Guide To Visiting The Chattahoochee National Forest
Nestled in the Northeastern corner of Georgia, the Chattahoochee National Forest is wild and wonderful, just waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re looking for the best hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a great local fishing hole to catch mountain trout or a few mountain destinations for a self-guided tour, the beautiful Chattahoochee Forest is a ‘must’ for mountain adventurers.
If we’ve piqued your interest, check out this quick and comprehensive overview of visiting the Chattahoochee National Forest.
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About the Chattahoochee National Forest
The expansive forest area sprawls over 750,000 acres of protected forest land in the North Georgia mountains. The forest covers 18 counties in North Georgia and has three ranger districts: Blue Ridge, Chattooga River, and Conasauga River. The forest also includes ten wildernesses that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
The national forest has 37 developed recreation areas, 200 picnic areas, 500 developed campsites, 6 safe-to-swim beach areas along mountain lakes, and more than 500 miles of developed trails.
More than 500 wildlife species call the forest home, including everything from various fish, birds, and mammals.
There is a small fee to park at the national forest recreation areas. For a single visit, you can purchase a $ 5-day pass. If you plan to visit a few times during your trip or throughout the year, you can purchase an annual pass for only $40. Visitors can purchase passes in advance online or on-site at automated machines throughout the park. The park is also a part of the “America is Beautiful” park system that supports the entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. In general, the national forest is open from sunup to sundown.
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Things to do in the Chattahoochee National Forest
North Georgia visitors will find no shortage of recreation during their visit. The Chattahoochee National Forest is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts! Check out a few of these notable spots during your trek into the forest:
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area
Photo Credit: FadderUri via Flickr CC2.0
Located in Helen, Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls is one of the Blue Ridge’s most popular waterfalls—and it’s not hard to figure out why. The twin waterfalls are formed by the end of two mountain creeks; Curtis Creek, on the left, is the taller of the twins with an impressive 150-foot plunge. Smith Creek, on the right, offers a more gentle 50-foot cascade. The two falls converge at the bottom in a beautiful setting of lush forestry and beautiful mountain boulders.
Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway
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Photo Credit: William (Bill) johnson via Flickr CC2.0
If a scenic drive is what you’re craving, look no farther than the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway. This 40-mile stretch twists and turns down the winding mountainside and through valleys in the Appalachian Mountains. Notable sights include the Brasstown Bald vista, various mountain waterfalls that feed into mountain rivers and streams, and spectacular views of seasonal foliage. This drive is pure fun, though a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Scull Shoals Historic Site
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Photo Credit: Alan Cressler via Flickr CC2.0
Address: Skull Shoals Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., Daily
Nestled deep in the North Georgia forest, visitors seeking a bit of knowledge into the local history will appreciate the man-made trails and ruins found at the Scull Shoals Site. This historic destination showcases Georgia’s first paper mill, which dates back to 1811. The site was originally established over 10,000 years ago by Native Americans and was later explored by DeSoto in the mid-1500s. The site can easily be accessed via GA 44 to GA 15 North. Visitors will find a gravel parking lot for convenience but visiting the site does require a 1.8-mile hike—so come prepared for the trek.
Brasstown Bald Visitor Center
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Photo Credit: Alan Cressler via Flickr CC2.0
Address: 2941 GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Daily
Phone: (706) 896-2556
Located on top of Brasstown Bald, which is the highest point in all of Georgia, this recreation area and visitor’s center is a ‘must’ for adventurers seeking a view. The point features stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains via an observation deck, and on a clear day, you can see four states—Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina—and even the skyline of downtown Atlanta.
The visitor’s center and gift shop can easily be accessed via a scenic hike on the Jack’s Knob, Arkaquah, or Wagon recreation trails. Of course, if you’re not up for the walk or if you have little ones in tow, there is a paved path to the final destination.
Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site
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Photo Credit: Alan Cressler via Flickr CC2.0
Address: 2000 Trackrock Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (770) 297-3000
A small site located in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the Track Rock Gap Site is perfect for the history and geology buffs in your group. The main draw of the area is drawing itself—prehistoric drawings, to be precise. The site showcases shapes and stories that were drawn into the indigenous rocks and boulders thousands of years ago. Connect with mountain ancestors at this unique historical attraction. The site is open from sunrise to sunset daily throughout the year.
Dyar Pasture Recreation Area
Peruse 60-acres of wide-open wilderness at the Dyar Pasture Recreation Area. This protected sanctuary is a birder’s paradise with more than 50 native species found in the forest. If animals that swim is more your speed, pack a few supplies and try your hand at catching mountain trout and bream, among other species. Other recreation opportunities include hiking the area trails, boating through the wetlands, and enjoying a beautiful mountain picnic. The recreation area is open from sunrise to sunset daily throughout the year.
In addition to these popular mountain destinations, there are plenty of other things to do in the Chattahoochee Forest.
Hiking is a natural draw for the area, which features popular treks including Long Creek Falls, Long Branch Loop, Benton MacKaye Trail, and Stanley Gap Loop—to name just a few popular Appalachian trails. The options are truly endless with trails ranging from ‘great for beginners’ to ‘experts only’—and everything in between. With hundreds of miles of trails, we promise hikers of any age or experience level won’t get bored. Check out our free guide to North Georgia hiking for more information on the area’s most popular trails.
Water recreation sits at a close second behind hiking for the most popular forest recreation. The forest offers several rushing rivers as well as plenty of placid ponds, which makes it easy to scout out a spot for a little R&R. Options include river tubing, stand up paddleboarding, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
Mountain fishing is also a popular mountain forest activity, with trout being the primary target. This freshwater fish is just plain fun to catch and quite delicious to eat. Scout out the best fishing holes in our North Georgia fishing guide.
A more eclectic hobby, mushrooming has grown in popularity, thanks in part to the growing farm to table movement. The North Georgia Mountains are lush with wild mushrooms just waiting to be roasted or sliced and placed on top of your next salad. If you’re intrigued, check out this handy guide to North Georgia mushroom picking to learn more about how to find the mountain’s funkiest fungi.
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The majestic mountain beauty of the Blue Ridge could be just steps from your doorstep—literally!
Whether you’re seeking North Georgia’s best hiking trails or hidden headwaters for the mountain’s best trout fishing, the Chattahoochee National Forest is nature’s playground just waiting to be explored.
Check out our secluded North Georgia cabin rentals to scout out your cozy mountain home away from home, and enjoy all that the Chattahoochee Forest has to offer!