Special Places

Highlighted Areas

Helton Creek Falls

The Helton Creek Falls Trail is an easy 0.2 mile hike. Please be advised there are many abrupt changes in grade along this short walk. Please stay on the trail and observation deck.



Wise Creek Canoe Launch

Wise Creek canoe launch on the Ocmulgee River has reopened after an extended closure was necessary to remove embedded rebar spikes below the water's surface. The Georgia Department of Naturals Resources provided critical support to repairing the boat launch, located alongĀ Forest Service Road 1098 (Ocmulgee Church Road). Please continue to exercise caution in the area and report any hazards or misuse to theĀ Oconee Ranger District Office for more information at 706-485-7110.


Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area

Visit twin waterfalls plunging more than 150 feet (tallest) on the paved trail from the visitor information center. While there enjoy a picnic at any of our picnic sites or take a short walk on the Lion's Eye Trail a short 0.01-mile paved hiking trail for people who are visually impaired with interpretive signs in both normal text and braille.


Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

Cool in the summer, mild in the winter, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway encircles the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River and is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. The drive is ideal for viewing colorful wildflowers or dazzling fall color. Secluded valley views of Wilderness Areas abound along the way. The 40-mile loop follows State Highways 348, 180, and 17/75. Allow at least three hours driving time. Outdoor Fun in the North Georgia Mountains highlights the byway and popular mountain recreation stops. 


Scull Shoals Historic Site

Explore over 10,000 years of history from early Native Americans to DeSoto (1540s) to Georgia's first paper mill in 1811. Take a gentle hike along the historic ruins of the old Scull Shoals Village on the banks of the Oconee River.


Tallulah River Campground

At an elevation of 2,080 ft., on the banks of the Tallulah River, this campground is a favorite. If you like hiking, the Coleman River Trail is there for you to enjoy the outdoors and nature. This river is routinely stocked with Rainbow Trout! Find the location for Tallulah River Campground on the Interactive Visitor Map.


About the Area - Recreation Overview

From the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the mountains of the southern Appalachian mountains, there are all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy. Learn more about this area and an overview of outdoor recreation on the national forests.

 


Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center

To protect public and employee safety, in anticipation of heavy rains in our area starting Wednesday evening 9/25/24 through the weekend and the potential for high winds overnight Thursday and Friday, FIND Outdoors will be implementing the following closures, with all sites planned to reopen on Monday 9/30/24:

 

  • Brasstown Bald, Union and Towns County – Closing 5:00 pm Wednesday 9/25/24
  • Lake Winfield Scot Campground and Day Use Area  – Union County – Closing 12:00 pm Thursday 9/26/24
  • Morganton Point Campground and Day Use Area – Fannin County – Closing 12:00 pm Thursday 9/26/24

 

Located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level and just a short drive from Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Helen. On the Bald you’ll find picnic areas with great views; a general store with locally made products; three trailheads just off of our parking lot; a mountaintop natural science & history museum, and observation deck that offers a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding area, including four states (GA, TN, NC, & SC) and if you’re lucky, the skyline of Atlanta! Visit our live WebCam video stream.


Dyar Pasture Recreation Area

This 60-acre freshwater wetland was originally a cooperative project with the U.S. Forest Service, Georgia DNR, Georgia Power and Ducks Unlimited. Dyar Pasture is a bird sanctuary and a birders paradise.  Outfitted with a dike and water control system to control water levels, the management of this area enables a healthy and sustainable waterfowl habitat necessary for the continued survival of this wetland ecosystem. The area has picnicking and fishing opportunities, a boat launch with access to the Oconee River and Lake Oconee and a short hiking trail, making Dyar Pasture a fantastic place for a day of birding and appreciating a wetland habitat. 
Photos of the area...

Download the Dyar Pasture Brochure. Includes a site map and a plant and animal check list along with other cool information.


Appalachian Trail in Georgia

*Post Hurricane Helene - Please refer to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website for updates.

Stretching across 14 states, more than 76 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) are in Georgia. This stretch of the AT offers views of some of the state's most diverse and stunning ecosystems as it winds northward through the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area, and passes through five federally designated wilderness areas.