Georgia · Hiking · Near Highlands

Willis Knob Camp

2.2 mi
round trip
391 ft
climb
1,670 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Nov
best months

Is Willis Knob Camp open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Willis Knob Camp is an easy, short hike of about 2.2 miles on a natural-surface trail in the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in north Georgia. The route is an out-and-back, and the climb is gentle, with a high point of 1,670 feet and a low of 1,569 feet. The steepest stretch comes early, at about 0.1 mile from the start, with a grade of about 9 percent. The trail is open year-round, and the Forest Service manages the land. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so the route works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Long Creek, South Carolina, show October highs around 70°F with lows near 47°F, and April is similar at about 70°F by day and 46°F at night. Summer runs warmer, with July highs around 85°F. Willis Knob Horse Trail starts just 0.2 miles away, and Willis Knob Horse Camp is about 0.4 miles off. Willis Knob River Acces is 0.7 miles away, and the Big Island Ford Trail across the line in South Carolina is about 1.6 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Willis Knob Horse Camp

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Sunset Rock

    Viewpoint

    In town

    Cliff in Macon County, North Carolina, United States

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Highlands

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Mar–Nov

    Best time to visit Willis Knob Camp

    Best months: March–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

      50° / 30°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      54° / 32°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 38°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      76° / 54°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 62°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 65°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 64°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 58°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 47°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 38°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Long Creek, SC, 8.9 mi away at 1,625 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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Willis Knob Horse Trail

Next door

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