The Chattahoochee National Forest is a local treasure that offers pristine views, camping, and fishing.

National Forest in Lumpkin County

The following National Forest recreational areas are located in Lumpkin County and are only short distance from Dahlonega, Ga.

For more information, visit Chattahoochee National Forest Recreation.

Chestatee Overlook
Scenic vista 12 miles north of Dahlonega on Ga. Highway 60. From this vantage point the view is of the mountains located in the Chestatee Wildlife Management area and Blood Mountain Wilderness Area.

Dockery Lake
This popular 3 acre trout lake  has camping, picnicking, fishing and hiking available. The trail head providing access to the Appalachian Trail via a 3 mile trail to Miller Gap is located at the parking lot for Dockery Lake. A one half mile trail follows the lake shore. Dockery lake is 12 miles north of Dahlonega on Ga. Highway 60.  There is a central Camping area with 11 camping sites. Each site has tent pad, picnic table, fire ring/grill, lantern post and parking spur. Water and electrical hookups not available at campsites. There are two flush toilets and two drinking fountains with faucets. No showers are available.  There is a central Camping area with 11 camping sites. Each site has tent pad, picnic table, fire ring/grill, lantern post and parking spur. Water and electrical hookups not available at campsites. There are two flush toilets and two drinking fountains with faucets. No showers are available.

DeSoto Falls and DeSoto Falls Scenic Area
The DeSoto falls Scenic Area is rugged mountainous country with exceptional views and several beautiful waterfalls. This Scenic Area, located on Frogtown Creek has 24 camping sites arranged in two loops. Each site has tent pad, picnic table, fire ring/grill, lantern post and parking spur. Water and electrical hookups not available. There are 4 low volume flush toilets in one loop and a modern restroom facility, and hot water outdoor showers in the other loop. Drinking fountains with faucets available in both loops. Camping usually opens in mid-May and closes in late October. Trout fishing available on Frogtown Creek. Hiking trails to nearby falls.
Located 17 miles north of Dahlonega on US Hwy. 19. Turn left at FS Sign.

Boggs Creek
Thirteen primitive campsites are located on this pretty mountain stream 14 miles north of Dahlonega and 1.5 miles north of Turners Corner on Hwys 19N/129.

Woody Gap
Scenic vista of Yahoola Valley. Appalachian Trail crosses Georgia State Hwy 60 at this point. Picnicking, Hiking. 14 miles north on Ga. Highway 60.  View is looking toward Dahlonega.

Waters Creek
Day use area: Trout fishing is available on Dicks and Waters Creek. Upper Waters Creek is designated as a trophy trout stream.12 miles north of Dahlonega on US Hwy. 19. Turn left at Forest Service sign onto FS 34. Go 1 mile to camping area on the right.This falls is a popular summer swimming area.

National Forest Outside of Lumpkin County

For more information, visit Chattahoochee National Forest Recreation.

Anna Ruby Falls
Take one of the most beautiful walks in the southeast on this 0.4 mile hike on paved trail along a tumbling stream to twin waterfalls. Picnicking, hiking, visitor center, craft shop. 30 miles north off Ga. Highway 75.

Cooper Creek and Cooper Creek Scenic Area
Along banks of sparkling mountain streams, stocked with trout. Camping, picnicking, hiking and fishing. 23 miles north Ga. Highway 60, turn right on Cooper Creek Rd. for 0.8 miles, turn left on Forest Service Rd. 236 for 2.3 miles.

Lake Winfield Scott
Clear 18-acre lake high in the mountains. Camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing and hiking.
36 campsites are available in 2 loops. Each site has tent pad, picnic table, fire ring/grill, lantern post and parking spur. Water and electrical hookups not available. Drinking water, restrooms and hot showers are available during the open season. Open from late April until late October. 16 camp sites available at no charge through the winter season, however no water is available and only a privy restroom.Located 16 north on Ga. Hwy. 60 to Suches, turn right on Ga. Hwy. 180 for 5 miles. Turn right at FS sign.

Deep Hole
Located on the banks of the Toccoa River there are 8 camp sites available. Each site has a picnic table, tent pad and grill. Restroom and drinking water are available. Fishing available in Toccoa River and nearby Rock Creek and Cooper Creek. Open from late March until late October.

Frank Gross
Located on Rock Creek this camping area has 9 camp sites with picnic table, tent pad and grill. Restroom and water are available. Trout fishing for stocked trout in Rock Creek is a popular activity. Open from late March until the end of October. 27 miles north on Ga. Hwy. 60, turn left onto FS 69 for 5 miles. Camping area is on the right.

Sosebee Cove Scenic Area
This 175-acre tract of large hardwood timber is set aside as a memorial to Ranger Woody who served as Ranger from 1918 to 1945. A 0.3 mile loop trail winds through a variety of beautiful wildflowers and large Yellow Poplar trees.