Georgia · Hiking

Mill Shoals Trail

4.9 mi
round trip
2,364 ft
climb
2,815 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Aug–Nov
best months

Is Mill Shoals Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. It doesn't name Mill Shoals Trail, 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.

Mill Shoals Trail is a 4.9-mile out-and-back hike in northern Georgia, set within the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The land also falls within the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area, and the State Department of Natural Resources manages it. The trail rises from a low point of 2,175 feet to a high of 2,815 feet, with a total climb of 2,364 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 1.9 miles, where the grade reaches 20%. The route is accessible, and the trail surface is natural. Bikes and horses are not allowed. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 76°F and October highs near 70°F, with lows in the low to mid 40s. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the high ground run cooler. The trip takes about 3 hours. The Hickory Knob Trail starts just 0.2 miles away, and Shope Gap is 0.6 miles off. Cooper Creek Campground is 1.4 miles away, and the Toccoa River, about 5.4 miles away, offers paddling.

Local outfitters

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

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

    Best time to visit Mill Shoals Trail

    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, 7.8 mi away at 1,949 ft. The station sits about 900 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

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