Recreation

- Rules for Visitors - ensure your health and safety, protect the forest, & keep recreation an enjoyable experience for everyone
- Visit Us! Visitor information for all national forests.
- Fall Colors - The National Forests are a great place to view autumn splendor!
Interactive Forest Visitor Map
Use the Interactive Forest Visitor Map to locate roads, campgrounds, trails and other recreation sites on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. You can zoom in for high resolution detail and change the background map to suit your needs. Using the Tools icon, you can print your map or save it as a Geo PDF map. You can also import your Geo PDF to your phone or tablet using a program like Avenza to show your live location on the map - even without a cell signal! Download mobile apps: Apple App or Google Play
- Printed and other maps for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
- About the Forest Service Visitor Map
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Current Recreation Conditions
Area Name | Status | Area Conditions |
---|---|---|
Andrews Cove Campground | Open | Andrews Cove is open for the 2023 season. |
Angel Falls Trailhead | Open | |
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area | Open | Anna Ruby Falls is open during normal business hours for the season. For normal operations please go to https://gofindoutdoors.org |
Appalachian Trail in Georgia | Open | The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) is open and trail shelter in Georgia are available. Hikers are advised to bring a personal tent and face coverings. Shelters might not be frequently maintained at all locations. Dispersed camping is also available. Not all privies are open or maintained. Guidance is available on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for trip planning, hiking safety and COVID-19 precautions. |
Aska Trail System | Open | Updated closure due to ongoing rehabilitation efforts associated with the Flat Creek Fire: Stanley Gap Trail (165) is closed east of the intersection with the Benton Mackaye Trail. Flat Creek Loop Trail (165B) and Connector (165A) is also closed. The Benton Mackaye Trail is open. |
Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area | Open | |
Barnes Creek Picnic Area | Open | Barnes Creek is a day-use picnic area only. No camping! |
Bartram Trail | Open | |
Bear Creek Trail | Open | Bear Creek campground is a walk-in camping area only. No pop-ups or RVs are accomodated. |
Beasley Knob OHV Trails | Open | |
Benton MacKaye Trail in Georgia | Open | |
Blue Ridge Ranger District | Open | |
Boggs Creek Recreation Area | Open | |
Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center | Open | Brasstown Bald Visitor Center is open daily, 10:00am - 5:00pm. |
Broad River Trail | Open | |
Byron Herbert Reece Trail | Open | |
Chattooga River District | Open | |
Chattooga River Trail | Open | |
Chestatee Overlook | Open | |
Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range | Open | Pay for your activity pass at Chestnut Mountain with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay. Please have your proof of payment available for review upon request. |
Cohutta Overlook | Open | |
Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads | Open | |
Conasauga Ranger District | Open | |
Cooper Creek Recreation Area | Open | |
Cottonwood Patch Campground | Open | The campground is open. |
Davenport Mountain OHV Trails | Open | |
DeSoto Falls Recreation Area | Open | Pay for you activity pass at DeSoto Falls Day Use with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area and follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay. You can purchase the DeSoto Falls Day Use Annual Pass at Recreation.gov or a Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Annual Pass for $25 is available at Forest Service offices in Gainesville, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Lakemont, and Eatonton, Georgia. The DeSoto Falls Day Use daily activity pass must be purchased at the area. |
Deep Hole Recreation Area | Open | |
Dockery Lake Recreation Area | Open | Reservations are required to camp in this campground. Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). The website (www.Recreation.gov) offers convenient round the clock access to the Online Reservation Service or visitors may call NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 (toll free) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. You may reserve camp sites the same day as you arrive and as far as six (6) months in advance. Reservations are not available at the facility. |
Dry Creek Equestrian Trailhead | Open | The parking lot is day use only: NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING in the parking lot. |
Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area | Open | Open |
Duncan Ridge Trail | Open | |
Dyar Pasture Recreation Area | Open | Open sunrise to sunset |
Frady Branch Equestrian and Bike Trail System | Open | Open year-round |
Frank Gross Recreation Area | Open | |
Helton Creek Falls | Open | |
Hickey Gap Campground | Open | |
Houston Valley OHV Trails | Open | Call before you haul! Houston Valley closes for several days after significant rainfall. Nights and weekends, call 706-695-6736 ext. 2 for status. |
Iron Mountain Trail | Open | |
Jacks River Fields Campground | Open | |
Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System | Open | Black Branch Trail Loop is temporarily closed to provide for public safety during active logging operations along the 28B and 28F roads. Upon completion of the timber harvest, the trail will be reopened. Please contact the Blue Ridge Ranger District with any questions. (706) 745-6928. |
John's Mountain Overlook | Open | |
Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead | Open | |
Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area | Open | |
Lake Conasauga | Open | Lake Conasauga is now reservation only. Reservations for the 2023 camping seasons are now being accepted at Recreation.gov. You may also make your reservations by phone at 877-444-6777. |
Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground | Open | 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 | Open | |
Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area | Open | |
Lake Rabun Campground | Open | Campground is open. |
Lake Russell Boat Launch/Beach Area | Open | Boat Launch is open year-round. Beach facilities are closed during the winter season. |
Lake Russell Campground | Open | Lake Russell Campground is currently open and ready for you to reserve a site on your next visit to this beautiful campground. |
