 In the late 1800s "Bear" Joe Lunsford was a farmer and peacher in the Suches area. He'd climb to a rocky outcrop on what's now the Appalachian Trail to practice his sermons. The view is incredible, and today it's only a half-hour's walk off the pavement.
How to get there:
Take Georgia Highway 60 north from Dahlonega, and follow it towards Suches. Just past milepost 21, park at the Woody Gap senic view maintained by the U.S Forest Service. You used to have to pay a couple of dollars to park, but apparently not so any more. The Appalachian Trail crosses the highway here. Follow the trail to the right, towards Neil's Gap and Blood Mountain. Look for the trail markers: white rectangles 2" wide by 6" high. These are known as "white blazes." The first two-thirds of the hike to preacher's rock are a nice, easy hike. In the winter, look through the leafless trees for glimpses of metropolitan Suches and Woody Lake off to your left. The last third of the way is STEEP. You souldn't try this if you have back or heart problems, in the latter stages of pregnancy, wearing high heels, or are disconcerted by a lack of OSHA-approved guardrails. Keep climbing until you reach the top of the world. You'll be standing on an outcrop of granite, about fifty feet across: Preacher's Rock. Enjoy the view. You'll have earned it.
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