Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
 

Recreation

Please find the status of developed recreation sites in the Recreation Conditions Report BELOW.

 

Recreate Responsibly

 

 

Recreation Opportunities by Ranger District

Map of Ranger Districts on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

 

Blue Ridge 

Blairsville

706-745-6928

​Chattooga River 

Lakemont

706-754-6221

​Conasauga 

Chatsworth

706-695-6736

Oconee 

Eatonton

706-485-7110

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
Andrews Cove Campground Open to Visitor Andrews Cove is currently opened for the 2021 season
Angel Falls Trailhead Open to Visitor
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area    Limited hours of operation, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., no admission after 4 p.m. to allow time to access the falls. The site will be open from Thursday - Monday (closed Tuesday - Wednesday). There is a set capacity for the parking lot of 90 vehicles. Once that amount has been reached, cars will be turned around at the gate until the number in the parking lot decreases. No access allowed during the closed day/hours. 
Appalachian Trail in Georgia Open to Visitor The Appalachian Trail is open, however trail shelters and privies are temporarily shut down.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 Open to Visitor
Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area Open to Visitor
Barnes Creek Picnic Area Open to Visitor Barnes Creek is a day-use picnic area only.  No camping!
Bartram Trail Open to Visitor
Bear Creek Trail Open to Visitor Bear Creek campground is a walk-in camping area only.  No pop-ups or RVs are accomodated.
Beasley Knob OHV Trails Open to Visitor
Benton MacKaye Trail in Georgia Open to Visitor The Benton Mackaye Trail will be temporarily closed between Wilscot Gap to Skeenah Gap starting tonight until the area is deemed safe for foot travel.
Blue Ridge Ranger District Open to Visitor We are currently operating virtually.  Please call 706-970-9776.
Boggs Creek Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center Open to Visitor Brasstown Bald will open to the public: Thursday, April 1st and will be open 10am to 5pm, 5 days a week. Thursday through Monday.

Shuttle Service will resume on Thursday, April 8th. Shuttle Service will ONLY be available Thursdays through Sundays until further notice. 

Brasstown Bald’s shuttle service provides easy access to the top of the mountain. The shuttle operates from 10 AM - 4:45 PM, with the final shuttle ticket sold around 4:30 PM. This time is subject to change depending on the size of the shuttle line towards the end of the day.

There are several new procedures in place due to COVID-19. Face masks are required on the shuttle and inside buildings, and the shuttle will only operate at 75% capacity. Also, there will be routine breaks throughout the day to allow for the shuttle to be cleaned effectively.

Guests may encounter longer wait times to access the shuttle service due to a high number of visitors and a limit on the number of passengers who can ride in the shuttle at one time. We appreciate the patience of visitors as the modified shuttle service policies and procedures are being implemented.
Broad River Trail Open to Visitor
Byron Herbert Reece Trail Open to Visitor
Chattooga River District Open to Visitor
Chattooga River Trail Open to Visitor
Chestatee Overlook Open to Visitor
Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range Open to Visitor
Cohutta Overlook Open to Visitor
Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads Open to Visitor
Conasauga Ranger District Closed to Visitor We are currently operating virtually.  Please call 706-695-6736.
Cooper Creek Recreation Area Open to Visitor Due to potential flooding the lower loop in Cooper Creek Campground is closed until further notice.
Cottonwood Patch Campground Open to Visitor
Davenport Mountain OHV Trails Open to Visitor
DeSoto Falls Recreation Area Open to Visitor The health and safety of employees and nearby communities are always a priority at the Forest Service. In response to guidance from state health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please recreate responsibly and practice safety recommendations. For the most current and accurate information, contact local health officials or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
Deep Hole Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Dockery Lake Recreation Area Open to Visitor  
Dry Creek Equestrian Trailhead Open to Visitor The parking lot is day use only:  NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING in the parking lot. 
Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Duncan Ridge Trail Open to Visitor
Dyar Pasture Recreation Area Open to Visitor

Please follow social distancing guidelines. 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.

Frady Branch Equestrian and Bike Trail System Open to Visitor
Frank Gross Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Helton Creek Falls Open to Visitor
Hickey Gap Campground Open to Visitor
Houston Valley OHV Trails Open to Visitor Call before you haul!  Houston Valley closes for several days after significant rainfall.
Iron Mountain Trail Open to Visitor
Jacks River Fields Campground Open to Visitor
Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System Open to Visitor
John's Mountain Overlook Open to Visitor
Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead Open to Visitor
Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Lake Conasauga Open to Visitor
Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground Open to Visitor 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 to Visitor
Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Lake Rabun Campground Closed to Visitor The Pear Tree Group campsite located in Lake Rabun Campground will remain closed until July 23rd to stay in line following the CDC Guidelines
Lake Russell Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Lake Sinclair Recreation Area Closed to Visitor

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 Open to Visitor  
Lakewood Landing Boat Launch Open to Visitor
Locust Stake OHV Trail System Closed to Visitor Area closed to all OHV activity
Low Gap Campground Open to Visitor Low Gap Campground is currently open for the 2021 camping season
Mill Creek Overlook Open to Visitor
Miller Creek Lake Recreation Area Closed to Visitor

