Travel south along the Appalachian Trail for several epic views on this short but challenging hike to the summit of Cowrock Mountain. Winter views and summer wildflowers make this an enjoyable hike anytime of the year. Make sure you don't miss the best views along a secret side trail detailed below. For a longer version of this hike, check out Cowrock Mountain via Hogpen Gap.

The parking area is a small paved pull-off along GA-348 with room for 15-20 vehicles. This hike starts on the right side of the parking lot as you enter. The AT crosses Tesnatee Gap so make sure you are heading the right direction. You should quickly pass a sign listing the mileage for Neels Gap.

The trail begins extremely steep and rocky, heading directly up the hill toward the summit of Cowrock Mountain. At a quarter mile, the trail evens out for a bit, giving you a nice reprieve before continuing it's uphill climb. The trail stays rocky throughout and in the summer you may be practically wading through overgrowth. At .4 miles, the trail begins a series of switchbacks that continue until the summit. Along this section, the trail splits in one place but immediately reconnects.

At .84 miles, the trail arrives at the main Cowrock Mountain view via a large exposed rock face. Here you'll get views to the southeast that even include Yonah Mountain in the distance. This is where most people end their hike, but if you have the energy, the views are just beginning.

First, continue along the AT behind the view. Look for the white blazes painted on the bare rock. Hike for just over a tenth of a mile to another outstanding view, this time to the southwest. There is a third view a little further on, but it's not as good as these two so I say skip it. If you want to double your mileage, you could continue along the AT here to Wolf Laurel Top for another great view back toward Cowrock.

Hidden Side Trail

Now here's where it gets interesting. Back at the main Cowrock view, there is a hidden side trail that takes you to two more amazing views. If you're standing on the bare rock, look toward the view. A thin line of grass and brush divide a second bare rock face down the hill. Walk down to it, then turn right. Look for the trail where the rock ends at the tree line. The trail is tight and overgrown, but once you find it you'll have no problem following it.

Within a tenth of a mile the trail opens to a field with the first view on the left looking directly at Wildcat Mountain. Continue past here until the trail ends at another exposed rock outcropping. Here you'll find possibly one of the best views in Georgia! In a comment on this page (thank you Coachshot99) and one other comment on another site, this view is referred to as Story Time Rock. Other than this, I can't find any information to confirm this, but it's a fantastic view nonetheless and definitely should not be missed!