Georgia Trails

Located just east of Blairsville, in the Chattahoochee National Forest of north Georgia, Nicholson Gap is one of the main trails into the heart of the infamous Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. This narrow, single-lane trail will get the blood pumping like an amusement park ride as you twist and turn through the dense foliage, climb up and down steep grades, and sling bright orange Georgia mud down the sides of your vehicle. Combine this trail with several others in the network to fully complete the only Jeep Badge of Honor in the state of Georgia.

Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest of north Georgia, 93A is the simplest and easiest road within the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. Known simply as "Access," this trail leads to several of the most intense Beasley Knob trails. It offers a few great camping opportunities that are sometimes used as impromptu camps after a long, eventful day tackling other trails in the network. Come explore for a day or a weekend, but combine this trail with several others in the network to complete the only Jeep Badge of Honor trail in Georgia.

Forest Service Road 28-1 is one of the main roads of a popular offroad driving loop in the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area. It is also the southern main entrance of the Blue Ridge District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. This road connects with numerous other Forest Service roads and non-motorized hiking/biking/equestrian trails. This trail has many interesting sights, such as the Wahsega 4-H Center and US Army Camp Merrill.

Located a few miles east of Blairsville, in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Bridge Gap is a mid-level trail within the infamous Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. This trail will have you white-knuckling the steering wheel as you descend steep grades, maneuver through intense rock gardens, and pray you find a pull-out before meeting oncoming traffic. Whether you come for the rocks, the Jeep Badge of Honor designation, or just good off-road fun in the forests of north Georgia, Bridge Gap is a must-do trail.

If a beautiful mountaintop drive is what you are looking for, then look no further. Hidden inside the Armuchee area of the Chattahoochee National Forest, just west of Calhoun, lies Calbeck Road. What starts as your basic forest road surrounded by thick green trees leads to a unique, open clearing on the top of Calbeck Mountain. Stunning views overlook the Dry Creek Valley you just drove through to get here all the way across to the peaks of 1780-foot Horn Mountain. Stretching 17 miles, Horn Mountain is the eastern wall of The Pocket, a popular and geographically unique recreation area. Whether you are out to see the bright blue skies against the green mountain tops in the summer, the beautiful colors of fall, or watch a storm move in during the spring, Calbeck Road is one you'll remember for its beauty.

Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Nelson Cove is one of the more difficult trails within the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System. Deep trenches, steep climbs, and sticky mud holes await those brave enough to attempt the drive. Spinning tires and roaring engines will leave mud splattered across windows like abstract art. With perseverance, determination, and in some cases, a little luck, you can conquer this trail and proudly earn a portion of the Badge of Honor designation. Combine trail 93G with several others in the network to fully complete the Jeep Badge of Honor.

Rightfully earning the designation as the most challenging trail within the Beasley Knob OHV Trail System, Blue Rock Mountain is a legendary trail with a fearsome reputation for holding hostage any mortal who dares cross its sacred domain. If spending multiple hours traveling half a mile up treacherous terrain sounds like an acceptable challenge, 93B is the trail of your dreams or can easily become your nightmare. This Jeep Badge of Honor trail will not go gently into the night, but rest assured, conquering Blue Rock Mountain will leave you feeling like you just conquered Mount Everest.

Tucked away in the northwestern part of Georgia, just west of Calhoun, lies Dunaway Gap Road. This short, rarely-used trail is the only cut-through of Johns Mountain, a 20-mile-long mountain that forms the western part of The Pocket, a popular and geographically unique recreation area. The trail traverses the Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area, a 28,000-acre area with opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Hale Ridge Road is the main route through the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest and the only road that goes completely through to North Carolina. Just outside Clayton, Georgia, Hale Ridge Road offers access to numerous hiking trails, including the Bartram Trail, Three-Forks Trail, Holcomb Trail, and the Rabun Bald Trail. With access to many hiking trails and other Forest Service roads, Hale Ridge Road is a fun place to explore while out in the mountains.

Just outside Clayton, Georgia, Overflow Creek Road is one of the main routes through the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest. One of the smoother and more popular trails in the area, Overflow Creek Road crosses over the famous Chattooga River, where the movie Deliverance was filmed. With access to camping, fishing, and numerous hiking trails, Overflow Creek Road is a fun road to explore while in the area.

Just north of Blairsville is a little trail called Ivylog Gap Road. This easy, scenic trail follows the ridge between Ivylog Mountain, Juber Knob, Lynn Knob, Anderson Knob, and Mine Mountain and might even make you forget you're so close to the megacity of Atlanta. Right next to the beautiful Lake Nottely, known for trophy striper fishing, this trail connects to the town of Young Harris next to Brasstown Bald - the tallest mountain in all of Georgia with a lookout tower, making it a popular attraction. So, if you find yourself in the area and need to get away from the crowds and the pavement, give Ivylog Gap Road a look.

