Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area

The Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area is located in Dawson County. This 25,500-acre property offers hunting for deer, bear, turkey, small game, dove, and waterfowl. There are five sections (tracts) of the WMA, including: Wildcat Creek, Goethe, Burnt Mountain, Amicalola, and City of Atlanta. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division owns 15,000 acres of the forest, with the City of Atlanta owning the lower 10,000 acres.

Dawson Forest Amicalola River view — Dawson Forest WMA, Amicalola River © Photo Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Handicapped Access: Yes: Birding by car, trails

Important Information: Etowah River Bridge (Shoal Creek Rd.): Closed to all traffic. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders may cross the river using the Blue Trail from Railroad Rd. All other traffic must use North Gate Rd. or Shoal Creek Rd. from Hwy 53 via Sweetwater Church Rd. Horse riders and cyclists should continue parking at the Horse Camp area. City of Atlanta Tract: A few roads may be closed to ongoing Winter Storm cleanup. Please check with the Gainesville office (770-535-5700) for updates.

About This Site

Hours

Open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Seasonal trail closures due to managed hunts. Check website for details.

Location

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division
5872 Highway 53 W, Dawsonville, GA 30534

(770) 535-5700

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Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area

Amenities

Amenity	Available
Admission Fee	✓
Lodging	✕
Visitor or Nature Center	✕
Restrooms	✕
Drinking Fountain or Potable Water	✕
Trails	✓
Boardwalk	✕
Camping	✓
RV Hookups	✕
Picnic Area	✕
Kayaking or Canoeing	✓

Access includes several miles of improved road, marked improved trails, unnamed backcountry trails and old single-track roadbeds available for public use. The forest also offers hunting, fishing and trail access opportunities for handicap users of the property year-round.

Featured Birds

American Kestrel

Barred Owl

Broad-winged Hawk

Brown Thrasher

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Dark-eyed Junco

Hooded Merganser

Little Blue Heron

Red-headed Woodpecker

Wood Duck

Yellow-breasted Chat

All trails are closed all day during firearms deer hunts, except for use by hunters. Trails are closed prior to 10 am during archery deer season and turkey firearms season. Special rules apply to horse, bicycle, and camping use; rules are posted at trailhead, camping areas and WMA check stations. Permits are required for horse, bicycle and camping use. On the City of Atlanta Tract, bicycles may only be used on approved horse trails. Permits must be completed and be held on your person to be valid. Camping allowed in designated locations only. Roads on the City of Atlanta tract are closed to vehicles daily from 10 pm – 6 am, except for individuals legally camping, hunting or fishing in the area.

Photo Gallery

Dawson Forest WMA Amicalola River 3 (GaDNR) — Amicalola River at Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawson Forest WMA entrance sign (GaDNR) — Entrance to Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawson Forest WMA kiosk GaDNR) — Entry kiosk at Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawson Forest WMA parking (GaDNR) — Parking at Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawson Forest WMA river trail 2 (GaDNR) — River Trail at Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawson Forest WMA river trail 3 (GaDNR) — River Trail at Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawson Forest WMA river trail access (GaDNR) — River Trail access at Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area © Georgia Department of Natural Resources

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