Georgia · Hiking

Sourwood

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

Is Sourwood open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Sourwood is a short, easy loop hike in the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in northeast Georgia. The trail sits within the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area, and the State Department of Natural Resources manages the surrounding land. The route is a loop of about 2.7 miles, with a total elevation gain of 251 feet and a total loss of 428 feet. The climb reaches a high point of 1,326 feet and a low of 1,059 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.7 miles in, with a grade of about 12%. The trail surface is natural, and the route is open year-round, so it works well for a quick outing at any time of the year. For the most comfortable conditions, aim for spring or fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Cornelia run to highs around 69°F in April and 70°F in October, with fewer wet days than the rest of the year. The Nancytown Lake Loop is about 0.4 miles away and the Lake Russell Loop about half a mile, with Lake Russell Campground roughly 1.3 miles off for an overnight stay. Rhododendron Lake is about 1.2 miles away.

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 Sourwood

    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, 2.7 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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~29 min drive

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~8 min drive

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