Appalachian Trail
The start of the Appalachian Trail begins at the top of Springer Mountain in southern Fannin County where it begins…
The Aska Adventure Area—a local favorite—is a hiking-mountain bicycling trail system 17.0 miles in length developed on National Forest lands near Deep Gap on the Aska Road in south central Fannin County.
Trails range in length from 1.0 to 5.5 miles and are open to the public year-round.
Trails ascend to near 3,200 feet, providing vistas of mountain ridges and descend to the shores of Lake Blue Ridge. They also pass through coves of mature hardwoods and thickets of laurel and rhododendron.
Two trails cross or travel along mountain streams providing a range of forested settings. Any time of the year is recommended for use. Hunting (large game, gun) season is generally late October through December 31. Stream water flow and wildflower displays are best in the spring. Winter days are often clear and cool with many delightful views of distant mountains.
Download our Aska Trails Self Guided Tour Guide for more information about access and trail difficulty ratings.
Trailheads are located at Deep Gap, Stanley Gap, Shady Falls Road and Forest Road 711 by way of Campbell Camp Road. Parking is free. Bulletin boards at trailheads show maps of the area and the trail system.
The Aska Trails system includes the following trails:
The main trailhead location is at Deep Gap, a short 15-minute drive from the Welcome Center. Three other trailheads are at Stanley Gap, Shady Falls Road, and on Forest Road 711 by way of Campbell Camp Road. Bulletin boards at trailheads show maps of the area, and the trail system.
Deep Gap - From McDonald's restaurant at intersection of GA Hwy. 515 and GA Hwy. 5 in Blue Ridge. Proceed east on GA Hwy. 515 (toward Blairsville) approx. 0.8 miles to Collins Avenue. At Collins Avenue turn right, go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2 miles to Aska Road on right. Turn right, go south 4.4 miles to Deep Gap parking area below gap and on right side of road.
Stanley Gap - Go south on Aska Road 8 miles. Turn right on Stanley Creek Road (Toccoa Riverside Restaurant on left). Parking area for trail is 4.1 miles on right.
Forest Road 711 - Drive south on Aska Road 2.5 miles to Campbell Camp Road. Turn left and follow main road 0.8 miles to Forest Road 711 intersecting from left. Follow 711 past private homes; turn right, trailhead 2.0 miles.
Shady Falls - Follow Aska Road south 5.9 miles to Shady Falls Road. Turn left, go 0.2 miles, parking area on left.
Times can range from as short as 15-20 minutes to a 3-5 hour round trip hike or ride from one end of the system to the other. It is the various combinations of trails that provide the diversity of cycling and hiking experiences. See individual trail descriptions on trailhead boards for details of mileage, challenge, general layout and other unique features.
No motorized vehicles or pack stock, including horses, are allowed on the trail system. The trails have been designed and constructed for use by day hikers and mountain bicyclists. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the national forest unless posted otherwise Please, do not camp on private lands or within 50 feet of streams. Rules and regulations of the national forests apply to all recreational activities. Do not cut live trees, use dead and down wood only for campfires, do not pollute, bathe in or contaminate streams and watercourses. Do not litter. If you pack it in, pack it out.
The Toccoa River Canoe Trail also runs through the Aska Trails Area.
For detailed directions or more information, contact the Welcome Center or the USDA Forest Service at (706) 745-6928.
See our Self Guided Tours for scenic drives.
For more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/conf/
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