Chattahoochee National Forest

Fannin County has 106,000 acres of forest, 66,097 in the Blue Ridge Ranger District and 40,006 acres in the Cohutta Wilderness.

Fannin County's "Barefoot Forest Ranger," Arthur Woody, fought to create and protect the vast resources of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the early 1900's. Woody also helped replenish the dwindling population of whitetail deer in the forest and introduced new species of non-native trout in the streams. His work was the foundation for the richness of the Georgia mountain experience today.

The Chattahoochee National Forest covers 749,689 acres in north Georgia, managed by six ranger districts. Over 40 percent of the land in Fannin County is national forest land (106,000 acres). 40,006 acres are located in the Cohutta Ranger District and 66,097 in the Blue Ridge Ranger District. The forest began when the forest service purchased 31,000 acres in Fannin, Lumpkin and Union Counties from the Gennett family in 1911 for $7 per acre.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have 37 developed recreation areas, 500 developed campsites, 200 picnic sites, 6 swim beaches and 530 miles of trails. There are more than 500 wildlife and fish species in the forest. Almost 100 percent of cold water stream fishing on public lands occurs within the Chattahoochee national forest. 90,000 fishermen generate over $43 million in revenue for Georgia from national forest land.* The forest receives more than 10 million visitors each year. Fannin County has 106,000 acres of forest total, 66,097 of it is in the Blue Ridge Ranger District.

A Word to the Wise

Cell phones and GPS don't work reliably here, please don't rely upon them. Be prepared for wilderness. Some roads are rough. Please pack in all you will need and pack out all your trash. The rule of the forest is “Leave No Trace.” If you build a fire, never leave it unattended. Use good judgment when hiking, particularly around waterfalls where rocks are often wet, moss covered and slippery. If hiking during hunting season, wear a brightly colored vest. The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

For information and ideas on Outdoor Adventures click here.

See our Self-Guided Tours for recommended hikes & scenic drives.

For More Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/conf/