Pocket Picnic Shelter

Open — Open year-round. Available for reservation via Recreation.gov or first-come, first-served when not reserved.

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Red Flag Warning issued December 30 at 1:16AM EST until December 30 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Peachtree City GA

1:16 AM — 7:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM EST this evening. * Affected Area... North and central Georgia * Timing... This afternoon into early evening. * Winds... NW at 10-15 mph; with gusts as high as 25 mph. * Relative Humidity... Falling below 25% by early afternoon. * Temperatures... 30s to 40s. * Impacts... With elevated winds and low relative humidities, extremely dangerous fire weather conditions are possible.

About

Pocket Picnic Shelter is a reservable group shelter located in the Pocket Recreation Area of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Armuchee, Georgia. The shelter sits in a unique geological area between Horn and Mill Mountains, formed by limestone dissolution that created the characteristic ridges and valleys. These ridges are rich in iron ore pockets that give the area its name. The accessible shelter accommodates up to 75 people and 20 vehicles, making it perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, retirement celebrations, and other group events. The facility includes tables, grills, and accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is available across the parking area at the adjacent Pocket Campground. The Pocket Recreation Area is steeped in history. From the mid-1800s until the Great Depression, this area consisted of two communities with farms, churches, mills, and a general store. Between 1938 and 1942, it was home to a thriving Civilian Conservation Corps work camp for Company 3435. CCC workers built roads, bridges, and recreation sites while helping local farmers with erosion control. Remnants including building foundations, drainage trenches, and a spring box are still visible today. The location offers excellent access to outdoor recreation. The Pocket Loop Trail (2.5 miles) and Pocket Interpretive Trail (1.5 miles) both have trailheads in the picnic area, winding through mixed pine-oak forest past wildlife ponds and food plots. The 3.5-mile Pocket Foot Trail connects the picnic area to the campground. Johns Creek, less than a mile away, provides trout fishing opportunities. Spring Branch creek meanders through the area, featuring a CCC-era spring box that releases cold water perfect for wading on summer days. The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, turkeys, numerous songbirds, and aquatic species. Spring wildflowers and autumn colors showcase the beauty of this Southern Appalachian setting.

Directions

From I-75, take Exit 320 (LaFayette/Resaca) and head west on Georgia State Route 136 for approximately 14 miles. Turn left onto Pocket Road and continue approximately 7 miles. The recreation area is on the left. The second driveway leads to the picnic shelter.