Georgia · Hiking

Broad River

Broad RiverPhoto: ChattOconeeNF, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
8.2 mi
round trip
1,417 ft
climb
1,099 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Dec
best months

Is Broad River open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name Broad River, 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.

Broad River is an out-and-back hike of about 8 miles in the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia, within the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area. The State Department of Natural Resources manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced with no designated route for horses or bikes. The climb is a steady one, rising from about 900 feet to about 1,100 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 13% grade around the 2.2-mile mark. The hike is rated hard, and the total elevation gain is about 360 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Toccoa show October highs around 74°F with lows near 51°F, and April is similar at about 73°F by day and 49°F at night. July is the warmest month, with highs near 89°F. Lake Russell Campground is about 5 miles away, and the Leatherwood Creek and Pear Orchard hikes are each within about a mile and a half. Climbers can find the Above the Brick Wall area about 2.5 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Sep–Dec

    Best time to visit Broad River

    Best months: February–May and September–December. 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

      53° / 33°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      56° / 36°

      10 wet

    3. Mar

      64° / 41°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 49°

      10 wet

    5. May

      80° / 58°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 66°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 69°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      88° / 68°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 63°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 51°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      64° / 41°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      55° / 36°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Toccoa, GA, 6.1 mi away at 1,012 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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