Region

Big Frog and Cohutta Wilderness

Georgia

Offroad Trails in Big Frog and Cohutta Wilderness

A Region within Georgia

4.2/5 (19)

Exploring the Overland Adventure Through Big Frog and Cohutta Wilderness

For overlanders seeking a true backcountry adventure, the dirt and gravel roads weaving through Big Frog Wilderness and Cohutta Wilderness offer an unparalleled journey through the Cherokee and Chattahoochee National Forests. This scenic and remote route spans over 70 miles, crossing both Tennessee and Georgia, and features a mix of well-maintained gravel roads, rugged unmaintained trails, and steep climbs that reward drivers with breathtaking overlooks.

Allow at least two days to explore the route fully, soaking in the views, hiking the trails, and enjoying the solitude of nature. With six Forest Service campgrounds—each offering at least vault toilets—alongside numerous dispersed camping options, this region is an overlander’s paradise.

Diverse Terrain and Stunning Views

The roads wind through dense forests of Poplar, Beech, and Maple trees, transitioning into high-elevation ridgelines with sweeping views of the valleys below. In some areas, you’ll follow crystal-clear creeks, where waterfalls and natural swimming holes offer refreshing stops. Other sections climb over 2,000 feet, providing access to hiking trails leading to even more dramatic vistas.

Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. In spring and summer, wild raspberries and mountain laurel line the trails, adding vibrant splashes of color to the rugged landscape.

Camping and Logistics

With six designated campgrounds and numerous dispersed sites, overlanders have plenty of options for setting up camp under the stars. Popular spots include lakeside sites, secluded forest clearings, and creekside pull-offs. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended.

Many of the roads are closed from January to March due to seasonal conditions, so plan your trip accordingly. While most of the route is passable with a high-clearance vehicle, some sections feature rocky terrain and steep grades that may challenge smaller or two-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Ultimate Overlanding Escape

Overlanding through Big Frog and Cohutta Wilderness is a journey of discovery, offering remote trails, scenic campsites, and endless opportunities to explore the untouched beauty of the Southeast. Whether you're navigating winding forest roads, climbing steep ridgelines, or relaxing beside a quiet creek, this adventure is one you won't soon forget.

Top Reasons to Explore Here

Beginner

Camping

Forest

Overland

Scenic

Water

Recently Added Scout Routes

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4/5 (3 reviews)

Mill Creek

Georgia

Mill Creek provides one of the few access points to the Cohutta Wilderness Loop. The road is gravel and can be steep and curvy in spots. At points in the drive, you parallel Mill Creek and can hear the sounds of rushing water. One prime dispersed campsite is on the route, and further east on the road, you reach the Hickey Gap Campground, which is first come, first served. It has one vault toilet.

3/5 (2 reviews)

Baker Creek Road

Tennessee

Baker Creek Road is a well-maintained road running through the Cherokee National Forest south of Parksville Lake. Meandering through the Beech, Maple, and Poplar trees, you will also be treated to Baker Creek, lined with Rhododendrons. Camping is also available along this trail on the eastern portion once you pass all the cute homes in the open meadows.

5/5 (4 reviews)

Big Frog

Tennessee

Leading into the Big Frog Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest, Big Frog Road is an unmaintained trail guiding users in over 1,000 feet of elevation gain nearly to the top of Chestnut Mountain. This is a great trail to access many hiking opportunities that are offered in the area, including the impressive Hemp Top Trail with a 2,000-foot elevation gain to the top of Big Frog Mountain at over 4,000 feet! Although nothing technically difficult, it is worth noting that there are scattered rocky patches requiring drivers' attention. There are a few quaint camping options along this trail as well, and you will likely encounter fewer people than the more popular trails nearby.

3/5 (2 reviews)

Blue Ridge

Tennessee

Blue Ridge is mostly gravel, with mixed patches of hard-packed dirt. The trail climbs when traveling from north to south with mellow curves. It is primarily tree-covered in the warmer months with few views but is particularly inspiring during the soft morning sun. Black bears habitat the area, and if you move slowly and quietly enough, you may see one on the road. Only limited dispersed camping opportunities are found. Closed roughly from January through the end of March.

5/5 (2 reviews)

Charlies Run

Tennessee

Tucked away behind Tumbling Creek Campground lies a short but sweet trail known as Charlie's Run. This trail is not maintained but is relatively easy and only offers a small challenge in the form of small and shallow mud pits. The reward of this trail is the water. All along its half-mile length, you are treated to pullouts allowing camping and access to Tumbling Creek, and at the end, you reach an inlet for the Ocoee Number Three Lake. Be sure to spend some time enjoying the quiet peace of the water!