Stephens County holds a great deal of allure for nature lovers and outdoorsmen.
Almost one-sixth of the county is comprised of national forest and wildlife. Enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, bicycling and trails for all terrain vehicles (ATV).
Hiking Trials
Curahee is a Cherokee Indian word that means “stands alone,” and is a fitting name for the first mountain in the Blue Ridge chain as it sits in prominent isolation against the Stephens County horizon, towering over the surrounding landscape at a height of 900 feet.
The mountain has earned itself a name and place in military history after being used in World War II as a training site for Army paratroopers, who were required to run up and down the three-mile long service road as part of their daily regimen. To access the service road, take Hwy. 123 North from Toccoa and turn left onto National Forest Road #62 directly before Ayersville Road at the Milliken plant. Look for a brown sign that reads “Lake Russell Wildlife management Area, Chattahoochee National Forest.
A shorter trail wraps its way up the front of the mountain with a steep ascent.
To access the trailhead, take Hwy. 123 North and turn left onto Hwy. 184 South past the State Patrol Station. Take a right just under a mile at a small white building and park.
Walk the short access road past the power lines and pick up the un-marked trailhead. As you near the summit, the trail becomes less defined and there are several viable options for reaching the peak, some of which require minor ascent through boulders. The top boasts beautiful panoramic views of Stephens County as well as several areas for rock climbing and rappelling. There are also several caves on the east side of the mountain that hold historical significance.
Broad River
This 3.8-miles trail winds, twists, climbs, and drops as it follows Dick Creek and then the Broad River for a scenic and interesting trek.
A waterfall and a long water cascade greet the hiker within the first mile, and a series of smaller cascades makes the first section especially beautiful.
From there, the terrain ranges from flat, easy walking to challenging steep and sheer sections as it winds in and out of coves and thick mountain foliage.
The trail appears to end suddenly at the convergence of the Broad River and a rock ledge, but the hiker can either rock-hop through the water to pick up the trail or take an alternate path through a laurel thicket above the rock ledge.
To access the trail, take Hwy. 123 North from Toccoa and turn left onto Ayersville Road at the Milliken Humphrey Plant.
Go eight-tenths of a mile and turn left on Forest Sercice Road #87. Drive 2.1 miles and bear to the left at the fork in the road, continuing on #87 Drive until you see a brown sign on the right marked “Hiker Trail,” and follow the blue blazes.
Panther Creek
Panther Creek trail captivates hikers with its challenging obstacles and magnificent views as the path follows the creek along steep, rocky bluffs – passing by beautiful cascades, inclding the 70-foot Panther Creek Falls.
The 5.5- mile point to point trail cluminates at a dirt road near the point where Davidson Creek joins Panther Creek, but most hikers stop at the Panther Creek Falls and then hike back out. the trail is moderately difficult to hike with a few steep and treacherously slipppery areas close to the falls.
The gnarled roots of trees crisscross the path, requiring care with footing, especially as the path drops away into a steep slope leading down to the creek.
Once at the bottom, hikers catch their first full-on glance at the breathtaking Panther Creek Falls.
During warmer months, the deep plunge pool is ideal for a refreshing swim after the long hike. The flat area surrounding the pool is usually flooded with campers, picnickers and panting dogs, all enjoying view.
The remainder of the trail leading up to Davidson Creek is spectacular in its virgin beauty. Relatively few hikers traipse past the falls, leaving the trail in peaceful isololation.
The path isn’t well maintained and becomes very narrow and steep, with relatively few guide-wires.
This area of the trail is designated a a Protected Botanical Area by the U.S. Forest Service because of the richness and diversity of its plant life.
The trail ends at a dirt road two miles from Lake Yonah Dam and Park. Hikers should not plan on hiking to Panther Creek Recreation area by road from lake Yonah park. It would be very long walk.
Directions; Panther Creek Recreation Area is nine miles north of Clarkesville and 3.6 miles south of Tallulah Falls on Old 441. Take US 23/441 south from Tallulah Falls. In three miles, turn right on Historic Hwy. 441 to Panther Creek Recreation Area on the right (fee area).
The western end of the trail begins across the highway from the recreation area. The eastern end of the trail can be reached by driving west on Yonah Dam road to a dirt road turning to the left.
This road follows the creek approximately two miles to the small parking area at the end of the trail. (No sign, but blue blaze marks the trail.) The road is hard-packed dirt but is rocky and requires a four-wheel drive in wet weather.
Camping
Primitive camping is available at both the Chattahoochee National Forest and the lake Russell Wildlife Management Area, but is inadvisable to camp or hike in wildlife management areas or on private property during hunting season. For additional information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (770) 297-3000.
Toccoa RV Park and Campground offers full hook-ups, laundry, bathrooms, phone hook-ups and sewer dump stations. They also have a pavilion and a nature walk. For additional information, call (706) 886-2654. The park is located off of Hwy.17 on Oak Valley Road.
The Georgia Baptist Conference Center has a 19-site campground complete with water and electrical hookups, shower and bathroom facilities and laundry room. Call (706) 886-3133.
Hunting
Local game includes deer, turkey, boar, fox, bobcat, raccoon and opossums, and hunting is permitted in season.
For more information about locations and regulations, contact the Department of Natural Resources at (770) 535-5700.
Recreation opportunities abound on Lake Hartwell.
