The Cohutta Wilderness area surrounding Crandall, Georgia sits at elevations between 700-4,200 feet with dramatic changes in terrain throughout the region. This mountainous landscape features numerous trout streams, waterfalls, and dense hardwood forests. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-70°F while summer months can reach 85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: About a mile down the trail from Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA), you'll find a beautiful waterfall that serves as a popular destination for hikers. "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," notes Julia B., who recommends bringing "a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes" for the adventure.
Kayak fishing: The 17-acre spring-fed lake at Lake Conasauga offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass and brim. Colben F. shares, "The lake is full of bass and brim and is perfect for kayak fishing. Just be warned, you have to drive over an hour down a gravel road to the campground."
Mountain biking trails: Thunder Rock Campground provides direct access to nearby trail systems. As Brittney W. explains, "There is a bath house with showers and an area to hose off bikes as well... The campground backs up to the river and a really great hiking trail." Another camper mentions it was "great to mountain bike straight from the campsite to the Tanasi trail system."
What campers like
Secluded creek-side camping: Hickory Gap offers five private sites along Mill Creek. "Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!" says Bobbi Jo P. The campground provides basic amenities like picnic tables, tent pads, and fire rings with grates.
Lakeside views: At Woodring Campground, campers appreciate the waterfront locations. As Stacy D. describes, "Site was right on the water, just had to climb down a fairly steep hill... The lake is clear and scenery is awesome. If you have a boat, there is a boat dock and several of the sites you can tie your boat up right next to them."
Platform camping: Fort Mountain State Park offers unique elevated camping platforms some locals call "Squirrel's Nests." Miranda H. recounts her experience: "I've always wanted to, but never had the guts to do it... The site itself was in a beautiful location, had a hand pump on site, and also had a shared bear proof storage box. There is definitely active wildlife here!"
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity is common throughout the Cohutta Wilderness area. At Lake Conasauga, campers should prepare accordingly. Adrian P. advises, "It is an incredible place where you connect with nature, it seems magical. Keep in mind that there are bears and so keep your camp very clean, it has bear-proof trash cans and toilets."
Vehicle requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require traveling on unpaved roads. Mike H. notes about Hickey Gap Cohutta WMA: "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns. And then the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds in the Cohutta area have basic amenities only. Zane M. warns about Hickey Gap: "There's no approved place to wash dishes, the bath house and water pump both specifically say not to clean dishes in the area. My guess is this is due to the possibility of attracting black bears."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families seeking more amenities, 411 River Rest Campground provides kid-friendly facilities. Haley S., who camped with young children, reports, "Playground was awesome and very big... Staff was SO kind and delivered firewood to our campsite. They also delivered pizza we ordered to our campsite."
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming opportunities. CaptMeow H. mentions about Hickey Gap: "Five areas available free first come first serve by a little Creek... once you entered, the campsite going towards the bathrooms is a waterfall." Similarly, Kelly D. describes Woodring as a "Private little strip that jetties toward the water."
Pet-friendly hiking: Dog owners find numerous suitable trails throughout the region. Stephanie J. notes about Fort Mountain: "Between the variety of campsites, hiking, boat rentals, beach, and family activities, it would be easy to spend a week here in a camper or an RV and not even notice how fast the time was flying."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, RVers should choose sites carefully. Mike N. cautions, "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level. Secondly with the site, there is a telephone pole that is a bit too close on the exit side."
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups but no water connections at sites. According to Pamela at Fort Mountain, "All sites are 30/50 amp with water. Grey water drains are located around the campground. There is a dump station. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring too."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity can be limited throughout the Cohutta region. Pamela adds, "We had inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evenings were not so good."
Scout
