Forest Road 28 Coopers Creek to Mulky Gap
Classic mountain gravel through trout country
Forest Road 28 winds 16 miles through some of the prettiest hardwood forest left in North Georgia, following Coopers Creek upstream before climbing the divide toward Mulky Gap. The road starts easy enough at the Forest Service campground, but gets interesting around mile 6 where it crosses Coopers Creek on a low-water concrete ford that can run 2 feet deep after heavy rains. Past the crossing, the trail climbs steadily through sections of virgin hemlock and poplar that somehow escaped the loggers’ saws.
Any high-clearance vehicle handles this route in dry weather, but the creek crossing demands respect during spring melt and summer storms. The gravel surface gets washboarded but stays passable year-round except during ice storms. Plan a half day to explore the side spurs and fishing holes properly. Dispersed camping is allowed along the creek, and several unofficial sites offer flat ground near the water. Come for the trout fishing and fall colors—this is old-school Southern Appalachian country at its finest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Suches, GA |
| Land manager | Chattahoochee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lifted rig or will a stock high-clearance vehicle handle FR 28?
A stock high-clearance vehicle like a 4Runner, Wrangler, or Tacoma handles this fine under normal conditions. Lockers and skid plates aren't required, but a lifted rig will have more margin on the rougher washboard sections and water crossings after heavy rain.
Is FR 28 passable in winter or after heavy rain?
The trail is generally open year-round, but winter ice and snow can make the gravel sketchy without AT tires or chains. After hard rain, the water crossings rise fast and the gravel surface can get soft — check conditions with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest before heading out.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on FR 28?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping in Chattahoochee National Forest is free and allowed without a reservation — just follow the 150-foot setback rule from streams and roads, and pack out everything you pack in.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
This is a moderate scenic drive, not a rock crawler's playground — the toughest moments are the water crossings, which can reach axle-depth during wet season. Washboard gravel and narrow shelf sections near Mulky Gap require attention but nothing that'll test your nerves if you've done basic dirt road driving.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there cell service on the trail?
Suches, GA is the closest town but has no gas station — fuel up in Dahlonega or Blue Ridge before you run FR 28, both roughly 20-30 miles out. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent for most of the route, so download offline maps and don't count on a signal for navigation or emergencies.
Trail track
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