Best Hiking Trails in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (Blue Ridge District)

Overview

Just a few hours north of Atlanta proper, the Blue Ridge District gives city folks and locals alike a cool respite from the Georgia heat. You can thank the higher elevation, swift-flowing mountain streams, and dense tree cover for the more moderate temperatures, as well as the unique and abundant wildlife. Here, you'll find black bears, deer, bobcats, and salamanders, among others.

The Blue Ridge District is home to dozens of day-hiking and backpacking opportunities, including the famed Appalachian Trail, which begins in the Chattahoochee-Oconnee National Forest before heading north 2,190 miles to Maine.

Getting Started

Check the Forest Service website for information on trailheads and parking.

For a mellow introduction to the region, start at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the storied Appalachian Trail. From there, connect the AT and Benton MacKaye Trails for an easy loop hike that summits 3638-foot Ball Mountain.

For a more difficult day out, try the popular Wildcat Knob loop, which begins and ends in Vogel State Park.

Backpackers should check out the 300-mile Benton MacKaye Trail, which can be split into some great section hikes. Or pick a section of the Bartram Trail, which wanders from North Georgia through North Carolina, and can be linked up with sections of the Appalachian Trail.

When to Go

You can visit the Blue Ridge District year-round, but some roads are closed seasonally, often between late December and mid-March. Check the USFS website to figure out which roads are open before you go.

Permits

Many areas of the national forest are free to visit. However, some areas do require a fee, and many non-pedestrian activities (like mountain biking and horseback-riding) require a permit. You can learn more about fees and permits required here.

Dog Info

Dogs are permitted, as long as you use a leash at all times and pick up after them.