Please follow social distancing recommendations 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 Open to Visitor
Mount Yonah Trail Head Open to Visitor
Mountaintown Overlook Open to Visitor
Mulky Campground Open to Visitor The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily closing  Mulky Gap Road (FS Road 4) on the Blue Ridge Ranger District to allow road maintenance work between Mulky Gap and Duncan Ridge Road. Work is scheduled to begin Dec. 7, 2020, and be complete on Dec. 23. The road will be open to public use on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each week during the construction period. More information.
Nancytown Open to Visitor No camping at Nancytown
Nancytown Day Use Area Open to Visitor
Oakey Mountain OHV Trails Open to Visitor Open and ready to ride
Ocmulgee Bluff Horse Bike and Hike Trail System Closed to Visitor Please follow social distancing guidelines. 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 Open to Visitor Operating Virtually / Office is open to calls, 706-485-7110, Cell- 706-819-8597,  
Oconee River Campground Open to Visitor Please follow social distancing guidelines. 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 Closed to Visitor Picnic area remains open the Panther Creek Trail is temporarily closed. The Chattooga River Ranger District has issued a temporary trail closure for the Panther Creek Trail in Habersham County Georgia. Recent high-water events have caused significant damage to the Panther Creek Trail. Bridges are no longer in place requiring hikers to ford Panther Creek and minor tributaries. Sections of the trail tread washed away and sustainable passage to the falls is no longer possible at this time. In addition, high winds and saturated soils led to a higher number of downed trees impacting hiker safety. We appreciate visitor's cooperation while staff work to make the trail safe and address resource damage in order to open Panther Creek Trail soon.
Peeples Lake Open to Visitor
Pinhoti Trail in Georgia Open to Visitor
Raven Cliffs Trailhead Open to Visitor
Redlands Recreation Area Open to Visitor Please follow social distancing guidelines. 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.  
Roberts Bike Camp OHV Trails Open to Visitor Please follow social distancing guidelines. 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 Open to Visitor
Rocky Flats OHV Trail Open to Visitor Rocky Flats is more suitable for 4WD trucks and jeeps since there is no parking lot to off-load ATVs and 4-wheelers.
Sandy Bottoms Campground Open to Visitor 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 Open to Visitor
Scull Shoals Historic Site Open to Visitor Please practice social distancing. 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.
Sosebee Cove Scenic Area and Trail Open to Visitor
Springer Mountain Trailhead Open to Visitor
Sumac Creek Shooting Range Open to Visitor
Swords Recreation Area Open to Visitor

Please practice social distancing. 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 Open to Visitor Tallhlah River Campground is opened. 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 Open to Visitor Campground is open for the 2021 camping season
Tatum Lead ORV Trail Open to Visitor Tatum Lead trail is suitable for 4WD trucks and jeep since there is no parking lot to off-load ATVs and 4-wheelers.
The Pocket Recreation Area Open to Visitor
The Pocket Recreation Area Family Picnic Area Open to Visitor
The Pocket Recreation Area Group Picnic Shelter Open to Visitor
Toccoa River Canoe Trail Open to Visitor
Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Town Creek OHV Trails Open to Visitor

 Please do not ride when wet. Riding when raining or wet damages the trails!

 

Please Practice Social Distancing.  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 Closed to Visitor
Waters Creek Day Use Area Open to Visitor
West Fork Campground Open to Visitor
Whissenhunt OHV Trails Open to Visitor
Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower Closed to Visitor Wildcat Creek road is temporarily closed.
Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper Closed to Visitor West Wildcat Creek road is temporarily closed
Willis Knob Horse Campground Open to Visitor
Windy Gap, Milma Creek, and Tibbs OHV Trails Open to Visitor 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 to Visitor Please follow social distancing guidelines. 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.  
Woody Gap Trailhead Open to Visitor

Spotlights

Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

Outdoor Fun Rec Marketing Map Thumbnail

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

Happy Campers Around Fire

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

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. 

 

 

Alerts & Warnings

View All Forest Alerts   

Quick Links
Areas & Activities

OHV Trail Maps

Featured Events
A map of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests showing the four districts of the forest.

Find recreation activities by district on clickable map.

Recreation summaries

Blue Ridge District
Chattooga River District
Conasauga District
Oconee District


Lightning can strike unexpectedly. Know when to head indoors.

Weather Conditions on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests


Safety is Up to All of Us

Outdoor Safety in the South


Leave No Trace Logo

Outdoor Ethics


Link to Recreation.com for easy reservations by the public.

Recreation.gov, where the public can make reservations easily.


Passport in Time is a volunteer service by USDA Forest Service

Passport in Time, a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program.


Link Wilderness.net website

Link to Wilderness.net


TreadLightly

Tread Lightly! Get some simple tips on ways to minimize your impact when playing in the outdoors. Link opens in a new window

 


https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation