Fern Springs Day Use Picnic Area

About

Fern Springs Day Use Picnic Area is a historic recreation site in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, located about 6 miles north of Cornelia, Georgia. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s as part of President Roosevelt's response to the Great Depression, the area is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The site features distinctive hand-constructed stone pavilions, walkways, bridges, water rills, and stairways. It is cradled by white pines, hemlocks, and old-growth oak trees, with a large grassy lawn and rich understory that provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This is a day-use picnic area only and does not offer overnight camping. The site is currently closed to all public use until further notice. The nearest open camping option is Lake Russell Recreation Area Campground, approximately 5 miles away.

Directions

From Cornelia, Georgia, turn east on Hazel Creek Road off Highway 23/441. Continue east just over a mile, then head north on Highway 123 for about half a mile. The site is located on Highway 123, approximately 6 miles north of Cornelia.