Georgia's National Forests Hiking Trails

Andrews Cove - 706-782-3320 Andrews Cove Site Map
The Andrews Cove Trail follows an old logging road parallel to Andrews Creek. This trail is 2 miles long and provides access to the Appalachian Trail and Forest Service Road 283 at Indian Grave Gap. Andrews Cove offers convenient vehicle access from Hwy 75, a cool mountain stream and peaceful atmosphere. No Drinking water.
Open Dates This area is open from mid-June until late summer.
Directions Take Georgia 75 north from Helen for approximately 5.5 miles.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

Chattahoochee River Campground - 706-782-3320
Located high in the north Georgia mountains and far from civilization, this recreation area offers hiking along the Chattahoochee River. The Appalachian Trail, Horse Trough Falls and Mark Trail Wilderness Area are nearby. Note Expect narrow, curving and steep roads to and from the area. Loop through recreation area is gravel.
Open Dates Area opens late March and closes mid December. Open for wildlife management area hunts in November and December. This area is open 24 hours a day for camping use. Spring through fall are best times for camping.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for approx. 8 miles. Just beyond mile marker 15 turn left onto the graveled Chattahoochee River Road and follow for 5 miles.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

Cooper Creek Campground - 706-745-6928
Located along the banks of Cooper Creek and far from civilization, this area offers scenic hiking areas. Hikers can enjoy the Yellow Mountain Trail, which follows an old logging road for 3.6 miles through forests of hemlock, pine and hardwood. Other hiking trails that start at this recreation area include the 2.4-mile Mill Shoals Trail, and the Cooper Creek Trail, which is a 0.4-mile connecting trail. Cooper Creek Scenic Area joins the recreation area and features 1,240 acres with hiking trails. Good, hard surface roads until you reach Forest Service Road 4; this road is a gravel road and is crooked and steep in parts. Restrooms have railings to assist people with disabilities; path to restrooms is not paved and there is a hill and a step to enter. People who have a disability may need assistance to get into the restrooms. Drinking water.
Open Dates The area is open from late March until the end of October
Directions: From Blue Ridge, take Hwy. 76 east for 5 miles to Morganton; turn right on Hwy. 60 south for 16 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 4 for 6 miles.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District
Cooper Creek Campground Site Map

DeSoto Falls Campground - 706-745-6928
Located in the north Georgia mountains, this area offers hiking along beautiful Frogtown Creek. Hiking along the 2-mile Desoto Falls Trail is a popular activity here. The first mile of the trail is fairly easy and leads to two waterfalls. The last mile of the trail is considerably more difficult and strenuous. Loop through recreation area is paved. Toilets and drinking water are available.
Open Dates Early May until late October. This area is open 24 hours a day for campers use.
Directions: Take U.S. 129 north from Cleveland for 15 miles, or Hwy. 19 north from Dahlonega for about 18 miles.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District

Dockery Lake Campground - 706-745-6928
Overlooking Dockery Lake and nestled deep off the side of a mountain, this recreation area offers great hiking areas. Hikers can enjoy the 3.4-mile Dockery Lake Trail, which provides access to the Appalachian Trail. Dockery Gap Scenic Overlook offers another spectacular view of north Georgia, and Woody Gap offers a breathtaking view as well. The Appalachian Trail also can be accessed at Woody Gap. Loop through recreation area is gravel. Restrooms and drinking water.
Open Dates Area opens mid-April and closes late October; gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily.
Directions: Take Georgia 60 north from Dahlonega for 12 miles, turn right (east) on Forest Service Road 654 for 1 mile.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District

Frank Gross Campground - 706-745-6928
Located along the banks of Rock Creek and far from civilization, hikers can enjoy the Appalachian Trail nearby and it can be accessed easily from Forest Service Road 69. Another beautiful hike is along the Benton MacKaye Trail to the north of Frank Gross; this trail crosses the Toccoa River on a suspension bridge that is 260 feet long. Good, hard-surface roads until you reach Forest Service Road 69; this is a gravel road and is crooked and steep in parts. Restrooms have railings but are small; path to restrooms is paved. Drinking water is available.
Open Dates Area is open from late March until the end of October
Directions: From Blue Ridge, take Hwy. 76 east for 5 miles to Morganton; turn right on Hwy. 60 south for 15 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 69 for 5 miles.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District