Hartwell Lake is one of the southeast’s largest and most popular public recreaction lakes. Each year, millions of people utilize the many public parks, marinas, and campgrounds conveniently located around the lake to pursue a variety of outdoor recreational experiences – making Hartwell on of the most visited Corps lakes in the nation. The Corps of Engineers manages more than 80 recreation areas on the lake inclulding Walker Creek, Stephens County Recreation Area, Jenkins Ferry and Spring Branch in Stephens County. Come join us as we celebrate 50 years of fun on the waters of Lake Hartwell. (Original article appeared in The Toccoa Record.)
Fishing
There are many trout streams in Stephens County: the Middle Fork Broad River upstream from NRCS flood control structure No. 44 the North Fork of Broad River, Panther Creek and Toccoa Creek upstream from Toccoa Falls.
Black crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass and channel catifish are also abundant, especially in Lake Hartwell.
For additional information, contact the Department of Natural Resources at (770) 535-5700.
Boating, Skiing, Swimming
Lake Yonah is a 320-acre lake and has boat ramps located on Yonah Dam Road.
It is a popular spot for skiing, swimming and boating and also boasts a recreational rope swing and jumping rock on the left side of the lake, towards the powerhouse.
There are five public recreation areas that have boat ramps for access to Lake Hartwell: Stephens County Recreation Area, Spring Branch, Jenkins Ferry, Bruce Creek and the Holcomb Access.
The Tugaloo River has a boat ramp located at Walker Creek. For the more adventurous, there is a canoe/kayak put-in at Yonah Park.
Because of shallow water, it isn’t recommended that pontoons or other large boats travel up-stream of the Walker Creek Access point.
Lake Louise is a 200-acre lake located at the Georgia Baptist Conference Assembly and has fishing docks, a sandy beach, jon boats and rental canoes. For additional information, call (706) 886-3133.
The Frady Branch Trail system provides approximately 14 miles of gravel roads, fire roads and single-track multi-use trails for horse riding and mountain bikers. There is a variety of terrain with short climbs and fast descents.
Stream crossings, vistas, rock ovehangs, waterfalls and historic sites along the way. Take Hwy. 184/Homer Highway past the State Patrol barracks and go 3.5 miles to the Frady Branch parking area on the right.
Call the Forest Service at (706) 754-6221 for additional information.
Golf
The Pines is a nine-hole, privately-operated public golf course located next to Waterworks Lake, three miles north of Toccoa on Hwy. Alt. 17.
Turn right on Black Mountain Road. The golf course is 200 feet up the road on the left. For additional information, call (706) 886-1915.
The Currahee Club has a private 18-hole golf course on its property. For additional information, call (706) 827-1000.
Tennis
Henderson Falls Park has five tennis courts and is located off of North Pond Street.
The Georgia Baptist Conference Center has two courts. Call (706) 886-3133 for additional information.
Roselane Park has five lighted tennis courts. Call (706) 886-5101 for additional information.
Bicycling
The U.S. Forest Service maintains several dirt/gravel roads that range from easy to strenous in terms of terrain.
Mountain bikers may enjoy taking the U.S. Forest Service Road #62 up Currahee Mt. It is a quad-challenging ride and Black Mountain road is another strenuous and scenic ride.
Frady Brancy Trail System is a multi-use trail for mountain bikers and horseback riding and features 14 miles of gravel and fire roads and single tracks.
The terrain has a lot os short climbs and fast descents, and is made scenic by stream corssing, waterfalls and rock overhangs. Take Hwy. 184/Homer Highway past the State Patrol barracks and go 3.5 miles to Frady Branch parking area on the right.
Call the Forest Service at (706) 754-6221 for additional information.
For road bikes, there are several paved loops through the countryside on scenic roads.
Yonah Dam Road is a flat and relatively easy ride next to the Tugaloo River that offers a beautiful view and winds through a number of Stephens County’s points of interest.
Call the U.S. Forest Service office at (706) 754-6221 for a complete listing of service roads in the county.
ATV Trails
There are 17 miles of trail available for off-road vehicles at the Locust Stake ATV area near the North Fork of Broad River.
From Hwy.123 out of Toccoa, take a right at Jeanette Jamieson Intersection onto Hwy. 17/365. Travel 4.1 miles and turn right on Red Road shortly after you see the Habersham County sign. A brown National Forest sign says “ATV Trails” and points to the right.
Call the U.S. Forest Service at (706) 754-6221 for additional information.
Conference Centers
Camp Toccoa is located on 176 acres of beautifully wooded land and has hiking trails that wrap around streams and waterfalls. Fishing and canoeing, horseback riding, volleyball courts, play-ground, ropes courses, swimming pool and a nature center are also available. It is owned and operated by Camp Fire USA Georgia Council and runs a traditional summer camp program.
During the off-season, the center rents out cabins and facilities. Call (706) 886-2457 for additional information.
Georgia Baptist Conference Center is situated on more than 900 acres and has a 200-acre lake, nature trails, tennis and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, an open field for soccer, football and softball and bonfire amphitheather.
Call (706) 886-3133 for more information. Mikell Camp and Conference Center is a 478-acre facility that has a number of trails, a wetland boardwalk, ropes courses, rappelling wall, swimming pool, volleyball court and nature center.
Call (706) 886-7515.
