 Numerous streams and waterfalls, high peaks, and rocky outcroppings combine to create a rugged mountain Wilderness divided between the Chestatee and Chatta-hoochee Wildlife Management Areas. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet on Boggs Creek to 3,846 feet on Leveland Mountain. A dense forest of hardwoods and scattered pines has recovered from substantial logging operations early in this century--most of the trees have now celebrated their 60th birthday. Approximately 41 miles of trout streams attract many anglers, with Boggs Creek receiving the most use. Deer, squirrels, and grouse tend to steal the spotlight, as black bears, turkeys, and raccoons work behind the scenes. Across U.S. 129 lies Blood Mountain Wilderness. Raven Cliffs Scenic Area, with its high vista points and waterfalls (ravens reportedly nest here, as the name suggests). This Wilderness receives relatively heavy visitor traffic. The Appalachian Trail follows the crest of the Blue Ridge through this area for 6.6 miles; there's a shelter at Whitley Gap. Another trail, the Raven Cliffs Falls Trail, leads upstream 2.5 miles to the Raven Cliffs Scenic Area, with its high vista points and waterfalls (ravens reportedly nest here, as the name suggests). This Wilderness receives relatively heavy visitor traffic. Contact: Chattooga River Ranger District - Phone: 706-754-6221 - Address: 9975 Highway 441 S, Lakemont, Georgia 30552 |
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| Area Management The Raven Cliffs Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, set up by the Wilderness Act of 1964 to keep these lands wild. Please use Leave No Trace practices when you visit. |
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| General Wilderness Prohibitions As in all designated wilderness, motor vehicles, motorized equipment and mechanical transport (including bicycles, carts and wagons) are generally not allowed, and aircraft may not land. Contact the ranger district listed on this page about any exceptions. |
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The following wilderness regulations are in effect for this area. Not all regulations are in effect for every wilderness. Contact the Forest Service office for more specific information about the regulations listed.
 Dogs Restricted - Leased-Under Control Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Climbing prohibited and restricted Prohibits climbing or rappelling the cliffs or rock formations and includes the possession of rock climbing or rappeling equipment due to a public health and safety issue.Stock use restriction - No Hitching or Tethering Hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal closer than 50 feet from a stream or body of water is prohibited, possessing or using a saddle, pack or draft animal on developed trails which has been closed to use by horses and so posted as prohibited. |
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| The priority for the Forest Service during the 1960's and 1970's was to restore badly eroded lands on the Oconee and restore forest health. During the 1960's construction efforts were undertaken to provide developed recreation areas within 50 miles of every major town. Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center atop Georgia's highest mountain and Warwomen Dell are examples of areas built as a result of this effort. | ||
| The next four decades saw increased environmental legislation that governs management of the national forests to protect environmental quality and insure public involvement in the process. Wilderness areas were preserved, Wild and Scenic Rivers designated, and experts in natural resource management were employed to help meet the challenges. While the way we do things have changed many times over the years, our tradition of stewardship--caring for the land and serving people, is the same. | ||
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