Cooper Creek Recreation Area is about 25 miles north of Dahlonega, about a 1½ hour drive from I-285 up GA 400, depending on how you interpret the speed limit. Cooper Creek is an area with a varied past. There are areas of old growth forest that are almost untouched, and other sectors that were heavily logged, in some cases clear cut, and are now recovering. Cooper Creek, like most streams in protected areas, is clean and clear, not yet soiled by contact with civilization.

This is a wildlife managemeant area, and it is pretty remote, so you need to bring anything you will require in the way of food and water with you. There are two trails in Cooper Creek, joined by a short connector trail. Both begin near a large parking area alongside the stream. The Yellow Mountain Trail is the better of the two, both in the quality of the trail, and the trail markers.

The trail begins about 300 yards down the road on the other side of the creek. This trail is a little over 3 miles long, and begins at a set of log steps at the side of the road. The first part of the trail is uphill, gradually climbing along the side of a ridge to the top of Yellow Mountain, through a mixture of pine and hardwood trees. At about one mile, the trail connects with the Cooper Creek Trail, a short spur which leads to the Millshoal Creek Trail. Staying on the Yellow Mountain Trail you come to another spur trail which leads off to the left. Stay on the main trail and you soon reach the top of Yellow Mountain, all of about 3000', but with a nice view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trail then starts down along the crest of the ridge and soon begins a series of switchbacks down to Bryant Creek, which you cross on a log, and on to Addie Gap. This trail is dry between the trailhead and Bryant Creek, so bring enough water for yourself and the dog(s), and something for them to drink from.

After Bryant Creek, the trail climbs uphill to the parking area at Addie Gap. Unless you are really determined to see the end of the trail, the creek is a good place to stop, find a rock or log to sit on, and have a snack while the dogs cool off in the water.

On the way back, you may want to cross over to the Millshoal Creek Trail on the Cooper Creek spur. When you reach the Millshoal Creek Trail, go left and you will end up about 200 yards up the road from where you started, a short walk back to the car.

For those who enjoy camping, there are two campgrounds at Cooper Creek. They offer the basics - a picnic table, a grill, and restrooms. Bring everything you will need; it’s pretty secluded.

To get to Cooper Creek, take GA 400 to the end (about 50 miles from 285), turn left to Dahlonega, then take US 19 / GA 60 north. When the two roads split, stay on GA 60 for 15 miles. About 7 miles past Suches, turn right on Cavender Road at the Forest Service sign. In about ½ mile, turn left on F.S. 236 for about 2.5 miles to the parking area on the right.