The most difficult hike in Georgia's highest elevation state park, the James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail at Black Rock Mountain State Park will take you on a roller coaster of steep hills, giving your cardiovascular heath a checkup. But with great views from Lookoff Mountain, several peaceful creeks, a waterfall and an optional loop around Black Rock Lake, the trail offers plenty of reward for those who do take the challenge.
If you drive past the trailhead you'll arrive a the Visitor Center where you'll be rewarded with instant views. You can also find maps and restrooms here. Back at the trailhead, walk through the picnic area to begin the hike. Immediately the Tennessee Rock Trail splits to the left at the sign.
The hike is well blazed with orange. In general, if you hike more than a minute without seeing a blaze you're going the wrong way. Most intersections are easy to navigate and many have signs pointing the way. If starting with the East Fork, when the loop is furthest from the trailhead and begins to head back it angles sharply downhill to the left. Instead, continue straight to Lookoff Mountain. I didn't see a sign from the East Fork, but there was one from the West Fork side. Also at the end of the smaller loop on Lookoff, continue straight, heading downhill along the bare rock trail for the 180-degree view at the overlook.
Even though the navigation below is lengthy, other than the two previously mentioned exceptions, the trail is easy to follow. At the loop split, stay to the right to start with the East Fork or if you want a more difficult hike, start with the West Fork (flip elevation gain and loss below). If you want to add some distance without difficulty, take the white-blazed connector to the Black Rock Lake Trail.
Explore more trails in Black Rock Mountain State Park.