An Adventurers Guide to Rich Mountain Wilderness

Adventurous travelers visiting the beautiful mountains of North Georgia will find the Rich Mountain Wilderness, an anchor of the area’s diverse ecology, just north of the historic town of Ellijay.

Only a short drive from your Cherry Log or Ellijay cabin, the Rich Mountain Wilderness Management Area provides an awe-inspiring backcountry experience for various outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or just want an opportunity to use your new birdwatching binoculars, visiting the Rich Mountain Wilderness while staying at a Blue Sky Cabin rental is sure to be a memorable experience.

About Rich Mountain Wilderness

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The Rich Mountain WMA lies within Gilmer County’s 20,000-acre national wilderness preservation system. Its natural area falls within the stunning Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in North Georgia.

The state of Georgia’s U.S. Forest Service manages this large swath of wilderness, and it is a wonderful destination for anyone wanting to get a real taste of what the Blue Ridge Mountain region is about.

Rarified Air

Nestled between the towns of Ellijay and Blue Ridge, the Rich Mountain Wilderness is a beautiful hardwood forest home to diverse flora and fauna. The wilderness preserve’s namesake, Rich Mountain, rises 4,050 feet high, and adventurous travelers can hike to its summit.

Pristine and Quiet

The Rich Mountain Wilderness is known and loved for being relatively untouched. This means there are very few trails throughout the area, and the existing trails have a rugged and wild feel. This is especially amenable for travelers seeking a quiet, undeveloped destination and is particularly popular with hunters.

Adventurer’s Guide to Rich Mountain Wilderness

Those looking for real adventure will find it in Rich Mountain Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a day spent in this beautiful natural area in the North Georgia mountains. Use this guide to learn about the exciting opportunities available in the Rich Mountain Wilderness.

Hiking

Photo Credit: Dudarev Mikhail

There are three main hiking trails within the Rich Mountain Wilderness. Some are well-maintained, while others may require more of a bushwhacking approach. To get to any of the mountain peaks from Rich Mountain Trail, you will likely have to do some bushwhacking as the trails tend to be overgrown, especially in summer.

It also pays to be prepared for trail conditions when hiking here. All hikers should be aware of the hunting seasons, and high-visibility clothing is a good idea.

Rocky Mountain via Stanley Gap

This 6.1-mile out-and-back trail provides lovely scenery as you wind through the lush forest. A 1,443-foot elevation gain makes this trail a nice workout with a moderate difficulty rating.

The Rocky Mountain via Stanley Gap trail is well-trafficked, meaning you likely won’t have any trail conditions or navigation issues. It is especially popular in the autumn when the changing foliage surrounds you in vibrant colors.

Rich Mountain Trail

The Rich Mountain Trail is a 13.4-mile out-and-back trail in the Rich Mountain Wilderness. Considered moderately difficult, most of your time on the trail will be following an old fire access road on a steady climb.

One of the unique aspects of this trail is that it allows access to three mountain peaks, Big Bald, Rich, and Tickanetley Bald, which are part of the Georgia 4000 Challenge, sponsored by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. This challenge encourages hikers to summit all 32 of Georgia’s mountains with an elevation of 4,000 feet or more.

Joel Mountain and Horsepen Mountain from Big Creek Road

The Joel Mountain and Horsepen Mountain from Big Creek Road path is a 5.7-mile point-to-point hike, only recommended to those interested in doing some light bushwhacking, as it is quite overgrown for most of the route.

You will follow a steep runoff ditch past some beautiful Joel Mountain scenery as you make your way through the brush. Prepare for a real adventure if you opt to hike this trail!

Birdwatching

Photo Credit: savitskaya iryna

The birdwatching opportunities in the Rich Mountain Wilderness are extensive. The area is generally quiet and free of crowds, so even the shy species of birds might make an appearance.

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for turkey, grouse, woodpeckers, songbirds, and even hawks and owls. In addition to birds, you might also spot deer, black bears, and wild boar.

Pro Tip: Always exercise caution when birdwatching during hunting season. Reflective bright clothing is never a bad idea on the trails.

Mountain Biking

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Mountain biking is allowed throughout the Rich Mountain Wilderness. The Rich Mountain trail is one of the most common routes for bikers and provides a fun track along the gravel fire access road.

You can also bike along the Rocky Mountain via Stanley Gap trail, which takes you off-road and on a winding trail through the beautiful hardwood forest.

Pro Tip: Remember the trail right-of-way etiquette, as you occasionally encounter hikers and horseback riders.

Hunting

Photo Credit: Body Stock

Hunting is one of the most popular activities in the Rich Mountain Wilderness. Hunting enthusiasts will find miles of remote trails and fire access roads that take you deep into the wilderness with ample hunting opportunities.

The trails aren’t maintained and can be overgrown in some seasons. Prepare to bushwhack and bring navigational equipment, as cell service is not always reliable. Also, be aware that there are often hikers, horseback riders, and other visitors in the area, and caution should always be exercised.

Hunting Seasons

Please take note of the following season dates and restrictions, and ensure you have a valid hunting license. Before your trip, check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources division to confirm all dates and regulations.

• Deer: For Deer, the area is buck only. Archery dates are September 10th to November 21st and November 28th to January 1st. The firearm dates are November 22nd to November 27th.
• Turkey: For Turkey, the season runs from April 8th to May 15th.
• Coyote: For Coyote, the season runs from May 16th to 31st.

Horseback Riding

Photo Credit: malei

Those traveling with horses can find fun riding opportunities in Rich Mountain Wilderness. Follow Rich Mountain Trail's gravel fire access road for a nice workout, or head off into the unmarked forest for some independent riding.

If you go off-trail, always remember to exercise caution. Holes, roots, and other obstacles can be hidden under leaves. Additionally, this area is popular with hunters, so always check on the hunting season dates and wear high-visibility clothing.

Tips for Enjoying the Rich Mountain Wilderness

Bring Navigational Equipment

Rich Mountain Wilderness has a beautiful rugged quality; however, the trails could be better marked and maintained. Here are a few things to keep in mind for navigation when exploring.

• Equipment: Proper navigational equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential.
• Maps: Cell service could be better, so either bring paper maps or download maps to your device.
• Compass: A compass is helpful if you are planning to go off-trail.
• Communication: Always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return. This is for your safety so forest officials can locate you if you don’t return on time.

Pack Proper Gear and Essentials

Always pack the appropriate gear for the season and your activity.

• sunscreen
• bug spray
• raincoat
• extra layers
• waterproof backpack
• brightly colored hat or vest during hunting season
• snacks (trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate)
• plenty of drinking water

Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Whenever you are in nature, you must remember the principle of Leave No Trace. These seven principles are intended to minimize any damage or impact from people enjoying the great outdoors.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Stay and Explore Around Rich Mountain Wilderness

This stunning area is only a short drive from your mountain cabin rental and provides fantastic opportunities for hunting, hiking, biking, and more.

Travelers hoping to explore the wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in North Georgia will not be disappointed in what this beautiful natural preserve offers!