A short easy hike is all it takes to enjoy spectacular views from several vantage points along the ridge of Wildcat Mountain in north Georgia! Just off the Appalachian Trail, three views look across the valley toward the more popular Cowrock Mountain.

Begin this hike at the Hogpen Gap parking lot along GA-348 / Richard B Russell Scenic Highway. We'll be heading south along the AT, so take the trail to the right of the parking lot, walking along the grassy clearing for a short distance before crossing the highway.

Stay to the right after crossing the road, following the white blazes as the trail switchbacks several times up the hill. This is the steepest section, although still not too difficult. At a quarter-mile in you'll come to the intersection with the Whitley Gap Shelter Trail.

Turn left to leave the AT, taking this blue-blazed trail along the ridge of Wildcat Mountain and toward the Whitley Gap Shelter. You could also continue along the AT for a tenth of a mile for an additional view or even continue from here to Cowrock Mountain for a much more difficult 4-mile hike. In another quarter-mile the trail will split just to immediately rejoin. Here look for a side trail on the right for the first view.

Continue along the the ridge, dropping down before heading back up toward the summit. In another quarter-mile, a second side trail on the right leads steeply downhill to a grassy clearing. Continue down slowly past a large pine tree to get an expansive open view of Cowrock Mountain and the valley to the south. Along this side trail, take caution. The bare rock becomes increasingly steep and if wet can be slick. Watch children and dogs.

From here it's just a few more steps to reach the summit of Wildcat Mountain and the final view. This is an above the trees view and will get better in winter. Standing at the far end, you can just barely see Blood Mountain peaking over the summit of Cowrock and Coosa Bald off to the right. From here you could continue on downhill to the Whitley Gap Shelter but for this hike, turn around and head back the way you came.