Lake Conasauga Campground - 706-695-6736
This beautiful 19-acre lake is the highest in Georgia. Hikers can enjoy the 1.2-mile Lake Conasauga Trail, the 1.7-mile Songbird Trail or the Grassy Mountain Tower Trail (2 miles). Restrooms and drinking water are available.
Open Dates Area opens mid-April and closes late October; gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily.
Directions: Take U.S. 411 north from Chatsworth for 4 miles; turn right (east) at traffic light in Eton; Follow Forest Service Road 18 east for 10 miles; turn left (northeast) on Forest Service Road 68 for 10 miles.
Contact 706-695-6736 - USDA Forest Service, Conasauga Ranger District

Lake Russell Campground - 706-782-3320
Located along the shore of this 100-acre lake, hikers can enjoy a variety of trails in the area. The Lake Russell Trail originates at the recreation area, and the Ladyslipper Trail and the Sourwood Trail originate at the group camp entrance. Loop through the recreation area is paved.
Open Dates Area is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. This area is open 24 hours a day for campers use. Yearlong for fishing and boating
Directions: Take GA 365/U.S. 23 North from Gainesville past Cornelia to Hwy 197. Turn right for approximately 3 miles until dead-end. Right on Dicks Hill Parkway for approx. ¾ mile. Turn left onto the paved Lake Russell Road.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

Lake Sinclair Beach Campground - 706-485-7110
Located along the shore of beautiful Lake Sinclair, this recreation area is a hiker's paradise. Hikers can enjoy the Twin Bridges Trail, which is 1.8 miles and originates at this area. Main road through campground is paved; loops roads are gravel or paved. Some of the campsites are accessible to people with disabilities. The only restroom facility easily accessible is at the group reservation area, but it has no railings and narrow stalls. Restrooms for Loop D are accessible, but not from the upper side. Area has drinking water.
Open Area is open mid-April from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and closes mid-December.
Directions: Take U.S. 129 south from Eatonton for 10 miles; turn left (east) on Georgia 212 for 1 mile; then left on Twin Bridges Road for 1 mile; follow signs to the area on left.
Contact 706-485-7110 - USDA Forest Service, Oconee Ranger District

Lake Winfield Scott Campground - 706-745-6928
Overlooking beautiful 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott in the north Georgia mountains, hikers can enjoy numerous trails near this area, including the Lake Winfield Scott Trail, the Jarrard Gap Trail, the Slaughter Creek Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Loop through recreation area is paved. Five pull-through sites and two double sites are available. Drinking water and restrooms are available during open season. Restrooms are not accessible to people with disabilities.
Open Dates The camping area is open from late April until late October. During winter months, drinking water is not available and the restroom is a privy.
Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville for 10 miles; turn right (west) on Georgia 180 for 7 miles.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District

Morganton Point Campground - 706-745-6928
Overlooking beautiful Lake Blue Ridge in the north Georgia mountains, hikers can enjoy a scenic trail that parallels the 3,290-acre lake shore. Loop through the recreation area is paved. Restrooms are available with one accessible restroom.
Open Dates Area is open from mid-April until late-October. Day-use only except for camping; gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. First come, first serve camping.
Directions: Take U.S. 515 south from Blue Ridge for 4 miles to GA 60; turn right (southwest) and go 3 miles to Morganton. In Morganton, turn right on County Road 616 for 1 mile.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District

Mulky Campground - (706-745-6928
Located along beautiful Cooper Creek, hkers enjoy the Yellow Mountain Trail, which follows an old logging road for 3.6 miles through forests of hemlock, pine and hardwood. Other hiking trails nearby include the 2.4-mile Mill Shoals Trail, and the Cooper Creek Trail, which is a 0.4-mile connecting trail. Cooper Creek Scenic Area joins Cooper Creek Recreation Area and features 1,240 acres with hiking trails. Good, hard-surface roads until you reach Forest Service Road 4; this is a gravel road and is crooked and steep in parts. Facility and restrooms are accessible for the disabled. Drinking water is available.
Open Dates Area is open from late March until the end of October.
Directions: From Blue Ridge, take Hwy. 76 east for 5 miles to Morganton; turn right on Hwy. 60 south for 16 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 4 for 5 miles.
Contact 706-745-6928 - USDA Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District

