A Gem to Blue Ridge, Rich Mountain Wilderness Area Forest & Hiking Trails
Located between Blue Ridge and Cherry Log the Rich Mountain Wilderness area offers a number of well marked hiking & biking trails where you will find creeks & waterfalls. The old growth forest is home to a variety of wildlife indigenous to this area.
It generally follows Murphy's stratified rock which divides the Blue Ridge from the Cohuttas. The unaware visitor driving up US 76 in between this rock formation would miss the Rich Mountain area because the higher peaks and ridges are barely visible from the road.
Only experienced hikers should explore the Rich Mountains area and carry a compass, topographical maps, and other survival gear. Beware of the large bear population. Always let someone know your hiking plans & what time you plan to return.
To Rich Mountain Wilderness Area Forest Land-From Blue Ridge go South on Aska Rd. 8 miles and go right on Stanley Creek Rd. follow to end of pavement. The Forest Service land starts .1 miles after the pavement ends where you will find the 1st of many trails this one goes off to the right and leads to a picturesque waterfall.
Below are some local hiking trails of Rich Mountain Wilderness Area
Stanley Gap Trail-This trail offers a moderately strenuous 5-mile hike (one-way) or a difficult 12-mile bike ride which includes the mileage along the roads to return to the trail head. The forest is unmatched in its diversity throughout the country. Views of surrounding mountains, and winter view of Lake Blue Ridge, add to the outdoor beauty of this trail.
Green Mountain Trail-This 3.3-mile trail offers views of Lake Blue Ridge after cresting the mountaintop. A very pleasant hike or bicycle ride, including running alongside the shoreline of Lake Blue Ridge. The forest is made up of a variety of southern Appalachian hardwood. The trail begins on the east side of Aska Road at Deep Gap and starts as a gradual climb toward the summit of Green Mountain. On the trail there are five short, relatively steep ascents, but they are not demanding. The Green Mountain ridge provides a bird's eye view of Charlie's Cove and Lake Blue Ridge. The trail then descends for 2.4 miles to its end on FS 711.
Lake Blue Ridge Trail- 6/10th a mile a loop trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Blue Ridge and offers a beautiful view of the lake.
Aska Trails of Blue Ridge- South of Blue Ridge and east of Ellijay, the Aska area has a 17-mile hiking and mountain biking trail system. Located in the Chattahoochee Blue Ridge National Forest, the trails include Deep Gap and Stanley Gap trails that ascend to near 3,200 feet, offering beautiful views of mountain ridges, and then descends to the shores of Lake.
More information with maps can be obtained at the Forestry or Chamber of Commerce.
Also visit Fannin County Trails for more information.