Georgia · Hiking

Lake Russell Loop

4.9 mi
loop
326 ft
climb
1,145 ft
high point
Loop
route
Mar–Jun, Aug–Nov
best months

Is Lake Russell Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name Lake Russell Loop, 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.

Lake Russell Loop is a 4.9-mile loop hike in the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 1,060 feet to a high point of 1,145 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 1.8 miles in, where the grade reaches 12 percent. The climb totals 326 feet of elevation gain, and the route is rated moderate. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Cornelia show October highs around 70°F with lows near 49°F, and May highs around 76°F. The station sits about 325 feet higher than the trail, so temperatures on the loop run a little warmer. The loop is close to several other trails. Nancytown Lake Loop starts just 0.1 mile away, and Sourwood and Ladyslipper are within a mile. Lake Russell Campground is about 1.1 miles off.

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 Lake Russell Loop

    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

      49° / 30°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 33°

      10 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 39°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      69° / 47°

      10 wet

    5. May

      76° / 55°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 63°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 66°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 66°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 60°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 49°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 39°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 34°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cornelia, GA, 2.9 mi away at 1,470 ft. 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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