots on both sides of the road. The trailhead is located off of the north parking lot (the one with the bathrooms).
The Hike Starts at Woody Gap
The hike begins with a sign marking the Blood Mountain Wilderness. You’ll also see signs marking a few different trails, but not Preacher’s Rock. Don’t worry, you are still on the right path.
It’s only a 1.1 mile hike to the top and the first three quarters of a mile are relatively flat. Be sure to watch your step, as there are tree roots all over the path. The final ¼ mile of the trail is when you begin to gain elevation. The trail gets rocky and you’ll turn a few corners before you reach the top. There are a few areas where the trees clear a bit, giving you a preview of what’s to come. If you need a break, these areas make for a perfect resting spot.
You’ve reached the top when the trees clear away and you find a large rock slab. The view is breathtaking here so you’ll definitely want to spend some time hanging out here.
When to Visit Preachers Rock
The trail has a decent amount of shade until you reach the top, so you shouldn’t have any issues hiking it in the summer. Like always, I would recommend bringing plenty of water, especially on a hot day.
Preacher’s Rock is especially gorgeous in the fall, as it offers great views of the changing leaves. The cool weather is just a bonus.
It can get quite chilly at the top in the winter, so I would be sure to bundle up if heading here in the colder months. You should always check weather conditions before starting the hike, because ice or snow could potentially make this hike dangerous.
I would avoid hiking Preacher’s Rock on cloudy days because your views would definitely be limited- it’d be like standing in a cloud.
Sunrise at Preachers Rock
If you’re a morning person, I would definitely recommend making it to the top for sunrise. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun come up over the North Ga mountains. Even if you make it to the top a little after sunrise, there is still a nice warm glow over the mountains making it feel so dreamy.
Since you’ll be starting the hike in the dark, be sure to have a flashlight on hand and watch your steps. I would give yourself at least 30 minutes to make it to the top so you don’t miss the sunrise.
Once you finish taking in the views at the top, just head back down the way you came.
Preacher’s rock is definitely on the top of my list of favorite hikes in Georgia. You can’t beat those views!
