Safety
It is important to be well versed before exploring the backcountry.
Here are a few basics to help you get started:
• Always hike with another person.
• Always bring a small flashlight.
• Always bring water.
• All water taken from the backcountry should be treated.
• Let someone know your route and return time.
• Wear appropriate shoes.
• Carry a small first aid kit.
• Be informed on the weather and be prepared for quickly changing conditions.
Check current weather conditions.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is the longest continual footpath in the world, traversing some of the most scenic beauty of the eastern U.S. from Georgia to Maine. The 2,150 mile trail began as a vision of planner-forester Benton MacKaye in 1921. Existing trails were linked and new sections carved from rhododendron thickets, grassy balds and forests.

In 1968, the Appalachian Trail became the first "National Scenic Trail." Today it passes through fourteen states, eight national forests, six national park system units, sixty state parks and game lands and scores of small communities. The rugged and narrow footpath is marked by white blazes painted on rocks and trees. One hundred and fifty miles of this exceptionally scenic footpath pass through the Cherokee National Forest. It traverses areas with colloquial place-names like Lemon Gap, Buzzard Roost Ridge, Locust Pole Knob, Beauty spot, Jane Bald and a host of locations commemorating Appalachian family names

Arkaquah Trail

Trail descends along a ridge from Brasstown Bald parking lot to Track Rock Gap. There are ups and downs, some steep along the way. The final mile has several switchbacks. Open ridge tops provide excellent views. The trail is within the Brasstown Wilderness for about 5 miles of its length. This trail is not blazed.

Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville, for 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto Georgia 180. Go 8 miles and turn left (north) onto Georgia 180 spur. Follow this road 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center parking lot.

Cooper Creek Trail

This is a connector trail between Mill Shoals and Yellow Mountain Trails. It can be reached by hiking 0.6 mile from the trailhead of Mill Shoals Trail or 1 mile from Yellow Mountain trailhead.

Directions: Take GA 60 north from Dahlonega for 22 miles. Turn right in Forest Service Road 33 for 0.8 mile. Turn left on Forest Service Road 236 for 3 miles to Cooper Creek Recreation Area.

DeSoto Falls Trail

This trail begins at the bridge in the lower loop of DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. A relatively easy 0.25 mile trail leads south to lower falls; the upper falls is about 0.75 mile one way to the north. 2.5 miles.

Directions: Take U.S. 129 north from Cleveland for 15 miles or U.S. 19 north from Dahlonega for 18 miles to the DeSoto Falls Recreation area.

 

Duncan Ridge Trail

This challenging trail follows high, dry ridges for most of its length. The trail begins on Long Creek near Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail, goes north, and crosses the Toccoa River on a 260-foot swinging bridge. The trail then leads north and west along Duncan Ridge through Mulky Gap to Slaughter Gap. it includes many steep climbs and descents over several mountain tops. The trail is blue blazed for all of this section but also has yellow blazes on the eastern portion, where the Coosa Back Country Trail shares the same treadway and also will have the white diamonds of the Benton MacKaye Trail from long Creek falls for Rhodes Mountain. About 1.25 miles on the eastern end are within the Blood Mountain Wilderness. A 60 mile loop trail can be made by combing this trail with the Appalachian Trail. 3.5 miles.

Directions: Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville, for 9.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto GA 180 and go 3 miles to Wolfpen Gap. The trail crosses GA 180 in the gap. The trail can also be reached in Mulky Gap by Forest Service Road 4, Mulky Gap Road.

 

Helton Creek Falls Trail

This short trail descends to the first waterfall then climbs beside the creek to the second and larger waterfall. The rocks are deceptively slippery around these falls. Exercise caution.

Directions: Take U.S. 129 south from Blairsville, 11 miles. Go past Vogel State Park and turn left on the first gravel road (distance from Vogel Park uncertain but more than a mile.) Go down gravel road 2.2 miles and you'll see a pullout parking area. The trail will be to the right.

 

DeSoto Falls Trail

This trail begins at the bridge in the lower loop of DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. A relatively easy 0.25 mile trail leads south to lower falls; the upper Falls is about 0.75 mile one way to the north. 2.5 miles.

Directions: Take U.S. 129 north from Cleveland for 15 miles or U.S. 19 north from Dahlonega for 18 miles to the DeSoto Falls Recreation area.