Popular Forest Service Roads in North Georgia

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Explore North Georgia’s backcountry byway network with these Forest Service Roads around Helen, Dahlonega, Toccoa, Tallulah Falls, and Clayton. Each route offers a mix of scenic drives, creek crossings, and rugged mountain climbs for Jeep and off-road enthusiasts. Always check the latest Forest Service maps for seasonal closures and current trail conditions before heading out. 

📍 Download current maps: Get the latest Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest MVUM to verify which roads are open to vehicles.

☎️ Contact local ranger districts: Always confirm gate status, closures, and weather impacts before heading out.

⚠️ Important reminders:

• Seasonal open/close dates, water levels, and terrain conditions can change quickly. 
• Higher difficulty ratings often require high-clearance 4×4s, recovery gear, and off-road experience. 
• Many routes are single-lane or two-rut forest roads with limited turnarounds — drive with caution and respect other users. 
• Pack out all trash and tread lightly to preserve Georgia’s mountain backroads for future explorers.

From Helen: Take GA-75 N → Tray Mountain Rd (FSR #79); junction near GPS 34.799391, -83.691104.
Description: ~10 miles of graded gravel forest road climbing through lush terrain; connects toward Tray Mountain.
Vehicles: 4x4s, SUVs, dual-sport motorcycles.
Difficulty: 2 – 2.5 (Easy–Moderate).
Season: Typically open Mar 10 – Jan 2 (verify seasonal gates).
Notes: Scenic forest drive; some users report gates or washouts.

From Helen: GA-75 N ≈ 13 mi → Indian Grave Gap entrance (GPS 34.825042, -83.733419).
Description: 4-mile one-way road with mild water crossings and access to hiking trailheads.
Vehicles: 4x4s, high-clearance SUVs, ATVs.
Difficulty: 2.5 (Easy–Moderate).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2.
Notes: Connects to Tray Mountain area; good leaf-season ride. 

Off Indian Grave Gap Rd near GPS 34.794229, -83.714708.
Description: ~2.5-mile spur trail ending at creek crossing; rugged and narrow.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4x4s only.
Difficulty: 4.5 (Difficult).
Season: Short seasonal openings (Nov & Dec windows — verify).
Notes: Remote trail; no turnaround for long vehicles. Not much info found.

From GA-197 → Wildcat Creek area (GPS 34.830736, -83.584730).
Description: 7.5-mile road following Wildcat Creek; forest canopy and streamside pull-offs.
Vehicles: 4x4s, SUVs, adventure motorcycles.
Difficulty: 2.5 – 3 (Moderate).
Season: MAY BE CLOSED AT THIS TIME
Notes: Popular with anglers and campers.

From GA-197 N → Kennesaw Rd (GPS 34.858065, -83.584840).
Description: 4-mile dead-end featuring numerous creek fords (≈14 crossings!).
Vehicles: High-clearance 4x4s recommended.
Difficulty: 2.5-3 (Moderate)
Season: Open year-round.
Notes: Frequent deep water; scenic but remote.

From GA-75A ≈ 0.1 mi W of GA-75 (GPS 34.712743, -83.747021).
Description: 14-mile scenic road paralleling creeks and campsites in Chattahoochee National Forest.
Vehicles: Any 4x4 or SUV.
Difficulty: 2 – 2.5 (Easy).
Season: Open year-round.
Amenities: Primitive campsites, stream views.
FS Maps ›

6.6 mi NW up Chattahoochee River Rd from GA-75A (GPS 34.754607, -83.778330).
Description: 6.2-mile loop with steep hill climbs and descents; connects back to FSR 44.
Vehicles: Lifted 4x4s only.
Difficulty: 4.5 – 5 (Difficult).
Season: Limited seasonal windows (verify with MVUM).
Notes: Excellent for off-road challenge runs.

2.2 mi NE of GA-75A junction (GPS 34.709939, -83.789513).
Description: 5-mile gravel road ending in forest clearing; moderate grades and two water crossings.
Vehicles: 4x4s, adventure bikes.
Difficulty: 4 – 4.5 (Moderate–Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.
Amenities: Trailhead restroom at start; good fall color views.

Junction U.S. 76 / Lookout Mt. Scenic Hwy (GPS 34.892478, -83.587976).
Description: 5.6-mile loop trail with steep grades and a rocky spur (0.4 mi side trail).
Vehicles: 4x4s, short-wheelbase recommended.
Difficulty: 4 – 4.5 (Main), 5 (Spur).
Season: Open year-round.
Notes: Tight turns; scenic mountain drive.

Access from Persimmon Rd (GPS 34.884028, -83.510052).
Description: Short 2.9-mile dead-end forest road with brushy narrow sections and one water crossing.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4x4s only.
Difficulty: 4 – 5 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.
Notes: Limited space for turn-around; overgrown sections.

