Georgia · Hiking

Murrays Lake

0.8 mi
loop
1,533 ft
high point
Loop
route
Easy
difficulty
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Murrays Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Murrays Lake is a short loop hike of about 0.8 miles in northern Georgia, set within the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area on the Conasauga Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The State Department of Natural Resources manages the land, and the trail is rated easy, with no elevation gain on a loop that stays between 1,511 and 1,533 feet. The route is a low-effort outing with a gentle climb of about 8% at roughly the halfway point. Bikes and horses are not allowed, and the trail surface is natural. It works well as a quick walk or a longer day when combined with other trails in the area. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Chatsworth show October highs around 74°F with lows near 48°F, and April is similar at about 72°F and 47°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the loop run cooler. Nearby options include the Sumac Creek Trail about a mile away, Horseshoe Bend and Cottonwood Patch Campground about 3 miles out, and Iron Mountain a little farther.

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

    Best time to visit Murrays Lake

    Best months: February–May and September–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

      51° / 30°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 33°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      63° / 40°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      72° / 47°

      10 wet

    5. May

      79° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 64°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 68°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 67°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 60°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 48°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 38°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 33°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Chatsworth 2, GA, 13.7 mi away at 710 ft. The station sits about 800 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