Georgia · Hiking

Long Branch Loop

4.2 mi
loop
244 ft
climb
2,068 ft
high point
Loop
route
Mar–May, Aug–Nov
best months

Is Long Branch Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name Long Branch 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.

Long Branch Loop is a 4.16-mile moderate hike in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is natural-surfaced and rated moderate, with a one-way elevation gain of 244 feet. The route starts at about 1,913 feet and reaches a high point of 2,068 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.1 miles in, with a 10% grade. Bikes are allowed, but horses are not. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Blairsville show May highs around 76°F and October highs around 70°F, with September seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Flat Creek Loop and Green Mountain are both about 1.4 miles away. Sandy Bottoms - Toccoa River Campground is about 2.3 miles off, and Lake Blue Ridge is about 2.4 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Long Branch Loop

    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, 19.1 mi away at 1,949 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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