A short and scenic trail along Campbell Mountain, Forest Service Road 97 is one of many Forest Service roads in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Surrounded the entire way by sights and sounds of nature, there is a small clearing at the end perfect for a picnic or place to park while setting up camp for the night. Because of its close proximity to so many other trails and because it's slightly rougher than the average gravel road, this is an ideal trail to hit while out exploring for the day in the area.
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From Dahlonega, Georgia - go west on State Road 52 for approximately three miles. Turn right onto Siloam Church Road and proceed straight for approximately three miles. Siloam Church Road becomes Hightower Church Road. Proceed straight for approximately 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Hightower Trail at the Davis & Sons Auto Salvage sign, and stay to the right as you pass a private drive and cemetery entrance on the left. Proceed for approximately 0.4 miles and Forest Service Road 97 is on the left.
Took a ride out here today. Definitely rougher than it has been in the past, but still not rough enough to change the ratings. High clearance 2WD, maybe 4WD if wet. It was wet today and I did not need 4WD, but I do have good mud tires. Not much gravel past the beginning so it does get muddy. A pleasant secluded ride, but not much to do out here (no vistas, water, etc).
The trail is quite overgrown and had to clear 2 downed trees out of the way, but otherwise in decent shape. Not very well used at all, really feels like your "out there"!
Explored this trail this past weekend. There are actually three trail branches that split off a few hundred feet in - one going to the picnic/camping area as shown in the pictures (straight), another heads down to the left toward the river and a third that goes up and to the right. The third right trail was blocked by a downed tree, but our map shows this heads to the top of a small hill above the camping area. Was pleasant, fairly easy and enjoyed cooking burgers at the turn-around at the end of the trail.
Tried to ride this trail today, but downed trees blocked the way. Will try again soon.
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Dave is more of an explorer than a wheeler who loves to find remote locations to hike and kayak fish. Born and raised in Chicago for 21 years before moving to Atlanta, backroads and forests and mountains were a whole new experience and now he just can't get enough. When he's not fishing for stripers on Lake Lanier, you can find him in the mountains of North Georgia, Tennessee or South Carolina exploring and mapping backroads. Just look for the guy with the kayak on the top of the truck!
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