Trail Overview

Hickorynut Gap, FSR 797, is an in-and-out forest service road in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest just on the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness. Being an in-and-out road, the travel time reflects this with the return trip. It is a longer than usual forest service road for the area. Hickorynut Gap is open year-round. As you climb, fog can set in quickly. Somewhat counterintuitive, the FSR tends to hold water the higher you go. Thus at higher elevations, you will find the FSR tends to hold water and make some muddy spots. Proper tires are definitely recommended.

Photos of Hickorynut Gap - FSR 797

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Difficulty

The vast majority of the forest service road is a level 2 road, however, there are a few spots with erosion and mud pits that warrant a level 3 rating. Any vehicle with proper ground clearance should do well on Hickorynut Gap.

Technical Rating

John Szczesniak

Oct 22, 2025

Open

Great trail and beginner obstacles with some great views and a cool waterfall towards the end. Ran it on a loaner jeep with city slicker tires so ran some parts in 4H but probably would have been fine in 2WD with normal AT tires.

Richard Sears

Jan 18, 2025

Open

Obviously snow and ice with the recent weather. Trail was otherwise as described. Some recent fallen trees in switchbacks. Not accessible from the Chestnut Gap Rd side, gate was locked. Only reason tried entering from that way was the OnX app maps said that was the route. Enter off Devils Den Rd, from Hwy-2.