Georgia · Hiking · Cohutta Wilderness

Chestnut Lead

3.6 mi
round trip
1,110 ft
climb
3,277 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Aug–Nov
best months

Is Chestnut Lead open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Chestnut Lead is a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Cohutta Wilderness, part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia. The trail rises from about 2,367 feet to a high point of 3,277 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,110 feet. The climb is front-loaded, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.8 miles, where the grade reaches 25 percent. The land is managed by the State Department of Natural Resources, and the route lies within the Conasauga Ranger District and the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. The trail is rated moderate, and the natural surface makes it a straightforward walk for those comfortable with a steady climb. Bikes and horses are not allowed. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Blairsville show May highs around 76°F and October highs around 70°F, though that station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The Conasauga River Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and the Conasauga River and Tear Britches are both within about 2 miles. For an overnight stay, Jacks River Fields Campground is about 4.5 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Chestnut Lead

    Best months: March–May 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

      49° / 25°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 28°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 34°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      69° / 41°

      11 wet

    5. May

      76° / 50°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 58°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 62°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 61°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 43°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 33°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 29°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Blairsville Exp Stn, GA, 37.3 mi away at 1,949 ft. The station sits about 1,300 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. 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