Georgia Off-Road Trails

Mill Creek provides one of the few access points to the Cohutta Wilderness Loop. The road is gravel and can be steep and curvy in spots. At points in the drive, you parallel Mill Creek and can hear the sounds of rushing water. One prime dispersed campsite is on the route, and further east on the road, you reach the Hickey Gap Campground, which is first come, first served. It has one vault toilet.

Blue Springs Road is part of the web of gravel roads in the southernmost section of the John's Mountain Wildlife Management Area. This seasonal road is popular among hunters with its numerous wildlife openings and clearings. Named after the nearby creek, it actually climbs and follows the ridge, offering outstanding views through the trees of the valley below during the winter months when the leaves are all gone. It is mostly gravel with sections of embedded rock and has a few scattered small roadside campsites along the way. This road is closed from the middle of May to the middle of August.

Old Highway 2 is entirely on private land and provides access to the Chattahoochee National Forest roads that loop around the Cohutta Wilderness Area. The road passes residential areas, and keeping the speed and dust down when passing through is best. Entirely gravel, it has steeper sections and blind curves but is suitable for any vehicle. No camping is available on this route.

Old Satterfield Road is an easy dirt road topped with crushed rock and used to access the western trailhead of the Chattahoochee National Forest's Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. The road is 1.5-2 vehicles wide and travels just over a half mile before ending at the Satterfield Trailhead, a large parking area. This trailhead has two vault toilets and is scheduled for additional improvements, including picnic tables. The road is suitable for any passenger vehicle, including trucks and trailers. A gate near the beginning of the road is seasonally closed from January until Mid-March and is also subject to closure during periods of wet weather.

For the most current, up-to-date gate information, call the Blue Ridge Ranger District Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, at 706 745-6928.

One of the most beautiful and scenic roads in all of Georgia, Augustine Gap winds its way through the mountain ridges around Jasus Creek. Riding the ridge, the lack of trees and brush on one side or the other mesmerizes you with outstanding views of the mountains and the valley below. Although there are no obstacles, technical spots, or potholes, this road is extremely steep and very narrow, with steep drop-offs and almost no passing spots, making it suitable for any stock 4x4 vehicle.

A few clearings are suitable for camping but not nearly as good as the connecting Chattahoochee River Road, FSR 44.

This seasonal road is only open a few weeks per month, from September through December. The dates vary slightly each year. Check the dates before visiting via the Forest Service website.

Walnut Fork is a nice little inside the Warwoman WMA. The trail connects Sarah's Creek and Dan Gap and makes for a beautiful looping drive through the forest. The trail continues traveling west, beyond Dan Gap, as begins to slowly degrade. Gravel gives way to dirt and mud with several shallow washes and the occasional mud hole.

There are several wild campsites along the route, with only rock-lined fire pits and the occasional picnic table. Most sites are large and suitable for 2-3 vehicles. The trail dead-ends at a closed gate and a very large campsite/clearing that could host 5-6 vehicles.

Several hiking trails and one horse trail intersect with Walnut Fork, so be mindful of hikers and horses. Otherwise, enjoy the ride and the beautiful forest scenery.

Rosemary Drive is an easy dirt road topped with crushed rock and used to access the northern Blue Rock Trailhead of the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. The narrow road, at only a single lane in width, winds through the thick forest for 1.2 miles, ending at a large parking area with a raised OHV loading ramp. This road is suitable for any passenger vehicle. However, due to the narrowness and endless blind corners, trucks towing trailers would find a more convenient access point from the western trailhead off Old Satterfield Road, FS-851. Be aware that the road passes several private drives, and users should always abide by posted signage. A gate along this road is seasonally closed from January until Mid-March and is also subject to closure during periods of wet weather.

For the most current, up-to-date gate information, users should call the Blue Ridge Ranger District Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, at 706 745-6928.

Moose Finch, located in the heart of the Oconee National Forest, is a fairly easy graded dirt trail with plenty of potholes. Expect dust on dry days and mud on rainy days.  There's a single shallow water crossing with a sandy bottom roughly halfway through the route.  Higher water levels may occur in rainy weather.