Oconee River Campground - 706-485-7110
Located along the bank of the Oconee river, this is a hiker's dream. Hikers can enjoy the Scull Shoals Trail, which is 1 mile and originates at this area. Main road through campground is paved. Some restrooms are accessible to people with disabilities. Drinking water is available.
Open all year from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions: Take Georgia 15 northwest from Greensboro for 12 miles; area is adjacent to highway.
Contact 706-485-7110 - USDA Forest Service, Oconee Ranger District

Rabun Beach Campground - 706-782-3320
Overlooking beautiful Lake Rabun and the north Georgia mountains, hikers can enjoy the 1.3-mile Rabun Beach Trail that ends at Angel Falls.
Open Dates The area opens mid-April and closes mid-November. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
Directions: Take U.S. 441/23 south from Clayton for 5.4 miles; turn right on Wiley Connector for 0.1 mile; turn left (south) on Georgia 15(Historic 441) for 1.4 miles; turn right on Lake Rabun Road (County Road 10) for 5 miles. If pulling a trailer, the best route is to go west on Hwy 76 for 7 miles; turn left on Charlie Mtn. Road for 3.5 miles; turn right on Bridge Creek Road for 2 miles; turn left on Burton Dam Road for 5.4 miles. The campground will be on your left.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

Sandy Bottom Campground - 706-782-3320
Rugged mountain scenery and the Tallulah River plunging by make this a beautiful place to hike. Hiking through nearby Coleman River Scenic Area is popular. The Coleman River Trail parallels the river for 1 mile through stands of large old-growth timber. Good, hard-surface roads until you reach Forest Service Road 70; expect a narrow, gravel road that is crooked and steep in parts.
Open Dates The area is open from late March until the end of October.
Directions: Take U.S. 76 west from Clayton for 8 miles; turn right (north) on unnumbered paved county road for 4 miles; turn left (northwest) on Forest Service Road 70 for 5 miles.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

Tallulah River Campground - 706-782-3320
Rugged mountain scenery and the Tallulah River plunging by make this a beautiful place to hike. Hiking through nearby Coleman River Scenic Area is popular. The Coleman River Trail parallels the river for 1 mile through stands of large old-growth timber. Good, hard-surface roads until you reach Forest Service Road 70; expect narrow gravel road that is crooked and steep in parts. Restrooms are accessible to people with disabilities.
Open Dates Area is open from late March until the end of October
Directions: Take U.S. 76 west from Clayton for 8 miles; turn right (north) on unnumbered paved county road for 4 miles; turn left (northwest) on Forest Service Road 70 for 1 mile.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

Tate Branch Campground - 706-782-3320
Amenities and Pleasures: Located at the junction of the Tallulah River and Tate Branch, hiking through nearby Coleman River Scenic Area is popular. The Coleman River Trail parallels the river for 1 mile through stands of large old-growth timber. Good, hard-surface roads until you reach Forest Service Road 70; expect narrow gravel road that is crooked and steep in part. Drinking water is available.
Open all year
Directions: Take U.S. 76 west from Clayton for 8 miles; turn right (north) on unnumbered paved county road for 4 miles; turn left (northwest) on Forest Service Road 70 for 4 miles.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

The Pocket Campground - 706-695-6736
Amenities and Pleasures: Located back in the woods and along a spring-fed creek, hikers can enjoy the 2.5-mile Pocket Loop Trail, which originates at the camp area, or the 0.5-mile Pocket Nature Trail, which originates at the parking area. The loop through recreation area is gravel.
Directions Take GA 136 east from LaFayette for 13.5 miles; 0.5 mile east of Villa now turn right (south) on county road (Pocket Road) for 7 miles.
Open Dates Picnic area is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.; no fee for tables but a there is a fee and reservation required for use of picnic shelter. Camp area is open from 6 a.m. until 10 pm.
Contact 706-695-6736 - USDA Forest Service, Conasauga Ranger District

Willis Knob Campground - 706-782-3320
Amenities and Pleasures: Located in the north Georgia mountains and far from civilization, hking and horseback riding along the 12.5-mile Rocky Gap Trail and the 15-mile Willis Knob Trail is popular among visitors. Trails nearby open to hiking only are the 10.7-mile Chattooga River Trail and the 37-mile Bartram Trail. Warwoman Road is paved, but Forest Road 157 and campground loops are gravel. There are toilet facilities, drinking water, and a spring-fed watering trough. Restrooms are accessible to people with disabilities.
Open all year
Directions: From Clayton, go east on Warwoman Road for 11.6 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 157, camping area is about 2 miles on the left.
Contact 706-782-3320 - USDA Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District

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