The Chattahoochee National Forest stretches across north Georgia from Alabama to South Carolina, but the portion of it that lies between Alabama and I-75 is less heavily visited than the larger area to the east. It offers a variety of opportunities to hike, fish, camp, or just spend an enjoyable day outdoors, and it is closer and easier to get to than most other mountain areas.
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, the Chickamauga Creek Trail is a great destination for a day trip with the dogs. Just north of Calhoun, it is easy to get to, and is not heavily used. It is fairly long loop trail, over six miles, but is is not a difficult hike. There is running water for the dogs, and just enough uphill walking to make you feel like you’ve done something.
This area is made up of two mountain ridges which parallel one another in a north-south direction. Another ridge connects the two, forming an “H” pattern, and dividing the valley between them. There are two separate streams within this natural drainage; Ponder Creek, which flows south, and East Chickamauga Creek, which flows north.
From the small parking area, the trail leads to a small bridge which crosses Ponder Creek. When you cross the bridge, you can go either left or right on the loop trail. Starting to the right is considered the easiest way to go, but having hiked it both ways, I don’t think it matters. This trail isn’t going to challenge anyone.
On a recent trip, we went left and followed Ponder Creek through the valley. These streams are really just brooks, and while the trail crosses both of them often, where you can’t jump across, stepping stones keep your feet dry. The dogs loved it - racing through the valley, in and out of the water, up the side of a ridge, back down, across the valley and up the other side.
After a while, the trail begins an easy climb to a forest service road, then drops back down, and follows East Chickamauga Creek through the northern part of the valley. After crossing the valley, the trail begins to climb the ridge on the east side of the valley. This trail is well marked with white blazes, but at times it crosses and even merges with old road beds which use yellow and blue blazes, so be sure to follow the white ones.
The trail gradually climbs along the side of the ridge to the top, then follows the ridge crest. After passing under some power lines, the trail begins a gradual descent into the valley and back to the starting point.
This isn’t a trail that offers spectacular views or impressive waterfalls. It’s just a nice walk through a forest, with a chance to see some wild life along the way.
From I-285 take I-75 north 61 miles to exit 320. Turn left onto GA 136 for about 18 miles. After you pass Villanow (you can miss it without blinking), look for the marker for "mile 26." Just past it, turn right on Ponder Creek Road for .6 miles - then turn right on F.S. 219 for about 1½ miles to the parking area. This road goes through Ponder Creek, but the creek is only 6"- 8" deep.