FSR #28-1

From Atlanta: GA-400 North to Dahlonega (≈1 hr 45 min); then forest roads into Blue Ridge WMA.

Description: Lesser-used forest service gravel road connecting into the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area; scenic ridgelines and valley views.

Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4 or rugged SUV recommended.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Season: Year-round (conditioins permitting)

From Dahlonega: Take GA-60/W. Main St toward north; connect with FSR #28-1 near Nimblewill Church Rd (GPS approx. 34.585630, -84.124081).
Description: ~5.0 miles one-way through ridge country with ~1,000 ft of elevation gain.
Vehicles: 4×4s, high-clearance SUVs.
Difficulty: 2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round (per your list).
OnX listing for Dahlonega Region » onX Maps+2AllTrails.com+2

From intersection FSR #77 & FSR #58 (GPS approx. 34.635609, -84.159443).
Description: ~3.7 miles one-way; mild elevation (~250 ft); good connector route.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2.5-3 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection FSR #69 (Rock Creek Rd) (GPS approx. 34.663517, -84.129849).
Description: ~3.4 miles one-way; elevation change ~548 ft; scenic views along a ridge.
Vehicles: 4×4s, adventure-SUVs.
Difficulty: 2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.
[TrailOffRoad note on Appalachian Blue Ridge Road] trailsoffroad.com

From intersection with FSR #42 (GPS approx. 34.652944, -84.084595).
Description: ~4.83 miles one-way; elevation gain ~656 ft; nice views.
Vehicles: 4×4s, high-clearance SUVs.
Difficulty: 2.5-3 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with Black Mt Rd (GPS approx. 34.609952, -84.004215).
Description: ~3.9 miles one-way; elevation change ~1,008 ft; steadily uphill, rocky.
Vehicles: Lifted 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 3.5 (Moderately Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.

Off FSR #42 (GPS approx. 34.652512, -84.138120).
Description: ~0.9 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~435 ft; last half rough rock.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s only.
Difficulty: 4-5 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.

From State Route 60 junction (GPS approx. 34.745456, -84.141651).
Description: ~7.9 miles one-way; elevation change ~755 ft; main forest service road.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with FSR #69 (GPS approx. 34.669147, -84.129874).
Description: ~1.5 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation gain ~190 ft; narrow two-rut trail.
Vehicles: Short-wheelbase 4×4s only.
Difficulty: 4.5-5 (Difficult).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2 

From intersection with FSR #333 (GPS approx. 34.728422, -84.158707).
Description: ~1.53 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~580 ft; gravel and rock; one tricky spot.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 3.5-4.5 (Moderate-Difficult).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2.

Description: ~3 miles one-way; a nice trail with one water crossing (GPS approx. 34.728422, -84.158707).
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3.5-4 (Moderate-Difficult).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2.

From intersection with FSR #333 (GPS approx. 34.732866, -84.162354).
Description: ~0.83 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~440 ft; narrow single-lane.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 4-4.5 (Difficult).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2.

From intersection with FSR #69C (GPS approx. 34.710785, -84.147162).
Description: ~4.26 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~688 ft; nice views; one water crossing.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3.5-4.5 (Moderate-Difficult).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2.

From intersection of FSR #249 (GPS approx. 34.711738, -84.146347).
Description: ~1.13 miles one-way; elevation change ~280 ft; dead-end.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3-3.5 (Moderate).
Season: Mar 10 – Jan 2.

From US-441 north of Tallulah Falls (GPS approx. 34.776218, -83.371686).
Description: ~3.59 miles one-way; elevation change ~592 ft; gentle drive with forest river views.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2.5-3 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From FSR #511 (GPS approx. 34.7762, -83.338687).
Description: ~1.0 mile one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~192 ft.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3-3.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From north of Tallulah Falls (GPS approx. 34.795621, -83.449319).
Description: ~7.5 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~1,208 ft; mostly graveled until end; good views.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 2 (Easy-Moderate for length).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with Bear Gap Rd (GPS approx. 34.75287, -83.482355).
Description: ~2.7 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~573 ft; rutted areas and steep inclines.
Vehicles: 4×4s only.
Difficulty: 4.5-5 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.

From Collation near Crow Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.775812, -83.522018).
Description: ~1.6 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~277 ft; moderate inclines/declines.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.

From Ayersville Rd (GPS approx. 34.551025, -83.408795).
Description: ~5.2 miles one-way; moderate forest road through wildlife management area.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2-2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.
OnX listing for Toccoa region » onX Maps

From 0.6 mile west on Cannon Rd from SR-184 (GPS approx. 34.490747, -83.401358).
Description: ~1.8 miles one-way; easy drive along river corridor.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2-2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with FSR #87 (GPS approx. 34.531361, -83.420928).
Description: ~3.9 miles one-way; gentle forest route.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2-2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From Dick’s Hill Pkwy intersection (GPS approx. 34.551471, -83.395340).
Description: ~2.7 miles one-way (dead-end); broad vistas from top of Currahee Mountain.
Vehicles: 4×4s, SUVs.
Difficulty: 2-2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-year.

