This is likely the most difficult hike in Georgia due to the remoteness of this mountain. With me were Pat (KI4SVM), and my son Sawyer.
We took an approach from the north (North Carolina) instead of from the South (Georgia). This approach eliminated a hike on the AT and a shorter hike overall. The hike was 2.5 miles one way with 2220' EG. There is plenty of parking at the end of Eagle Fork Rd where there is a locked forest service gate. The first mile is on an old forest road and crosses Loggy Branch creek and is an easy hike. The creek is easy to hop across at that point. Shortly after that we left the road and made a cut to the ridge line but I think the road may intersect the ridge at some point further down. This is the ridge that sits between Loggy Branch creek and Sugar Cove. Once on the ridge we found another old logging road and followed that part way up the ridge. It ended just shy of some mountain laurel about 2/3 the way up. I was worried that it would be too thick but ended up being fairly easy to navigate through along with the 26% grade slope. It was approaching what I call difficult but not as bad as some other hikes I have done. Once we reached the intersection with the other ridgeline that connects Rich Knob and Hightower gap to the East and Hightower Bald to the West. We followed a faint path again on the main ridgeline on up.
We ended up taking a detour to Montgomery corner to check that out. For those that are unfamiliar with that you can read more about it here: https://www.geocaching.com/ geocache/GC1270Q_montgomery- corner?guid=eb557523-b531- 424b-9bc4-2e55caaacd93
Day was about perfect, just a little bit of wind, sunny and about 50 degrees. We were very comfortable in long sleeve shirts.
I would recommend this route unless you want to hike on the AT and a longer route. Hike should take you 2.5 hours with gear to make the summit.