Georgia · Hiking · Near Highlands

3 Forks

3 ForksPhoto: ChattOconeeNF, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.2 mi
round trip
1,945 ft
climb
2,686 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Aug–Nov
best months

Is 3 Forks open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name 3 Forks, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

3 Forks is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia, managed by the Forest Service. The route is about 4.3 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 1,945 feet, and it starts at roughly 2,155 feet, rising to a high point of 2,686 feet before returning to the starting level. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically October and May, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run around 67°F and 72°F, with fewer wet days than the summer months. That station sits at a similar elevation to the trail, so temperatures on the route should run close to those figures. The hike takes about 2.5 hours to complete. WestFork Campground is about 1.4 miles away, and the Three Forks Trail is about 1.5 miles off. Holcomb Creek Trail is about 3.1 miles away, and the Chattooga River, a fishing destination, is about 6.2 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    West Fork Campground (Clayton, GA)

    Campground

    Sites open the weekend of Nov 6 on Recreation.gov
  • If it rains

    Sunset Rock

    Viewpoint

    In town

    Cliff in Macon County, North Carolina, United States

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Highlands

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Aug–Nov

    Best time to visit 3 Forks

    Best months: March–June and August–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      48° / 26°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      52° / 28°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      58° / 32°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      66° / 39°

      10 wet

    5. May

      72° / 47°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      78° / 56°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 59°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 59°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 53°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      67° / 41°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 32°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      50° / 28°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Jocassee 8 Wnw, SC, 8.3 mi away at 2,540 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Spring 2026 Forest-wide Fire Restrictions

      Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests · Order dated April 23, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Oct 13, 2026 · Forest Service

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3 ForksPhoto: Thomson200, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors