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: No reservations, first come/first served, pay via envelope in the fee tube. Campers will need to provide their own water – NO WATER AVAILABLE ONSITE. No showers or flush toilets will be available, bath houses will be closed. Portable toilets are available. No cabin rentals. Day use areas, swim beach, lake will be open.
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!
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

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 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

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

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

View All Forest Alerts

Quick Links

Recreation Areas

OHV Trail Maps

Interactive Visitor Map
BeOutdoorSafe.org

Now more than ever, our favorite outdoor spaces are playing an important role in our lives. Together, we can continue to keep these safe places safe. Whether we’re out in nature or home in our backyards, remember that it’s our role to protect the lands we love.