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

Difficulty

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

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Torey Bennett
Jun 20, 2024
2019 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Dusty
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
I would rate this trail a 1 or 2 if you don’t complete it. Once you get towards the end of the trail, it will want you to turn left over a small narrow bridge. Once you cross over that bridge, it’s single vehicle only. Not only that, I’d rate it a 5 due to the mud pits. There is a larger one that you cannot go around, be sure to give it speed but don’t overkill it. I’d recommend that you have a winch or if another jeep in your pack has one, just in case your jeep doesn’t make it. Luckily, we made it across without any issues, but it was deep enough to cover to the bottom of just doors. So cleaning the undercarriage has been fun! But the entire trail prior to that bridge was a smooth ride and easy going. Nice place to stop at and hang out with the kids. If you like to fish, bring your rods! Air down to a 20-24 would be best for a much smoother ride. Will definitely go back but not sure we’ll go over the bridge again, unless we want to clean that caked undercarriage.
Michael Iversen
Jun 10, 2024
2022 Ford Bronco
Open
Normal
It is as described except the last 2-3 miles if you follow the trail across the bridge after the fish hatchery. Then it becomes single lane with lots of ruts, a lot of water, some mud, a bit technical and more like a 4-5/10. But it is fun and worth the unexpected ending.
Rachel Sullivan
May 12, 2024
2018 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Chris Lemberg
Apr 20, 2024
4x4
Open
Very smooth ride, saw several 2W's, there was very little dust.

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