Alerts

Road maintenance is being performed in the Hidden Creek area road by road over the next several months.   Each road will be reopened when maintenance is complete.

Road maintenance is currently underway on FS 218. 

Wildfire activity has picked up across north and central Georgia over the past couple of weeks, and conditions remain dry. As you enjoy your time on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, a few small choices can make a big difference in preventing human-caused fires. 

Road maintenance is being performed on roads in the Hidden Creek area.  Heavy equipment is present on Forest Service roads 955B and 955E currently, with other roads in the area being temporarily closed in the near future.

The Windy Gap trail system will be closed for several days while crews perform maintenance on Muskrat Road (FS 241) clearing hurricane downfall.

Please visit this page for Forest Supervisor's Orders about Recreation Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines for Forest Visitors.

Forest Service Road 213B, Turkey Creek, is temporarily closed to protect the resource and for public safety.

Camping season is bear-aware season. It's crucial to store food and scented items properly and know what to do if you encounter a bear. 

As of today, May 1, 2025, the Oconee Ranger District is now offering forest visitors the option of paying for their day-use recreation site fees with the free, easy-to-use Recreation.gov mobile app and choosing the “scan and pay” option.

Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check the status of your favorite trail or Call Before You Haul.

1. Keep It Safe

GAINESVILLE, GA — The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has issued an official closure order for the Panther Creek Recreation Area following significant damage sustained during Hurricane Helene.

Contact(s): Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110