North GeorgiaInternet Magazine
Fannin County Recreation |
Camping and HikingThere are over 300 miles of hiking trails within or adjacent to Fannin County, including the Appalachian and Benton McKaye Trails.The terminus of the Appalachian Trail is in the Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area on Springer Mountain. There are also short trails in the area suitable for beginning hikers or families, such as the Swinging Bridge Trail over the beautiful Toccoa River or the Lake Blue Ridge Loop Trail. Then there are more strenuous trails such as Duncan Ridge, a 60 mile loop of the Appalachian Trail sometimes traveling over 4,000 foot ridge lines. The Cohutta Wilderness Area is 35,268 acres of National Forest land set aside by Act of Congress as a designated wilderness area. "Leave no trace" is the rule of' thumb in the wilderness areas and no motorized vehicles are permitted. The terrain is rugged, sometimes dangerous and more suited for the experienced outdoorsman looking for a primitive experience. Both the Cohutta and Rich Mountain Wilderness Areas contain Wildlife Management Areas where many types of wildlife, including black bear, deer and turkey may be seen. U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds650 Appalachian Hwy - Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3031 Open March through October
Mountain BikingThe Aska Trails Area is a hiking-mountain bicycling trail system 17 miles in length developed on National Forest lands near Deep Gap on Aska Road, Trails range in length from 1 mile 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. Two trails cross travel along mountain streams providing a range of forested settings.Canoe TrailThe Toccoa River Canoe Trail utilizes 17.3 miles of the Toccoa River from the put in at Deep Hole Recreation Area west and north to near it's entry into Lake Blue Ridge. Viewing of public forested lands, pastoral private lands, pastoral private lands, laurel and rhododendron thickets, and their associated wildlife coupled with good fishing and some rapids make this a perfect canoe trip, especially for beginners and those who enjoy a less than vigorous float on a north Georgia mountain river. (Please do not trespass or camp on private lands - contact the U.S. Forest Service for map with suggested campsites and take out points on USFS public lands.)Lake Blue RidgeAt the virtual center of Fannin County is Lake Blue Ridge, providing over 100 miles of mostly public shoreline. The 3,290 acre lake and surrounding area boasts over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full service marina and public swimming and picnic areas.White Water RaftingRafting season runs March-OctoberProfessional guides offer trips down the thrilling Ocoee River. Class III & IV rapids. Group discounts and tailored packages are available. Site of the 1996 Slalom Canoe/Kayak Olympic competition. Ocoee Whitewater CenterLocated on Hwy. 64, the center was built by the U.S. Forest Service for use during the 1996 U.S. Olympic Canoe/ Kayak/Slalom event. The building is being used presently as an information center and displays legacy items from the Olympic event. Besides the building. there are hiking trails, picnicking areas, a native garden and much more. (423) 496-5197Boating and FishingFishing for both native and stocked trout is available in over 100 miles of trout fishing streams found in our area, including Jack's River, Conasauga River, Toccoa River, Rock Creek and Cooper Creek. Please consult the Georgia Guide to Trout Fishing, available free at most sporting goods stores, for details as to season, creel limits and size restrictions
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