Lake Sinclair Recreation Area | Open | OPEN |
Lake Winfield Scott Campground | Open | The south and north loops have been reopened at reduced rates for camping in accordance with the following modified operating plan:
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Lakewood Landing Boat Launch | Open | Pay for you activity pass at Lakewood Landing Boat Ramp with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area and follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay. All visitors must fill out an index card provided with the confirmation number provided after mobile payment. This confirmation then needs to be displayed on the vehicle dash for proof of payment. |
Locust Stake OHV Trail System | Closed | Area closed to all OHV activity |
Low Gap Campground | Open | Low Gap Campground is currently open for the 2023 season. |
Mill Creek Overlook | Open | |
Miller Creek Lake Recreation Area | Open | |
Morganton Point Campground | Open | |
Mount Yonah Trail Head | Open | |
Mountaintown Overlook | Open | |
Mulky Campground | Open | |
Nancytown Day Use | Open | Open |
Oakey Mountain OHV Trails | Open | Oakey Mountain OHV area is open. |
Ocmulgee Bluff Horse Bike and Hike Trail System | Open | Open Sunrise to Sunset - Day use area only |
Oconee Ranger District | Open | Office is open -Please call ahead if you are interested in purchasing passes 706-485-7110, Cell- 706-819-8597, |
Oconee River Campground | Open | |
Panther Creek Recreation Area | Open | The picnic area and trail remain open. The Panther Creek Trail is opened to intermediate and advanced hikers only. The Chattooga River Ranger District has issued a hiker warning for the Panther Creek Trail in Habersham County Georgia. Bridges are no longer in place requiring hikers to Ford Panther Creek and minor tributaries. Sections of the trail tread washed away and passage to the falls is possible just use extra safety precautions. We appreciate visitors' cooperation while staff works to make the trail safe and address resource damage. |
Peeples Lake | Open | |
Pinhoti Trail in Georgia | Open | |
Raven Cliffs Trailhead | Open | Open year-round ** Please note that there have been reports of a wasp/hornet nest on the trail.** |
Redlands Recreation Area | Open | |
Roberts Bike Camp OHV Trails | Open | Closed when wet or raining. No riding when wet, raining, snowing, etc. |
Rock Creek ORV Trail | Open | |
Rocky Flats Seasonal Road | Closed | Rocky Flats is now a seasonal road open for various hunting seasons. |
Sandy Bottoms Campground | Open | Sandy Bottoms Campground is open for the 2023 season. |
Sarah's Creek Campground | Open | Quiet hours are from 10pm-6am daily. During quiet hours generators, music, or other disturbing noises are not allowed. |
Scull Shoals Historic Site | Open | Open during daylight hours only. |
Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Trail | Open | |
Springer Mountain Trailhead | Open | |
Stonewall Falls & White Twister Mountain Bike Trai | Open | Open from Sunrise to Sunset |
Sumac Creek Shooting Range | Open | Pay for your activity pass at Sumac Creek with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay. Please have your proof of payment available for review upon request. You may also login to Recreation.gov on your home computer to pay for the daily pass. |
Swords Recreation Area | Open | Open Sunrise to Sunset hours only |
Tallulah River Campground | Open | Tallhlah River Campground is open. |
Tate Branch Campground | Open | Tate Branch Campground is open for your next camping adventure. |
Tatum Lead ORV Trail | Open | Tatum Lead trail is suitable for 4WD trucks and jeeps since there is no parking lot to off-load ATVs and 4-wheelers. |
The Pocket Recreation Area | Open | |
The Pocket Recreation Area Family Picnic Area | Open | |
The Pocket Recreation Area Group Picnic Shelter | Open | |
Toccoa River Canoe Trail | Open | |
Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area | Open | Reservations are required to camp in this campground. The two group sites are $20.00 a night. Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). The website (www.Recreation.gov) offers convenient round the clock access to the Online Reservation Service or visitors may call NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 (toll free) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. You may reserve camp sites the same day as you arrive and as far as six (6) months in advance. |
Town Creek OHV Trails | Open | Please do not ride when wet. Riding when raining or wet damages the trails!
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Upper Chattahoochee River Campground | Open | Campground is open for the 2023 season. No water available. |
Waters Creek Day Use Area | Open | |
West Fork Campground | Open | Open year-round |
Whissenhunt OHV Trails | Open | Whissenhunt OHV Trail has recently changed from a two-way directional riding to a one-way only trail. Please review the map below to become acquainted with these new changes and enjoy the ride! Trail Map |
Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower | Temporarily Closed | Wildcat 1 campground is closed due to road damage. |
Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper | Temporarily Closed | Wildcat 2 campground is closed due to road damage. |
Willis Knob Horse Camp | Open | Open year-round, requires reservations to camp. |
Windy Gap, Milma Creek, and Tibbs OHV Trails | Open | 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. |
Wise Creek Canoe Launch | Open | Please be cautious of flooding |
Woody Gap Trailhead | Open |
Spotlights
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.
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. 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.
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 50 ft away from the river or tributaries and at minimum 1/4 mile from either Earl's Ford or Sandy Ford Roads.
Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site

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

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.
Alerts & Warnings
- Toddery Pole Rd/FS Road 86
- Forest Service Road 58 (Noontootla Road) Partially Closed September 26, 2023
- Lake Conasauga Reservation Only
- Recreation passes available online, by phone and in-person
- Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District
- Coleman River Rd (FSR #54) Closure
- CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
- CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV
- Panther Creek Trail Temporary Hiker Restrictions
- Don't Move Firewood!