Lake Conasauga
The highest lake in Georgia, and the easiest base in the range.
At a glance
- Elevation
- About 3,150 feet
- Size
- 19 acres, spring fed
- Facilities
- Campground and swimming area
- Fishing
- Trout
- Road
- Closed December 29 until March 1
Lake Conasauga sits at about 3,150 feet near the top of the Cohutta range, the highest lake in Georgia. It is small, nineteen acres of spring fed water under white pine, hemlock, yellow birch, and big oaks, with rhododendron and laurel crowding the banks.
It is also the easiest base in these mountains. The campground sits on the shore, and three short trails start within walking distance of it.
Trails from the lake
- Listed distance
- 1.2 mi loop
- Crossings
- No crossings recorded
- Difficulty
- Easy
A flat mile around the shore.
- Listed distance
- 1.7 mi loop
- Crossings
- No crossings recorded
- Difficulty
- Easy
A nearly flat loop through habitat managed for birds, with a beaver pond partway around. Best in May.
- Listed distance
- 4.3 mi round trip
- Crossings
- No crossings recorded
- Difficulty
- Easy to Moderate
A steady climb to the Grassy Mountain summit at 3,694 feet. The tower is fenced and closed, and the clearing still has the widest view in the range.
- Listed distance
- 5 mi one way
- Crossings
- No crossings recorded
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
From the Holly Creek side, a branch of the Windy Gap system runs about six miles toward the lake. Shared with dirt bikes and mountain bikes.
Getting there
From Crandall, take FS 630 to the FS 17 intersection and make the sharp right onto FS 17. Climb the steep, loose gravel for 3.3 miles to a T intersection and turn right. The lake is under half a mile on. From Ellijay, take Highway 52 west, turn right at the Lake Conasauga sign onto Conasauga Road, then right on FS 68 and up the mountain. Barnes Creek Falls sits beside FS 68 on the way.
Camping
Lake Conasauga Campground sits on the shore.
Winter
The road to the lake closes December 29 until March 1. You can park at the gate, as long as you leave it clear, and continue by bike.
Fall
Color here usually peaks in mid to late October, ahead of the valleys. The small lots fill by mid morning on October weekends, so come early or on a weekday.
Questions
Is Lake Conasauga the highest lake in Georgia?
Yes. At about 3,150 feet it is the highest lake in the state.
Can you swim in Lake Conasauga?
Yes. There is a swimming area at the lake.
Is the road to Lake Conasauga open in winter?
No. It closes December 29 until March 1. You can park at the gate without blocking it and continue by bike.
Can you fish at Lake Conasauga?
Yes. The lake holds trout. Bring a Georgia fishing license.
Is the Grassy Mountain fire tower open?
The tower is fenced and closed to visitors. The trail is open, and the summit clearing has a full view.
Related
Stay near the trailheads
Sherpa Camp — a cabin at the edge of the wilderness.
The drive in from Atlanta or Chattanooga is long enough that most people are better off sleeping near the gate than starting at 4 a.m. Sherpa Camp is a small cabin on Holly Creek, on the western edge of the Cohutta Wilderness, about 25 minutes from Ellijay. It sleeps five, with a covered porch, a firepit, and a creek. Cell service ends before you get there.
See Sherpa Camp