Winding Stair Mountain Trail

Total Miles
20.3

Elevation

1,004.89 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

This route through the Chattahoochee National Forest takes you deep into the rolling Appalachian Mountains up the Winding Stair Mountain Trail. The iconic Winding Stair portion of the trail takes you up the mountainside overlooking scenic forested hollers adjacent to the the trail. The trail offers numerous camping, hiking and recreational opportunities in the area. The route winds through and shows off the north Georgia backcountry. The north end of the trail winds through private land along a county road so make sure to stay the trail. any overland vehicles can drive this route without difficulty. Along the way you can stop at a US fish and wildlife fish hatchery with informative displays, as well as creekside stops with pit toilets. This area is very popular for outdoor recreation and is busy on weekends due to its relatively close proximity to metropolitan Atlanta. This is a perfect day trip experience. Be prepared and careful during hunting season since the trail is adjacent to a wildlife management area. Fuel up near the Southern trailhead because fuel stops are few and far between coming out the north end. Cell phone reception is very limited, even on the main highways to the north.

Photos of Winding Stair Mountain Trail

Winding Stair Mountain Trail
Winding Stair Mountain Trail
Winding Stair Mountain Trail

Difficulty

Basic overland route without major obstacles on national forest maintained roads.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Dustin Robinson
Apr 14, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Dusty
Chose this path for my first outing with On X Off-road an I can’t say I was disappointed. Easy well maintained dirt road that a CRV could take. Even seen a large 5th wheel camper parked near the northern part of the trail near state route 60.
Jeff Tryzbiak
Apr 06, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Lots of dust. Easy ride for our Rookie status.
Todd Timlake
Mar 22, 2024
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Open
Dusty
Some rocks just up 2 or 3 inches above dirt road surface. Recommend airing down a good bit. Per Forest Service Roads Manager, this trail is frequently graded and that seems true. Not a lot of ruts. Quite dusty. Lots of twisty bits and lots of uphill/downhill grades. Highly recommend for any AWD/4WD vehicle. Allow at least 3 hours to enjoy properly.
Colin Tague
Mar 16, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Downed Tree

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