Be sure to completely put out any campfire before leaving your site unattended. Non-motorized boating on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is not restricted to any specific area, however, it is important to know that according to state law, fishing, camping and entering onto private land is illegal without landowner permission, as is fishing from the river in a boat, tube, or any other floating device where both sides of the river are privately owned. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have __ designated WMAs. Chatsworth, GA 30705 Preparedness is the key to having a good and safe time outdoors. 3941 Highway 76 Search and rescue or recovery is not readily available. The Forest Service Welcomes Hunters to the Nation's Forests and Grasslands. Generally, the majority of closed forest service roads can be ideal for a short, non-strenuous and gratifying hike. Over 40 percent of the land in Fannin County is national forest land (106,000 acres). For those who prefer solitude and privacy, undeveloped or “dispersed” camping is allowed in most places within the forest boundary. Depending upon the area and game you wish to hunt, additional licenses, stamps or permits may also be required. Volunteers are also eligible to earn a Forest Annual Pass or Permit by performing 20 hours of volunteer work in coordination with the Forest Service. How many people are allowed to camp per site? They are managed with a focus on protecting and preserving the natural environment, processes and heritage properties from human influence. After you select Public land there's an option for Chattahoochee National Forest outside WMAs. Whether you decide to camp within a Congressionally-designated Wilderness or the general forest area, we ask that you follow the principles of Leave No Trace. In all cases, whether friends or family, no more than 2 vehicles can park at a single site and all tents must be pitched on the designated tent pad. Below you will find a list of such rules: Developed camping—Developed campgrounds provide a safe, monitored area for recreating among other users. Is gold panning, rockhounding, and fossil collecting allowed on the National Forest? For a list of areas operated by GO Find Outdoors, visit their website at: https://cfaia.org/recreation-areas-campgrounds/georgia-campgrounds-recreation-areas/. North Carolina, Forest Service Coronavirus (COVID19) Updates:  Please follow these basic rules: Dispersed (primitive) camping—Dispersed camping is available in multiple locations throughout the forest, and is intended to provide a rustic, less manicured and natural experience. ... For more specific information related to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, please visit their local Home Page. Double sites shall not be occupied by more than ten people, or immediate family. Do I need a permit to collect pine straw? Near Lake Oconee, an easy 1-mile trail leads to one of Georgia's ghost towns, Scull Shoals. A few of significance include the following: Where can I canoe/kayak/raft on the forest? Gainesville, GA 30501 Forest Supervisor's Office They offer outstanding opportunities to experience solitude or a primitive and unconfined style of recreation. An array of wildlife suitable for hunting may be found on national forests and grasslands. Do you have addresses for the campgrounds so I can put it in my GPS? There are currently three companies licensed by the forest to lead tours and guided trips on the Chattooga River. Events Calendar - volunteer workdays, nature hikes, fishing rodeos & more! Group sites vary according to the size and location of the specific campground. Just be sure to contact your district office before you start to put in your volunteer time. The wide-spread but rare Georgia aster was headed for the endangered species list. The objective is to create, restore and maintain forests and waters that are resilient, sustainable and productive for wildlife and people. The Chattahoochee National Forest covers 18 North Georgia counties and includes over 2,200 miles of rivers and streams. Discharging a firearm within 50 yards of an open public road as well as on or across a forest system road. Trails in the wilderness are managed to be part of the natural environment and not an intrusion upon it, hence more challenging and more difficult to navigate. Georgia has more than 90 wildlife management areas (WMA) throughout the state, and there's one within an hour's drive of every Georgian. Florida Flora, fauna, and fantastic views are often found along these roads. This question was posted 2 years ago and, at the time, the answer was a definite "no". This 25,150-acre property has hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey and small game. Permits can be obtained by contacting your local Forest Service District Office. What is a Wildlife Management Area (WMA)? Metal detectors may be used for recreational purposes (hunting for lost jewelry, coins, etc.) Specifically, we recommend the following trails for a short, leisurely hike: What can I expect when hiking through the wilderness? Alabama 40,006 acres are located in the Cohutta Ranger District and 66,097 in the Blue Ridge Ranger District. Find out how the effective work of several groups have lead to a good recovery. Phone: 770-297-3000 For the current year Georgia Hunting Regulations Guide, please visit gohuntgeorgia.com or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website. "The recreational value of a head of game is inverse to the artificiality of its origin, and hence in a broad way to the intensiveness of the system of game management which produced it." Eatonton, GA 31024 Mobile: 706-970-9776 Win, win, win. The Chattahoochee National Forest covers 749,689 acres in north Georgia, managed by six ranger districts. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has a Trail Guide (Trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest) that can be purchased at your local district office or online at The Cradle of Forestry's website for $4. Public land North Georgia Mountain buck on the ground. Hunting (features wildlife openings and prescribed fire burn units) Blue Ridge District (4.8MB) Chattooga River District (5.3MB) ... Wildfires on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests 2007-2018 (availalbe as a kmz file for use in Google Earth and also as an ArcMap geodatabase) Publications Online. An excellent source for information on wilderness areas is Wilderness.net NOTE: Check this link, where printable maps and information on policies, stewardship and safety can be found. A family with more than 5 people can use one, single campsite. Maps can be obtained at any Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest office or by ordering/downloading online from our website. However, some sites are managed under special permit issued by the Forest Service to private companies called concessionaires. If you're into the great outdoors, you've come to the right place. Quick question about some hog hunting in the Chattahoochee NF land. Find websites for Are their guides available? Permits can only be obtained during the fall season from Blue Ridge RD or Conasauga RD. The following areas are available by reservation on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Can I rent a boat, canoe or kayak on the forest? While the Forest Service owns the land, the GA Dept. If you discover such remains or artifacts, leave them undisturbed and notify a Forest Service office. However, there are many opportunities for rentals and guides from private businesses in the surrounding areas. Do I need to possess a permit or license in order to hunt on the national forest? Primitive camping is permitted in wildernesses, however camping alongside streams and in heavily vegetated areas is discouraged. The Foothills Landscape project proposes to restore healthy forest habitat and cleaner watersheds across 157,625 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, where the mountains are visibly reduced to foothills. The Forest Service purchased 31,000 acres in Habersham and three other North Georgia counties in 1911 for $7 per acre. No mechanical equipment may be used. Special Use Permit (SUP) A Special Use Permit is required for sporting events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and sale or distribution of printed matter that occur on the land or water of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Chattahoochee National forest is beautiful in the winter and fishing Delayed Harvest Streams is a great way to bridge your time in the woods between deer and turkey seasons. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest offers many different types of camping experiences, including those termed “developed” and “dispersed.”  Campgrounds are called developed when they have at least a few amenities (e.g. Concessionaires may offer extended stays for camping. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. Please visit Wilderness.net for more information, including a list and maps of all the wildernesses in Georgia. It is highly encouraged that visitors possess a valid topographical map and compass, and know how to use both well. Rules are strictly enforced and punished by law. By leaving no trace you are reducing your impact to the natural environment and preserving the quality of experience for future visitors. My game cameras show plenty of twin fawns and even a few triplets. Fossil collecting for commercial purposes is not allowed. There are many great opportunities for white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Dispersed camping is more primitive than in developed campgrounds, with few or no facilities. The operation of motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs or unlicensed OHV’s is restricted to designated trails only on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Chattahoochee National Forest Deer Hunting: U.S. Forest Service Photo, Daniel Todd : Mrs. Fred Fields, of Brookton, Georgia, stands proudly by 6 point whitetail buck bagged by Mr. Fields during the December 1952 hunts on the Blue Ridge Management Area, near Suches, Georgia. 3941 Highway 76 The following are prohibited on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forest. Through the WMA system, hunters have access to nearly one million acres of hunting land for the price of one WMA stamp. Do not dig so much as to cause significant surface disturbance that leads to damage of natural resources. However, some group sites and camping loops can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) by going to Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Blairsville, GA 30512 The terms for each differ, but generally the Senior and Access passes entitle the pass holder to a 50% discount on many expanded amenity fees, such as camping and day-use fees. Anyone age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in freshwater or saltwater in Georgia. Sorry, there are no golf courses in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Georgia Mountains Children's Forest Network, Outdoor Fun in the North Georgia Mountains, Fast Facts about the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality. Killed him deep in the mountains on Chattahoochee National Forest (Public Land) in Georgia. Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area is one of Georgia's many wildlife management areas. In the beginning, the Chattahoochee was part of the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests in North Carolina and Tennessee. The Chattahoochee National Forest covers over 750,000 acres in North Georgia. Phone: 770-297-3000 Depending on the specific wilderness, markers are often placed in the form of a single steel post or rod in areas selected by wilderness rangers as safe for camping (meaning limited damage to the natural environment would be incurred by human presence). Although trail markers help guide hikers on trails, they are less frequent within wildernesses. The national forests and grasslands of the United States provide over 192 million acres of diverse wildlife habitat and excellent hunting opportunities. However, you can take a few fossil rocks home, provided: Please visit the Rocks and Minerals page for detailed information before planning your trip. Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. 1755 Cleveland Highway Generally, camping on national forest lands is limited to a period of 14 days. Unless the trail is specifically designated for full-size vehicles, use of trails is restricted to vehicles less than 50 inches in width. Special permission, permits, or fees are not required to take a handful of rock, mineral, or petrified wood specimens from the surface of National Forest lands for personal use. Recreational rockhounding may take place at areas where minerals are loose and free on the surface. This WMA is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which is located in the extreme northern portion of Georgia. Contact your local district for recommendations and to check on important hunting dates for safety. Learn more, www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates, U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Foothills Landscape Project - Environmental Assessment, Conservation Partners Save Georgia Aster from Endangered Status, Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project Yields Tangible