Far and away Georgia's largest single attraction, both in number of
visitors and land area is Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest.
At just under 750,000 acres, this is one of the larger national forests
east of the Mississippi River. Within its boundaries are hiking trails,
scenic overlooks, waterfalls, stunning beauty, lakes and rivers (including
some world-class whitewater) and camping.
History of the Chattahoochee National Forest
Land in North Georgia fell under federal management in 1911, when
the government purchase roughly 30,000 acres from the owners of a lumber
company that had deforested the land. This originally was incorporated
into the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. In 1936, this land,
and other purchases, was organized as the Chattahoochee National Forest,
headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia.
One of the early initiatives of the Forest Service was the repopulation
of dwindling wildlife. When the initial land purchases were made, deer
had become extinct, while bear and turkey were well on the way. Thanks
to the policies of the Forest Service, these animal now roam throughout
much of North Georgia.
Our favorite trails
The Appalachian Trail - Begining at Springer Mountain in Georgia's
Blue Ridge range, it leaves the state 79 miles later at Bly Gap.
Benton MacKaye Trail - also begins at Springer Mountain, but heads
north to the remote Cohutta Wilderness.
Pinhoti Trail - Heads southwest from the Northwest Georgia Trade and
Convention Center to Alabama.
Rocktown Trail - As the name implies, this trail leads to a town made
out of rock.
Disney Trail - This steep hiking trail offers an excellent view of
the Ridge and Valley section of North Georgia. Only minutes from I-75.
Johns Mountain Trail - This 3.5 mile loop trail begins with a scenic
overlook, visits Keown Falls, then returns along the Pinhoti Trail
For more information:
Hiking trails in Georgia
Chattahoochee National Forest
National Forest Service
