As the original start of the Appalachian Trail, Mt. Oglethorpe delivers natural beauty and Blue Ridge Mountain charm — the perfect place to create Eagle’s Rest Park. If you want to unplug and reconnect with Mother Nature, this North Georgia park is the perfect place. From scenic hiking trails to peaceful picnic areas, families and friends are more than welcome to explore and relax. Plus, seasonal events often celebrate history and add music to the Appalachian range.
Not to mention, this public park maintained by the Mt. Oglethorpe Foundation in Jasper, GA, currently has a 4.8-star rating on Google, and there’s always an improvement project in the works — like the recent addition of a geospiral meditation garden! Visit the North Georgia mountains and check out this growing park for yourself.
Hike Trails
Interested in hiking trails, bird watching, or spotting wildlife in North Georgia? Eagle’s Rest Park has it all! While hiking Mt. Oglethorpe, keep an eye out for seasonal wildflowers, splashing waterfalls, native azaleas, and even majestic eagles. On clear days, hikers can peer across the landscape to the skyline of Atlanta and the lights of Chattanooga!
Along your trek, be sure to stop at the observation decks for a longer break and a better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. The Oglethorpe Mountain Trail has a picnic area and the captivating triple springs. Fun things to look out for include a historic marker tree, possibly used by the First Peoples of this area to point to trails or a water source. There’s also a rock formation with winding roots, an eagle sculpture where you can place a rock, and the Georgia Indian Removal Memorial.
Pro tips: trailheads start behind the kiosk in the parking area. Hiking boots are highly recommended for more strenuous treks!
Trails to Trek
- Eagle’s Rest Trail | 0.5 miles, easy (white markers)
- Grassy Knob Vista Trail | 1.3 miles, moderate (blue markers)
- Oglethorpe Mountain Trail | 2 miles, strenuous (yellow markers)
Sites to See
- Northern Viewing Deck
- Eastern Viewing Deck
- Stone Eagle
- Grassy Knob Rock Garden
- Southern Viewing Deck
- Boy Scout Steps
- Western Viewing Deck
Plan Picnics
Pack a picnic basket at your cozy cabin in North Georgia and head to Eagle’s Rest Park in Jasper for a memorable meal in nature. There are several spots to choose from, with picnic tables, a pavilion, and a privy.
Places to Picnic
- Mountain Stewards Picnic Area
- Picnic Pavilion
- Eagle’s Eye Picnic Area
More on Mt. Oglethorpe
Did you know?
- Mt. Oglethorpe is the southernmost peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Mt. Oglethorpe is a soaring 3,288 feet (1,002 meters) high — the highest point in Pickens County.
- Mt. Oglethorpe was named after James Oglethorpe, founder of the Georgia colony.
The Details
Park Hours
Mon-Sun
Sunrise to sunset
Respect the Trails
- Pets are allowed — on a leash at all times.
- Leave only footprints when departing the park.
- Firearms, horses, alcohol, 4-wheelers, and fires of any kind are not permitted.
Location
7315 Monument Rd
Jasper, GA 30143
Contact
404.444.2877
mtoglethorpefoundation@gmail.com
Unwind at North Georgia Cabin Rentals
Where can you stay close to Eagle’s Rest Park? At Georgia Cabins for YOU, we offer cabin rentals in Bent Tree on the western slopes of Mt. Oglethorpe as well as Big Canoe rentals on the eastern side of the mountain. Our Big Canoe rentals are a great pick if you want access right by the entrance at Eagle’s Rest Park!
Both communities are gated with loads of amenities to enjoy — including championship golf courses, more hiking trails, lakes, exclusive restaurants, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, and much more. Not to mention, our cozy cabins feature private amenities, like hot tubs, fireplaces, fire tables, mountain views, wet bars, games, and king suites.
Stay in Big Canoe or Bent Tree and plan a hike and a picnic in Eagle’s Rest Park on your next North Georgia mountain vacation.