From intersection with FSR #92 (GPS approx. 34.492604, -83.420112).
Description: ~0.96 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~196 ft.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4.5 (Difficult).
Season: Aug 14 – Mar 01

NE entrance off FSR #92D or SW entrance off FSR #193 (GPS entries 34.492604, -83.420112 & 34.479392, -83.439967).
Description: ~2.43 miles one-way; elevation change ~268 ft; two long ascents/descents + a tight gulch.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s.
Difficulty: 6.5 (Expert).
Season: Aug 14 – Mar 01 from NE; all year from SW

From intersection with FSR #92 (GPS approx. 34.492295, -83.429126).
Description: ~3.90 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~328 ft; three water crossings, several inclines/declines.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 4.5-5 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with FSR #87 (GPS approx. 34.523954, -83.421219).
Description: ~1.35 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~128 ft; short but steep.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4.5-5 (Difficult).
Season: Aug 14 – Mar 01.

From off FSR #92 (GPS approx. 34.492604, -83.420112).
Description: ~3.80 miles one-way (dead-end or side trail); elevation change ~258 ft; includes side trail to settler’s graveyard.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4-4.5 (Moderate-Difficult).
Season: Aug 14 – Mar 01.

From Clayton: access via Warwoman Rd → Sandy Ford Rd (GPS approx. 34.883537, -83.302227).
Description: ~3.1 miles one-way; forest creek crossing; pretty drive.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 2-2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From Warwoman Rd (≈8.1 miles east of Rickman Rd/Hwy 441 intersection) GPS approx. 34.905959, -83.266178.
Description: ~1.1 miles one-way; 6 water crossings; paved to gravel transition.
Vehicles: High-clearance SUVs & 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 2.5-3 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with Sandy Ford Rd (GPS approx. 34.882175, -83.298367).
Description: ~2.9 miles one-way; elevation change ~455 ft; nice views.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 2.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with Pool Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.88282, -83.299252).
Description: ~3.7 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~388 ft; very narrow in places.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s recommended.
Difficulty: 4-4.5 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with Pool Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.863893, -83.296085).
Description: ~4.6 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~393 ft; easy ride with nice views.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3-3.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-round.

From intersection with Pool Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.849155, -83.303385).
Description: ~2.1 miles one-way (dead-end); elevation change ~220 ft.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3.5-4 (Moderate-Difficult).
Season: Open year-year.

From Warwoman Rd (≈10 miles east of Rickman Rd/Hwy 441 intersection) GPS approx. 34.916328, -83.240276.
Description: ~6.5 miles one-way; graveled; access to multiple other trails.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 1.5-2 (Easy).
Season: Open year-year.

Off Overflow Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.957969, -83.222253).
Description: ~3.9 miles one-way; two-rut trail; side-trail ~0.4 mile difficulty 4.5-5.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4-4.5 (Moderate-Difficult).
Season: Open year-year.

From Warwoman Rd (≈13.7 miles east of Rickman Rd/Hwy 441) GPS approx. 34.93995, -83.192578.
Description: ~7.1 miles one-way; access to several other trails.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3-3.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-year.

Off Overflow Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.960809, -83.255385).
Description: ~1.3 miles one-way (dead-end); light gravel; alternate trails may connect through.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4.5-5 (Difficult).
Season: Open year-year.

From Warwoman Rd (≈9.3 miles east of Rickman Rd/Hwy 441) GPS approx. 34.91031, -83.253134.
Description: ~7.6 miles one-way; paved to gravel; access to several other trails.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3-3.5 (Moderate).
Season: Open year-year.

From Tuckaluge Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.935860, -83.318735).
Description: ~3.6 miles one-way; elevation change ~533 ft.
Vehicles: High-clearance 4×4s.
Difficulty: 4.5-5 (Difficult).
Season: Mar 15 – Jan 09 (per your list).

From Tuckaluge Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.913693, -83.308030).
Description: ~3.1 miles one-way; elevation change ~741 ft; gravel base and steady climb.
Vehicles: 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3-3.5 (Moderate).
Season: Mar 15 – Jan 09.

From Tuckaluge Creek Rd (GPS approx. 34.898322, -83.298347).
Description: ~2.0 miles one-way (to intersection with #155A); elevation change ~511 ft.
Vehicles: SUVs, 4×4s.
Difficulty: 3 (Moderate).
Season: Shows limited dates in your list, but likely open year-round (verify).