Three Forks is part of the Cohutta Wilderness Area loop. It is mostly gravel with sections of embedded rock. This section of the loop includes older-growth hardwood trees that make a dense canopy for most of the route, so thick you will see plenty of moss growing on the trunks of the trees you pass by. As a bonus, this road has the Mountaintown Overlook, which gives expansive views of the valley below and ridgelines off in the distance. Several dispersed campsites can be found along this section of the loop. Most of this road is closed from January - March.

Tumbling Creek is one of the eight roads that make up the overlanding route around the Cohutta Wilderness Area. When traveling from the south to the north, the road quickly loses elevation, leaving the ridgelines' broken views behind you as you wind your way down to the lush laurel-lined trail below. Once towards the bottom, the road drives beside sections of its namesake, Tumbling Creek, with picturesque campsites dotted along its banks. Keep an eye out for mini waterfalls and bear! Most of this road is closed from January - March.

One of many short offroad trails in the Blue Ridge district of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Bull Mountain Road is a very scenic forest service road that offers access to the Bull Mountain trail system, a 50-plus mile trail system for horses, mountain bikes, and hikers.

Take a break from cheering on the Dawgs in Athens to get out and explore the Scull Shoals Experimental Forest.  While the trails in this area are not difficult, they provide a great opportunity to experience Georgia's natural beauty. The trail connects with Moose Finch and the Scull Shoals Trail.

Several spurs off the main trail lead to dispersed campsites. Campsites are typically open areas featuring a rock fire ring. There are no fees for using these locations.

Located within the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area outside of Clayton, Georgia, Sarah’s Creek, or FS 156, is a trail that offers a fun offroad challenge and ample solitude for those looking to escape. The trail begins as a simple road providing access to the Sarah’s Creek Campground, which the National Forest Service manages. This is an improved campground that offers standard amenities with flat pads, fire pits, and outhouses.

While the trail begins as paved, the farther north you travel, the more degraded the road surface becomes. Once you pass the NFS campground, you’ll come to a creek crossing, which marks the start of the interesting obstacles. Immediately after the creek crossing, you’re faced with a rocky, washed-out section. Scout before you commit, as this serves as the gatekeeper, and turning around is very difficult. Narrow width and short wheelbase or big lifts and large tires are your friends here. Otherwise, you can count on busted mirrors or smashed bumpers.

Past this highlight obstacle, the trail is interesting but not nearly as pucker-inducing. Dispersed campsites are fairly abundant, but they can be small. The trail comes to an end at a large turnaround. Although it appears two more trails have been cut into the woods, these are not officially recognized trails and should be considered illegal.

Starting immediately north of the popular town of Helen, this easy gravel road climbs to the top of Unicoi Gap and reconnects to Highway 75. Lots to do on this one! Numerous access spots along the Chattahoochee River along the southern section are popular with trout fishermen. Access to seasonal hunting roads makes it popular with hunters as well. The trail has multiple outstanding roadside campsites and two improved campgrounds, Low Gap Creek Campground and Upper Chattahoochee River Campground. The road is well maintained with small solid bottom potholes and small ruts around corners, making this one suitable for any high clearance vehicle.

Don't let the unsuspecting drive to the trailhead fool you. This trail poses serious challenges. Shortly after passing through several residential areas, the paved road turns to rough gravel, and the climb begins. The 4.7-mile trail gains over 1000 feet of elevation!

Most of the trail meanders through the Chattahoochee National Forest and runs parallel to Darnell Creek. There are several pullouts to admire the beautiful waterfalls, including Darnell Falls, Big Falls on Thomas Creek, and Middle Falls on Thomas Creek.

Approximately 3 miles into the route is the Darnell Shooting Range. This is a great place to turn around as it offers a wide parking area. The U.S. Forest Service manages the range, but unfortunately, people have dumped trash and left debris from the shooting. Please pack out your trash when you come to this area! Feel free to pick up trash around the range and pack it out.

The road narrows and gets slightly off-camber past the range but resumes being a graded forest service road approximately a quarter of a mile past the range. The remainder of the trail is generally east, but mud puddles and washes may be along the road following rain.

There are several gullies along the trail. A high clearance 4WD vehicle is necessary to overcome the obstacles along the trail. Vehicles with longer wheelbases may drag their frame.

The trail has several primitive campsites. They are first come, first serve.

West Cowpen is one of the main roads that make up the 70-plus mile-long overland loop around the Cohutta Wilderness. Traveling north to south, you will climb almost 2,000' in elevation. As you wind up the gravel road, sections of the eastern hardwoods will break, offering views to the west. Just after the final and steepest climb, there is a worthy viewpoint overlooking what is called "Mill Creek." The road is suitable for almost any vehicle, but a few steep grades may pose difficulty for front-wheel drive vehicles. Keep an eye out for the few pre-disturbed dispersed campsites. Be aware the road is typically closed from January through March.

