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.
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.
Horseback riding and bike trails are closed all day during firearms deer hunts and before 10:00 a.m. during archery and turkey seasons. Trail permits are required for horse and bicycle use. Trail permits are required on City of Atlanta tract. Permits must be completed in person to be valid.
Accommodations & Facilities
Trails
Lake
Picnic Sites
Primitive Campsites
Activities
Boating
Canoeing
Geocaching — not allowed during managed hunts or before 10 a.m. during turkey season
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding — City of Atlanta Tract 20–21 Trail Schedule
Hunting Youth Hunts
Primitive Camping
Wildlife Viewing
Contact Dawson Forest WMA
Contact Dawson Forest WMA
Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division
5872 Highway 53 W
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Phone: 770-535-5700
Service Area
