Rich Mountain Wilderness Summit Loop is a premier hiking destination in Gilmer County, Georgia, covering 7.0 miles with 1800ft of elevation gain. Stats: 7.0 miles, 1800ft gain, Moderate. Type: Loop. Surface: Dirt. Time: 4-5 hours. Fee: Free. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, timber rattlesnakes, pileated woodpeckers. Best seasons: Spring for wildflowers in the cove hardwoods; fall for ridge-top foliage views into Tennessee. Rich Mountain Wilderness offers rugged ridge-top hiking with panoramic views across the Cohutta Mountains — one of Georgia's best-kept backcountry secrets north of Ellijay. Pack plenty of water and layers. Mountain weather in the southern Appalachians can change rapidly — always check the forecast. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.