Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Forest Service Coronavirus (Covid-19) Updates

Information current as of May 26, 2020. See @ChattOconeeNF on Facebook for updates.

Interactive Visitor Map

Sites temporarily SHUTDOWN:

Many national forest developed campgrounds, group recreation sites, picnic pavilions and restrooms remain temporarily shutdown.

***Please see status of recreation sites in Recreation Condition Report BELOW. See news releases for more information. Some sites may only be posted at the location.***

A complete list of affected recreation sites is available on the Interactive Visitor Map: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap

Sites REOPENED:

Appalachian Trail in Georgia and Trails and associated trailheads providing access.

A complete list of affected recreation sites is available on the Interactive Visitor Map: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap

Recreation Conditions Report

Area Name	Status	Area Conditions
Andrews Cove Campground
Angel Falls Trailhead
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area		Limited hours of operation, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site will be open from Thursday through Sunday. There is a set capacity for the parking lot of 40 vehicles. Once that amount has been reached, cars will be turned around at the gate until the number in the parking lot decreases. The falls are closed Monday-Wednesday and no access allowed during the closed days/hours. Smith Creek Trail is closed during this first round of reopening.
Appalachian Trail in Georgia		*Find more A.T. status updates at: https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/hiking-basics/health/covid19/a-t-closures/ *
Aska Trail System
Barnes Creek Picnic Area		Barnes Creek is a day-use picnic area only. No camping!
Bartram Trail
Bear Creek Trail		Bear Creek and Mountain Creek Trails are open. Bear Creek campground is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 concerns.
Beasley Knob OHV Trails		Open
Benton MacKaye Trail in Georgia
Blue Ridge Ranger District
Boggs Creek Recreation Area		Boggs Creek Recreation Area is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the week, but remains closed to all camping.
Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center		Brasstown Bald Recreation Area is closed at the Highway 180 Spur and Highway 180 until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Hwy 180 Spur access road closed, but trails and observation deck open.
Broad River Trail
Byron Herbert Reece Trail
Chattooga River District
Chattooga River Trail
Chestatee Overlook
Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range		The vault toilet will remain closed for the time being.
Cohutta Overlook
Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads		After recent storms, there are numerous down trees on the following trails: East Cowpen, Rice Camp, Hickory Ridge, Horseshoe Bend and Hickory Creek trail (northern section). These trails will not be safe for horse travel.
Conasauga Ranger District		We are currently operating virtually. Please call 706-695-6736.
Cooper Creek Recreation Area
Cottonwood Patch Campground
Davenport Mountain OHV Trails		Due to trail damage, the Davenport Mountain OHV Trail System is temporarily closed in the interest of resource protection and public safety.
DeSoto Falls Recreation Area		In response to guidance from state health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), effective immediately this campground is temporarily shut down. The health and safety of employees and nearby communities are always a priority at the Forest Service. For the most current and accurate information, contact local health officials or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. The day use area and trails to the waterfalls are open.
Deep Hole Recreation Area
Dockery Lake Recreation Area
Dry Creek Equestrian Trailhead		Dry Creek parking lot will be closed beginning June 1 for contract work. The trails are still open. The vault toilet remains closed for the time being. The parking lot is day use only: NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING in the parking lot.
Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area
Duncan Ridge Trail
Dyar Pasture Recreation Area		The restroom is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. No fees charged at this time.
Frady Branch Equestrian and Bike Trail System
Frank Gross Recreation Area
Helton Creek Falls
Hickey Gap Campground		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Houston Valley OHV Trails		Houston Valley has reopened, but the restroom will remain closed for the time being. Call before you haul. Houston Valley closes for several days after significant rainfall.
Iron Mountain Trail
Jacks River Fields Campground
Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System
John's Mountain Overlook
Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead
Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area
Lake Conasauga		The camping loop remains closed until a contract is in place to clean the restrooms. No camping or picknicking in closed areas. Hikers may park in the Overflow parking area to hike the trails.
Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground		This site remains closed until a contract is in place to clean the restroom. This is not the main camping loop. There are only 6 campsites in the Overflow, no water and only a vault toilet. The main camping loop does not open until mid-April. Hikers may park here to hike the trails associated with Lake Conasauga.
Lake Conasauga Picnic and Swim Site		The picnic area is closed due to COVID-19.
Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area		This siteÂ is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Lake Rabun Campground		Lake Rabun Beach Campground is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Lake Russell Recreation Area
