Forest Road 39 Toccoa River to Blue Ridge
Cherokee trading route through moonshine country
Forest Road 39 traces an ancient Cherokee trading path along the Toccoa River’s upper reaches, winding through dense hardwood hollows where moonshine stills once hid from federal agents. The route climbs steadily from the river bottom at 1,800 feet to ridgeline views near 3,200 feet, crossing half a dozen creek beds that can turn treacherous after heavy rains. Key landmarks include the abandoned Grandview fire tower at mile 8 and the old CCC bridge over Rock Creek, where granite boulders force careful line selection.
This moderate trail demands high-clearance 4WD for the rocky creek crossings and steep grades, especially the notorious Possum Trot Hill section. Spring offers the best conditions before summer rains wash out culverts, though fall colors make October worth the mud risk. No permits required, but bring spare fuel—the nearest gas is 35 miles either direction. Dispersed camping is allowed past mile 5, and you’ll earn mountain views that stretch to the Tennessee line on clear days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Blue Ridge, Georgia |
| Land manager | Chattahoochee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle FR 39, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but low-hanging skid plates can catch on embedded rocks along the rougher sections. A modest 2-3 inch lift gives you real peace of mind, especially after rain when ruts deepen.
Is FR 39 accessible in winter or after heavy rain?
The best window is April through October. Winter brings ice, mud, and occasional snow above 3,000 feet that can make the route impassable or trap you mid-run. After heavy rain any time of year, the water crossings rise fast and the dirt surface turns greasy — check conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive FR 39. Dispersed camping is allowed under Chattahoochee National Forest rules — stay 150 feet from water, roads, and trails, and pack out everything. No fee, no registration.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The tightest moments come at the water crossings, which can reach axle-deep after rain with slick rocky bottoms. The trail itself is moderate, but narrow stretches with drop-offs demand you're comfortable with no bailout option and zero cell service for the entire 28 miles.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on trail?
Blue Ridge has gas stations roughly 10-15 minutes from the eastern terminus — fuel up before you drop onto the route. The Toccoa River and several creek crossings provide water on trail, but filter everything; cattle and wildlife use the same sources upstream.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.