Eclipse controversy at the top of Georgia's tallest mountain

UNION COUNTY, Ga. — Next month's solar eclipse is stirring up controversy at the top of Georgia’s tallest mountain.

Brasstown Bald is as close to the sun as you can get in Georgia on the day the moon passes in front of it, but there’s a limit to how many people will be allowed up there.

On the square in downtown Blairsville, some folks are a little sore.

WSB-TV is your home for everything Total Solar Eclipse. We’ll have exclusive content and everything you need to know leading up to the big day on Aug. 21!

Then, when the Total Solar Eclipse crosses through the United States, make sure you’re relying on Channel 2 Action News for complete LIVE coverage from across the country!

Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and download the free WSB-TV news app to receive our latest content!

"That's pretty shocking to hike it up that much to take advantage to make more money,” Tanya Oxley said.

The city sits in the shadow of the mountain.

"We're at about 4,700 feet.  It's the highest spot in Georgia,” Steven Bekkerus with the U.S. Forest Service said.

Many believe the mountain is the place to be on Aug. 21 at 2:36 p.m., which is peak time to see the solar eclipse.

"We're going to get too many people up here.  Tremendous crowds.  And we want to protect this site.” Bekkerus said.

Bekkerus told Channel 2's Berndt Petersen that the nonprofit group that manages Brasstown Bald asked the Forest Service for permission to limit the number of people on the property that day to 450.

Instead of charging the usual $5 a head for adults, they’re charging $30.

Bekkerus says the facility will need more employees to handle the crowd, and off-duty deputies to direct traffic.

Officials say the nonprofit operator will use the fees to cover the extra costs for the day of the eclipse.

Tickets are already sold out.  But some folks still can’t get over the price.

"I get  that there's a lot of people coming and they probably need to take care of the park.  But $5 to $30?  That's pretty outrageous,” Tanya Oxley said.

Cox Media Group