Lake Sinclair Recreation Area		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Lake Winfield Scott Campground		The group campsite, cabin and pavilions are closed.
Lakewood Landing Boat Launch
Locust Stake OHV Trail System		Area closed to all OHV activity
Low Gap Campground
Mill Creek Overlook
Miller Creek Lake Recreation Area		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Morganton Point Campground		The picnic shelter is closed at this time.
Mount Yonah Trail Head
Mountaintown Overlook
Mulky Campground
Nancytown		No camping at Nancytown
Nancytown Day Use Area
Oakey Mountain OHV Trails
Ocmulgee Bluff Horse Bike and Hike Trail System		The trail head at Ocmulgee Bluff Day Use and the parking area.This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Oconee Ranger District		Office is open to calls, 706-485-7110
Oconee River Campground		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Panther Creek Recreation Area
Peeples Lake
Pinhoti Trail in Georgia
Raven Cliffs Trailhead
Redlands Recreation Area		The restroom is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. No fees charged at this time.
Roberts Bike Camp OHV Trails		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Rock Creek ORV Trail		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Rock Creek trail will also undergo maintenance and grooming while closed.
Rocky Flats OHV Trail
Sandy Bottoms Campground		This siteÂ is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Sarah's Creek Campground
Scull Shoals Historic Site
Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Trail
Springer Mountain Trailhead
Sumac Creek Shooting Range		The vault toilet will remain closed for the time being.
Swords Recreation Area		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Tallulah River Campground		Tallulah River Campground is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA regarding COVID-19, and we are closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Tate Branch Campground		Tate Branch Campground is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Tatum Lead ORV Trail
The Pocket Recreation Area		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
The Pocket Recreation Area Family Picnic Area		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
The Pocket Recreation Area Group Picnic Shelter		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Toccoa River Canoe Trail
Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area
Town Creek OHV Trails		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
Waters Creek Day Use Area
West Fork Campground
Whissenhunt OHV Trails		Open
Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower		Visitors can park at the kiosk before the gate and walk-in 1.7 miles to Wildcat 1 or 3.2 miles to Wildcat 2. The campgrounds are open to foot traffic only. Wildcat Creek road is closed to vehicle traffic due to landslide but foot traffic is welcome. Wildcat Road provides access to popular recreational activities such as fishing and swimming in Wildcat Creek, camping, and access to the Appalachian Trail. Campers pack out, leave no trace. Both Wildcat campgrounds 1 and 2 do NOT have restrooms available. Camping fees are $10.00 per night, per site.
Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper		Visitors can park at the kiosk before the gate and walk-in 1.7 miles to Wildcat 1 or 3.2 miles to Wildcat 2. The campgrounds are open to foot traffic only. Wildcat Creek road is closed to vehicle traffice due to landslideÂ but foot traffic is welcome. Wildcat Road provides access to popular recreational activities such as fishing and swimming in Wildcat Creek, camping, and access to the Appalachian Trail. Camping pack out, leave no trace.Â No restrooms available at this time.
Willis Knob Horse Campground
Windy Gap, Milma Creek, and Tibbs OHV Trails		This site is closed until further notice to safeguard the health of employees and the public. We are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from USDA and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. The northern portion of Tibbs Trail has been decommissioned due to poor trail conditions. There is no longer access to Tibbs Trail from the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground. Only the southern portion of Tibbs Trail remains, with access via Milma Creek Trail from Windy Gap Trail. The Windy Gap trail system is also being maintained and groomed while closed.
Wise Creek Canoe Launch		undefined
Woody Gap Trailhead

Spotlights

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.

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.

About the Area - Recreation Overview

Sight seeing on the Anna Ruby Falls Trail along Smith Creek

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.

Chattooga River Trail

Beginning at the intersection of Highway 76 East and the Chattooga River (ending at Sandy Ford Rd.), this 11 mile spur trail connects to the Bartram Trail. Nearly all the trail is within the boundary of the Wild & Scenic River area, so the principles of Leave No Trace are strongly encouraged. Backcountry camping is permitted.

Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site

Photo 2 of the Track Rock Site after the 2010 Renovation

Visit this special site where the people of long ago carved their stories into the boulders of Track Rock.

Appalachian Trail in Georgia

The AT plaque can be seen on the rock outcrop below a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains

***Find more A.T. status updates at: https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/hiking-basics/health/covid19/a-t-closures/ ***

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 and passes through five federally designated wilderness areas.