Skip to main content
Site Open

Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead

A fabulous day-hiking opportunity for young and old awaits visitors at the Keown Falls Recreation Area.  With picnicking, dramatic vistas and a hike to the Keown Falls and overlook that even Grandma can handle, this little gem is sure to become one of your favorite waterfall viewing spots.

General Information

Day-use area open year-round.

Free

USDA Forest Service Logo

Address: 3941 Highway 76 Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: 706-695-6736
Hours: Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 to noon and 1:00 to 4:30. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

From I-75 Exit 320 near Resaca, GA, go west on highway 136 for 7 miles.  At stop sign, turn right to stay on highway 136 for another 7 miles.  Turn left on Pocket County Road and continue for 5 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 702 and proceed 0.6 miles to picnic area.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Vault toilet; no water.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

14 Picnic sites with one fully ADA compliant picnic area, are available to visitors on a first come, first served basis.

Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes Info

Named after Gordon Keown, the original surveyor of much of Northwest Georgia and the Keown Falls, this trail is 1.8 miles and offers a gentle, yet steep climb to the top of John's Mountain, which is part of a geological formation called "Ridge and Valley."  The trail starts off fairly level and then turns into a series of switchbacks climbing the mountain (steep, but doesn't go on for too long).  Here, after climbing some stone steps, a cool cove and the first set of falls can be seen. Just ahead is the overlook where one can see the second set of falls.  Be forewarned that the falls do sometimes run dry and are best viewed in the spring.

The Georgia Pinhoti Trail section 10 meanders through this recreation area.

Picnicking - Groups Info

14 Picnic sites with one fully ADA compliant picnic area, are available to visitors on a first come, first serve basis.

Last updated May 7th, 2025