There are no dispersed campsites along this trail. However, nearby Scull Shoals Experimental Forest Trail has dispersed campsites. If you are looking for an established campground, the Oconee River Campground is nearby. The campground has five campsites with tables, tent pads, and charcoal grills available to campers. No reservations are required, but each site costs $5.00 daily and is on a first-come, first-served basis

Located in Georgia's beautiful Chtahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Mill Creek is a short out-and-back trail that ends at the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area. This trail is in the heart of Georgia’s 19,000-acre Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area offering endless hunting, hiking, primitive camping, and wildlife viewing. The forest boasts a rich array of towering hardwood trees, including oak, hickory, and maple, as well as white pine and hemlock evergreens. The fall color here displays nature’s beauty at its best. While campsites along other trails in the vicinity tend to be crowded, this trail offers a few hidden gems. Mill Creek begins as a paved road through a rural neighborhood, but the real beauty is where the blacktop ends and your adventure begins.

Willis Knob serves as an access road to the Willis Knob horse campground in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The campground isn't far once you turn off the pavement, but the Willis Knob trail continues on for several miles. Like other trails in the area, the further you go, the more degraded the trail becomes. The trail is easy until the 6-mile mark, where 4WD and high clearance are likely required to traverse a very deep and long washout. Prior to this point, 2WD will do just fine. Also, beware of fallen trees that have been just barely cleared from the trail. These trees could easily tag the side of a vehicle if not cautious.

You can expect to see ample greenery in the warmer months and plenty of wildlife if you take it slow and quiet. You may even catch a crawfish hopping from mud hole to mud hole.

Willis Knob horse campground is available by reservation only. No other dispersed camping along the road exists.

Murrays Lake Road is a beautiful side excursion when driving the Cohutta Wilderness Loop and should not be missed. It veers off of West Cowpen and is slightly rougher, giving you a more immersive experience. While short, it leads to its namesake, Murrays Lake, which is complete with a light boat launch for small watercraft. Camping is not allowed near the lake, nor were sites noted on the way to the lake.

93F is a hill climb trail within the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. This short and steep climb connects 93D to 93C along the western edge of Jones Knob. The trail is mainly packed clay peppered with softball and dinner plate-sized rocks. Deep ruts the entire trail length require larger tires to avoid dragging differentials. The trail is one vehicle wide the whole length, with one cut-in water bar that could be used to pass oncoming traffic. This pull-out is only large enough to accommodate one or two vehicles, so be sure to scout for oncoming traffic before attempting the trail in either direction. The preferred direction of travel is uphill, driving south to north. This trail is best suited for modified vehicles with larger tires. Traction aid devices such as lockers will come in handy during wet conditions.

This trail is seasonally closed from January until Mid-March and is also subject to closure during periods of wet weather.

For the most current, up-to-date gate information, call the Blue Ridge Ranger District Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, at 706-745-6928.

93E, as the Forest Service name suggests, is a hill climb trail within the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. This short climb connects 93D to 93C along the northern edge of Jones Knob. The trail is mainly packed clay with sporadic, fist-sized rocks. The climb is steep but relatively smooth, making for extremely slick conditions if moisture is present. The trail is two-way but only wide enough for one vehicle. Be sure to scout for oncoming traffic before attempting the trail in either direction. The preferred direction of travel is uphill, driving east to west. This trail is suitable for any high clearance 4x4.

This trail is seasonally closed from January until Mid-March and is also subject to closure during periods of wet weather.

For the most current, up-to-date gate information, call the Blue Ridge Ranger District Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, at 706-745-6928.

Poplar Stump Road is a short but very secluded hunter's road that branches off from the ever-popular Chattahoochee River Road and heads into the depths of the mountains. Following up the ridge of Horsetrough Mountain, the road skirts the border of the Mark Trail Wilderness almost to the famous Appalachian Trail. While it has no obstacles or technical spots, it gets steep, and there were minor off-camber sections towards the top, making this trail suitable for any stock 4x4 vehicle. The road abruptly ends with nowhere to turn around, so you must backtrack to the safest place to turn around.