Results, Interactive Maps Take You to Your Recreation Destination, #BurnAlerts - Blue Ridge RD - 426 acres Lumpkin County, Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District, CAUTION Active Logging Operations on Pinhoti Trail, Numerous Downed Trees in Cohutta Wilderness, Upper Chattahoochee Campground Closed Temporarily. I am a CCW holder in Florida and Georgia reciprocates with Florida on concealed weapons permits. of Natural Resources and Wildlife Resources Div. other national forests parking areas, entrance … What do I need to know about camping in the wilderness? Please visit the national Forest Service page on passes and permits for more detailed information on passes. Location Chattahoochee National Forest is … It is best to check with the individual district offices or the Recreation Summary Pages (can be found under the right-hand column titled “Related Links” on our website’s Recreation home page) to be certain. Chattahoochee National Forest Hogs. other national forests Details about our group sites can be found on the Group Camping page of our website. in the Southern Region. ​www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates. Wilderness visitors are encouraged to “pack-it-in and pack-it-out” and to “leave no trace.”  Signs are very limited, so visitors are encouraged to be skilled in the outdoors, self-reliant, and well-prepared. Please visit the Recreation Condition Report to learn status for developed recreation sites: The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. There is no single publication identifying all the recreation areas within the National Forest at this time. Although target shooting is allowed on other areas throughout the forest, please visit our page on Firearm rules and safety. Florida While our campgrounds do not have physical addresses,  the latitude and longitude coordinates for many areas are available by visiting the individual recreation area pages on our website (most GPS systems have an option to insert “degrees” or “coordinates’ instead of an address). Download DNR Mobile Apps to see a list of Wildlife Management Areas or an interactive map to find locations to hunt. Permits cost $20.00 for a maximum of one ton of pine straw. Is there a guide book or periodical describing and showing all the places to camp on the forest? Pine straw may be collected in designated areas only and is approved on a case by case basis. Gainesville, GA 30501 Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area is located in White County. Mobile: 706-970-9776 The purpose of these types of closures would be to protect human life and to prevent damage to natural resources. 1755 Cleveland Highway Francis Marion-Sumter (SC) In-stream sluices and suction dredges are NOT allowed. ​Cherokee (TN) The forest receives more than 10 million visitors each year. Phone: 706-695-6736, Oconee District A single campsite shall not be occupied by groups of more than five people, or by those other than immediate family. A Fishing License and a WMA License is required to fish on Waters Creek Trophy Trout Stream on the Chestatee WMA. Discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area. You can remove up to 6 inches of soil immediately around the specimen you are collecting. Chatsworth, GA 30705 WMAs can be located on state or federal public land. These summaries provide the following information for developed recreation sites:  season dates, facilities and amenities, fee schedule, passes accepted and reservation policy. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, certain rules, regulations and orders are enforced within Forest boundaries. A Fishing License is the only requirement to fish on WMAs in general except a Trout License is also required to fish designated trout waters on a WMA. Blue Ridge District My question refers to concealed carry of handguns, not rifles or other hunting-oriented weapons. Where are the easiest hikes on the Forest located? Check out the Interactive Visitor Map at: ww.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap. 9975 Highway 441S Find websites for Lakemont, GA 30552 In the midst of those 750 thousand acres, exists 2,200 miles of rivers and streams, over 450 miles of hiking and recreation trails, and 1,600 miles of "roads", the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, Georgia's highest point - … How do I get there? The Chattahoochee National Forest is a great place to have fun and adventure doing the things you love to do such as: hunting and fishing; hiking, biking, and horseback riding; swimming, canoeing, and kayaking; nature study, photography, and viewing great scenery. Fourth graders and their families can visit awesome recreation sites across Georgia's national forests free of charge. Het dankt zijn naam aan de Chattahoochee rivier die er dwars doorheen stroomt. Generally, a reasonable amount is up to 10 pounds. Many of the early purchases were old homesteads and abandoned farm lands. Firewood permits can be issued for dead and downed trees, only. Please visit the www.gohuntgeorgia.com website for specific details regarding hunting within a WMA. Phone: 706-485-7110. On the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest the Interagency Annual pass is valid only at the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center and will allow pass holder admission free of charge. Aan het begin van de vorige eeuw wees een oplettende ranger op het belang van de conservatie dit unieke stuk wildernis. Travel and recreation within wilderness is strictly non-motorized. Phone: 706-695-6736, Oconee District 1199 Madison Road Copies of these orders can be found in any Forest Service office. And yes.. Normally, developed campgrounds, swimming beaches, and other developed recreation sites are open to recreational metal detecting unless there are archaeological or historical resources present. I know there's been some recent changes in legislature but I'm still very unclear on the subject. Maps of the Cohutta and Big Frog Wildernesses can be purchased at the district offices for a small fee or by purchasing directly through our partner organizations at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/maps-pubs. 9975 Highway 441S Eatonton, GA 31024 Phone: 706-745-6928, Chattooga River District Blue Ridge District Get specific information on permits and fees here, or contact one of the district offices. Mountains, trails and waterfalls we experienced on 2015 trip to the mountains of north Georgia. Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area is a management area in Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge, Appalachian Mountains, GA. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas.