Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest – Image Gallery

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Details

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a vast expanse of protected land covering over 800,000 acres in the North Georgia mountains. It is divided into two separate sections, the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Oconee National Forest, both of which offer a diverse range of ecosystems and recreational opportunities.

Features

• Waterfalls: The national forest is home to numerous stunning waterfalls, such as Anna Ruby Falls and Amicalola Falls, which attract visitors from all over.
• Trails: There are over 850 miles of trails winding through the forest, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
• Lakes and Rivers: The forest is dotted with picturesque lakes and winding rivers, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
• Wildlife: The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and various bird species.
• Campgrounds: There are numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the forest, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for overnight stays.

Ecological Significance

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the North Georgia region. The forest is home to a variety of ecosystems, including deciduous forests, pine forests, and wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.

Additionally, the national forest serves as an important watershed, with its rivers and streams feeding into the Chattahoochee and Oconee River systems. These rivers supply drinking water to millions of people in the surrounding areas, making the forest an essential resource for both humans and wildlife.

Overall, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a valuable natural resource that offers opportunities for recreation, conservation, and education for visitors of all ages.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Points of Interest

1. Anna Ruby Falls

Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Anna Ruby Falls is a stunning double waterfall formed by Curtis Creek and York Creek. Visitors can hike a short paved trail to reach the falls and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

2. Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit and visit the observation tower for an unbeatable vantage point.

3. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park is home to a deep and dramatic canyon carved by the Tallulah River. Visitors can hike along the rim of the gorge or venture down to the canyon floor to see the rushing waterfalls and rapids.

4. Blood Mountain

As one of the highest peaks on the Appalachian Trail, Blood Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for a picnic or overnight camping.

5. Lake Burton

Lake Burton is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Visitors can rent a boat or kayak to explore the pristine waters or relax on the sandy shores of the lake.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest – Images

Description: Lake Winfield Scott, 10/21/2012, photo by Mitch Cohen

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Picnic at Lake Winfield Scott, 10/21/2012, photo by Mitch Cohen

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Fall color from the Appalachian Trail just east of Woody Gap, 10/21/2012, photo by Mitch Cohen

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Chestatee Overlook, 10/21/2012, photo by Mitch Cohen

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The yellow and gold of a hickory tree near Blairsville, GA, 10/19/2012, photo by Sherry Payne

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Fall color on Spur 180 near Brasstown Bald, 10/17/2012, photo by Daris Matos

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Chattahoochee National Forest. Transwiki approved by: w:en:User:Dmcdevit. This image was copied from wikipedia:en.

Image by U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Foxfire phenomenon at Anna Ruby Fall Scenic Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia has been a source of wonder, amazement, and mystery for as long as it has been known. Its "magic" has given rise to many myths and stories about what it is and what its source might be. The most widely held belief was a plant, such as a fungus, algae, or lichen, was the source of the bioluminescence at Anna Ruby Falls. On June 25, 2014, we set out to photograph the Anna Ruby Falls Foxfire. Little did we know that one of us would actually get photographs of the creature that is the source of the Foxfire magic. Alan Cressler captured these photos of the Orfelia fultoni larvae. See his pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/alan_cressler/14325904777/.

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: "Inspiring Stewardship," celebrating 50 years of Wilderness in Georgia, September 6, 2014, Hancock Park, Dahlonega, Georgia.

Image by ChattOconeeNF – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Oconee National Forest, Georgia banner

Image by ZcarstvnzAuthor of original photo: ChattOconeeNF – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia