Woke up in Helen, Georgia after hitting Brasstown Bald the day before. Walked across the street from our hotel to grab breakfast at a little cafeteria. We were delaying our departure from Helen long enough to allow the sun to rise and enable us to see more of this resort town.

Bridal Veil Falls in North Carolina.

Before long we were up in North Carolina heading across US 65, the most picturesque road we had the pleasure to drive this weekend. Drove by the Chatage Lake and one of the rivers that feed it, and then up in the hills past small mountain communities, more rivers, and an Appalachian Trail crossing.

For once we were managing to stay below the cloud layer enough to see across the valleys. We stopped once along US 65 at Bridal Veil Falls to snap a couple pictures.

Finally, we reached South Carolina's border and wound our way up to Sassafras Mountain's summit. A short walk from the parking lot took us to the highpoint.

I signed the register and we wondered around a bit to find the best views. While both Georgia and North Carolina's highpoints had lookout towers, ironically our best views were from the lower elevation Sassafras Mountain. This weekend the lower height of South Carolina's peaks was an asset, keeping the summits below the cloud layer.

Trailhead sign.

We hunted around and found the USGS marker, and stood on what looked to be the actual highpoint (across from the sign board at the summit). Then it was back to the car and on to North Carolina's Mount Mitchell.

View from near the summit of Sassafras Mountain

The namesake sassafras leaves