This short, easy trail traverses east to west through the Scull Shoals Experimental Forest. The trail's highlight is a stop at the Scull Shoals Historic Site at the end. The site has over 10,000 years of history, from early Native Americans to the Spanish explorer DeSoto in the 1540s, to Georgia's first paper mill in 1811. Take a gentle hike along the historic ruins of the old Scull Shoals Village on the banks of the Oconee River.

There are no primitive campsites along this trail. However, the Scull Shoals Experimental Forest Trail bisects this trail and 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-serve basis.

Potato Patch Road is the forest service road name that refers to what many call Conasauga Lake Road. It is part of the 70+ mile Cohutta Wilderness Loop. This portion of the route treats you to awe-inspiring older growth from below, and the tree tops close to your eye level. Further along the road, the underbrush becomes more dense and pronounced, hiding a few prime dispersed campsites. If dispersed camping is not your style, Lake Conasauga Campground is on the far west edge of the road and offers a few lovely sites nestled directly on the shore of the lake. Most of this road is closed from January - March.

Air down those tires and ensure those shocks are in good order before driving this rocky trail! Johns Mountain Road is a narrow road that follows the ridge of Johns Mountain for just under three miles, starting at Dunaway Gap from Dunaway Gap Road. Lush green canopies add to the feeling of seclusion in the summertime, while the lack of leaves offers views of the valley to the east in the winter. While there are no technical spots, there is pretty much no gravel left and mostly embedded medium rocks, making for a slow, bone-rattling ride most of the way. The trail ends at a gate.

Although there is a clearing with a nice fire ring for camping right before the gate, you would have to make sure not to block the turnaround area as that's the last place to turn around before the gate.

Any fan of military history will appreciate this short trail. Currahee Mountain was made famous by the release of Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers. The release of the HBO miniseries based on the book of the same name brought the area additional prominence in 2003.

During World War 2, the United States Army used Camp Toccoa to train the first generation of American Paratrooper. The 501st, 506th, 511th, and 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments initially completed prerequisite training here prior to traveling south to Fort Benning to complete Jump School. Between 1942 and 1945, over 17,000 young American Soldiers underwent rigorous physical training and combat training as they prepared to join the 11th, 17th, and 101st Airborne Divisions. Part of the daily training regimen included forced marches and runs to the top of Currahee.

Today, getting to the top of Currahee is much easier than it was over 80 years ago. Following the war, the rutted and rugged roads were graded over as the top Currahee was repurposed to host radio towers.

This trail starts at the intersection of West Currahee Street and Currahee Trail. The trail is graded gravel and winds its way through Georgia forests. It can be completed by any type of vehicle. 4WD is not necessary. The trail gains approximately 700 feet in elevation from start to finish.

Nearing the summit, the forests give way to really neat rock formations and beautiful views. Unfortunately the area has been "tagged" with a lot of graffiti, but the views are still great. Make sure to take time at the turnaround point to get out and explore the area. The turnaround point for the young soldiers can be found near the base of the cell phone towers located at the highest point on the mountain. From the turn-around point, make your way back down to the trailhead. Make sure to check out the Airborne Memorial and the newly renovated Camp Toccoa at Currahee Museum near the entrance of the trail.

No camping is permitted along the trail, but camping is available just north of Toccoa.

Think the trail is easy? It is! For a challenge, park your vehicle at the beginning of the trail and hike or run the trek to the top while thinking of the young Americans that did the same up to three times per day! It is a rewarding experience. If you have time available, take the trip to Toccoa. The Historic Toccoa Rail Station now holds the Currahee Military Museum, which has several one-of-a-kind artifacts from the original Band of Brothers.

Three Miles Up, Three Miles Down. Currahee!

With access to four popular hiking trails, Indian Grave Gap is an easy forest road nestled in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest just north of Helen, GA. The road climbs about 1200 feet in elevation during its roughly 4-mile path and remains in the thick oak and sycamore forests native to the area. About 1 mile up Indian Grave Gap from its start on State Highway 17, two of Georgia’s most beautiful waterfalls are along the exceptionally popular High Shoals Falls hiking trail. Other hiking trails cross this road, including the famous Appalachian Trail, Rocky Mountain, and Andrews Cove. Indian Grave Gap ends at its intersection with the popular Tray Mountain Road. Several nice dispersed camping sites are along Indian Grave Gap near its intersection with Tray Mountain Road. With all the activities available in this area, Indian Grave Gap can be very busy, especially on the weekends.

Formerly two separate roads with different open dates, Martin Branch Road is one through road with one set of dates that acts as a shortcut bypass of Chattahoochee River Road. This long, steep gravel road runs almost parallel to Highway 75 along the ridges and mountaintops, connecting the top of Chattahoochee River Road near Unicoi Gap to the bottom near Helen. You can see why it was once two separate roads as the terrain is quite different - the upper half is very steep, and the gravel is worn away most of the way, leaving compacted dirt and slightly rocky areas. The bottom half is not nearly as steep and has gravel almost the entire way, making this trail suitable for any stock 4x4 vehicle.

Although not ideal, a few scattered clearings could be used as campsites here and there.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.