This seasonal road is only open a few weeks per month, from September through December. The dates vary slightly each year. Check the dates before visiting via the Forest Service website.

Cisco Aluculsy, when traveling north to south, starts from Peavine Sheeds Creek Road. The easy gravel surface is suitable for any vehicle. It immediately crosses the scenic Conasauga River over a bridge with steel girders. It passes the Cottonwood Campground, a horse camp. There is no dispersed camping specifically on this road. While this is a forest service road, it is sometimes called Chable Road.

Just across from Smithgall Woods State Park lies Allison Ridge Road. This short, well-groomed trail follows the base of Ash Mountain and briefly crosses the boundary into the state park and then into the Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area. Popular with hunters, this trail had no obstacles or potholes, making it suitable for most passenger vehicles. The narrow trail and lush green canopy provide a feeling of seclusion before winter, and the lack of leaves opens views of the surrounding mountains through the trees.

This seasonal road is only open a few weeks per month, from September through December. The dates vary slightly each year. Check the dates before visiting via the Forest Service website.

A short and scenic trail not too far from Dahlonega, Dunn Branch is one of many Forest Service roads in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Popular with hunters during deer and turkey seasons, this rarely traveled trail is also right near the Whissenhunt Off-Highway Vehicle trail system. With so many other trails in the immediate area, Dunn Branch is a fun off-the-beaten-path road to explore.

There is a small clearing where camping would be possible at the end of the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest including nearby Forest Service Road 28-1 and Coopers Gap Road. While there are no improved campgrounds in the area, nearby Amicalola State Park offers camping, cabins and lodging.

Gillespie Branch is just south of Blairsville, right outside the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area. Following along the ridge of Bowers Mountain, this short trail is often overlooked because of the trailhead's remote location. Surrounded by sights and sounds of nature the entire way, this easy trail is a great addition to any day out exploring the mountain forests. This is a basic gravel Forest Service road with 1 mild water crossing, so high clearance is required.

While dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest, there are no clearings along this short trail that are good for camping. The road continues for foot traffic only after the road closed sign and camping could be possibly be found further down the road. West Wolf Creek Road is nearby and has numerous excellent dispersed camping areas along with Duncan Ridge Road with more dispersed camping areas. The improved Mulky Campground is not far away on Mulky Gap Road, with eleven campsites, and has an outhouse restroom, grill, picnic tables, and lantern posts. Additionally, Vogel State Park is nearby and offers camping, cabins, and heated yurts.

Right in the middle of the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area lies Dixon Branch, a short seasonal trail also known as Ridge Runner Trail. This rarely traveled trail runs along the base of Dunsmore Mountain and Parke Knob all the way to Fish Gap. There is an access point to the Duncan Ridge Hiking Trail, a strenuous trail for experienced backpackers with one of the most challenging climbs in the country at the end of this road. If you are looking for hiking, camping, or just out exploring the forest, Dixon Branch is a fun, easy trail to hit if you are in the area.

Just north of Suches, Georgia, lies the Cooper Creek Wildlife Management Area, one of Georgia's larger Wildlife Management Areas spanning more than 30,000 acres. Tucked inside is Mart Helton Branch B Road, a short side trail of Cooper Creek Road. This rarely traveled seasonal side trail follows along Helton Creek and then climbs almost to the top of Davis Mountain. Whether you're looking to get away from the crowds or just out exploring the mountains, don't overlook this road.

Dispersed camping is available along this trail. Dispersed camping is also available along the connecting trail, Cooper Creek Road. The improved Mulky Campground is nearby and has 11 campsites, vault restrooms, grills, and picnic tables. The Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area is also nearby on the other side of the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area. The recreation area offers tent and RV camping, cabin rentals, and full facilities, including hot showers.