Pickens County, Georgia
Pickens County is nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, where scenic landscapes, rich history, and outdoor recreation come together. Jasper, the county seat, serves as the county’s commercial and cultural center and is widely recognized for its longstanding connection to Georgia’s marble industry.
For generations, marble quarrying shaped the county’s economy and identity, earning Jasper the nickname "The First Mountain City." Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking along the county’s streams and creeks, such as Talking Rock Creek, which is especially popular with anglers and paddlers.
Each October, the Georgia Marble Festival celebrates Pickens County’s unique geological heritage with live entertainment, arts and crafts, marble demonstrations, and family-friendly events. Another notable landmark is the historic Tate House, an elegant mansion constructed from locally quarried pink marble that reflects the county’s prosperous quarrying era.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pickens County |
| County Seat | Jasper |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Branson West, Kimberling City, Reeds Spring, Crane, Galena, Blue Eye, Cape Fair |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 76, U.S. Route 515, State Route 53 |
| Etymology | Named after Andrew Pickens, a soldier in the American Revolution |
| FIPS Code | 13-227 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 236 square miles (land: 233 sq mi, water: 3 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Georgia |
| Coordinates | 34.4707° N, 84.4384° W |
| Major Landmarks | Amicalola Falls State Park, Pickens County Courthouse, Talking Rock Nature Trail |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Gilmer County (North), Dawson County (East), Cherokee County (South), Bartow County (Southwest), Gordon County (West) |
| Population | Approximately 35,000 |
