The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (fs.usda.gov) encompasses Georgia’s highest peaks, more than 400 miles of hiking trails, the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, stunning waterfalls and miles of trout streams. Originally the home of the Cherokee Indians, the region was the site of not only a gold rush that pre-dated the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill but Civil War battles as Sherman made his march to the sea. Andrews Cove campground is one of more than a dozen campgrounds in the Chattooga River District of the national forest.
The 261,035-acre Chattooga River District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest stretches from Georgia’s Piedmont into the mountains, surrounding the state’s second tallest peak, Rabun Bald. The long-distance Appalachian Trail and a 36-mile section of the Bartram Trail, named for an 18th-century explorer, wind through the region. A 14.5-mile trail is open to equestrians and cyclists, a 7.8-mile mountain biking trail has four creek crossings and the White Twister bike trail is noted for its winding route. The Chattahoochee River draws kayakers and anglers, and forest lakes provide spots for boating and swimming. Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area has an observation deck overlooking two waterfalls.
Andrews Creek runs through the Andrews Cove campground in White County about 15 minutes north of Helen, Georgia, via the Unicoi Turnpike. Open from late March through the end of October, the campground has 10 sites with picnic tables, lantern posts and grills, but no hookups. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the campground, where a chemical toilet serves as the restroom and a single hand pump provides water. Anglers must have a Georgia fishing license and a trout stamp to fish for brown and rainbow trout. A 2-mile trail along the creek leads to the Appalachian Trail.
The Chattooga River District has an additional 12 campgrounds, including an 81-site facility with water and electrical hookups, modern bathhouses and a beach at Lake Rabun about 10 miles from Clayton. A small, primitive campground for off-road vehicle enthusiasts is found at Oakey Mountain, 14 miles from Clayton. Just 5 miles from Helen, the small Low Gap campground is a favorite with hikers and anglers. The Upper Chattahoochee River campground, on a winding mountain road 15 miles north of Helen, has 34 wooded sites, 10 of which are restricted to tents. Primitive tent and RV sites at Lake Russell Recreation Area, 12 miles from Cornelia, overlook the lake and have easy access to a boat launch and swimming area.
Helen, named for the daughter of an early railroad surveyor, was the center of gold-mining and timber operations until the 1930s, but when the gold played out and the lumber barons moved on, the town fell on hard times. In the late 1960s, business owners decided that giving the village an alpine facelift would draw visitors. Buildings were painted, rooflines were redone and gingerbread trim was added. Cobblestone walks and murals give the town a Bavarian air. Oktoberfest lasts two months in Helen. Oompah bands perform, and visitors relax in a beer garden. Nearby Cleveland is home to BabyLand General Hospital, where Cabbage Patch Kids were created.
