Recreation

Rules for Visitors - ensure your health and safety, protect the forest, & keep recreation an enjoyable experience for everyone
Read Motor Vehicle Use Regulations to learn more about where to legally operate and why OHVs are prohibited on Forest Service roads.
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

(enlarge)

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name	Status	Area Conditions
Andrews Cove Campground	Open	Andrews Cove is open for the 2024 season.
Angel Falls Trailhead	Open	Winter trailhead parking area opened year-round with no amenities
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area	Open	Anna Ruby Falls is open during normal business hours. 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
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	Temporarily Closed	Due to unauthorized use of the trail system while it was closed for the winter, Beasley Knob will remain closed until further notice. Additional heavy maintenance is required to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our riders and to prevent resource damage. Please encourage your fellow riders to enjoy your local trails responsibly. Visit this website for further information on preserving the integrity of our trails by following such practices as; Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, and Minimize Campfire Impacts. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to get y’all back out on the trail soon!
Benton MacKaye Trail in Georgia	Open
Blue Ridge Ranger District	Open
Boggs Creek Recreation Area	Open
Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center	Open	Open Five (5) days per week (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday) ELEVATOR OUT OF SERVICE – The elevator is currently out of service. Please note the only way to access the observation deck and/or Visitor Center Museum and Theater is by taking the stairs. We are working to make it operational as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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 before you go to the range. Please have your proof of payment available for review upon request.
Cohutta Overlook	Open
Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads	Open	Beech Bottom Trailhead is currently inaccessible due to the closure Forest Service Road 62. Rice Camp and East Cowpen trails still have down trees from recent heavy storm systems. Forest Service employees and volunteers will be working to clear this as soon as possible.
Conasauga Ranger District	Open
Cooper Creek Recreation Area	Open
Cottonwood Patch Campground	Open	Cottonwood Patch has transitioned to camping by reservation only. Reservations are required and must be made through http://www.recreation.gov You must create an account to be able to reserve a campsite, or call toll free at 877-444-6777, 10 a.m. to midnight. After you book your site, you will receive a gate code for access to the campground.
Davenport Mountain OHV Trails	Temporarily Closed	Due to wet conditions, the Davenport Mountain OHV Trail System is temporarily closed in the interest of resource protection and public safety.
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	Pay for you activity pass at Deep Hole 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. You will need to download the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Dockery Lake Recreation Area	Open
Dry Creek Equestrian Trailhead	Open	The parking lot is day use only: NO 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
Hitchiti Trail	Open
Houston Valley OHV Trails	Open	There is no longer a fee tube at Houston Valley. This location uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive ready to pay. 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	The gate will be open at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. Visit recreation.gov to make your 2024 reservations. Lake Conasauga is now reservation only. Reservations are accepted at Recreation.gov. You may also make your reservations by phone toll-free 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	The gate will be open at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17.
Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area	Open
Lake Rabun Campground	Temporarily Closed	Closed for the Winter Season, reopens in the Spring. When the Campground is closed the toilet building and parking inside the campground for Angel Falls trail are not avaiable. There is a no-fee trail head parking area located on the main road, with no services open year-round.
Lake Russell Boat Launch and Beach Areas	Open	Boat Launch is open year-round. Beach facilities are closed during the winter season.
Lake Russell Recreation Area 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 open for the 2024 season.
Mill Creek Overlook	Open
Miller Creek Lake Recreation Area	Closed
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
Ocmulgee Bluff Horse Bike and Hike Trail System	Temporarily Closed	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
Ravens Cliff Trailhead	Open	Open year-round
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 2024 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	Tallulah River Campground is open year-round.
Tate Branch Campground	Open	Tate Branch Campground is open for the 2024 season.
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 campground will revert to reservations only in 2025. Reservations will be accepted at Recreation.gov beginning Ocober 2024 for the 2025 camping season.
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!
Track Rock Petroglyphs	Closed
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground	Open	The campground is open for the 2024 season. There is no water available.
Waters Creek Day Use Area	Open
West Fork Campground	Open	Open year-round
Whissenhunt OHV Trails	Temporarily Closed	As a result of a wildfire caused by an unattended campfire, Whissenhunt OHV will remain closed until further notice. Additional Heavy maintenance is required to repair the resource damage and ensure the safety and enjoyment of our riders. Please encourage your fellow riders to enjoy your local trails responsibly. Visit this website for further information on preserving the integrity of our trails by following such practices as; Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, and Minimize Campfire Impacts. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to get y’all back out on the trail soon! 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

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.