A favorite hiking, mountain biking and adventure area.

The Aska Trails Area is a hiking-mountain bicycling trail system 17.0 miles in length developed on National Forest lands near Deep Gap on the Aska Road in south central Fannin County. Trails range in length from 1.0 mile to 5.5 miles and are open to the public year around. Trails ascend to near 3200 feet, providing vistas of mountain ridges and descend to the shores of Lake Blue Ridge. They also pass through coves of mature hardwoods and thickets of laurel and rhododendron.

Two trails cross or travel along mountain streams providing a range of forested settings. Any time of the year is recommended for use. Hunting (large game, gun) season is generally late October through December 31. Stream water flow and wildflower displays are best in the spring. Winter days are often clear and cool with many delightful views of distant mountains.

Aska Trails Hiking

Trailheads are located at Deep Gap, Stanley Gap, Shady Falls Road and Forest Road 711 by way of Campbell Camp Road. Parking fee is $5 per vehicle. Bulletin boards at trailheads show maps of the area and the trail system. The Aska Trails system includes the following trails.
Stanley Gap Trail - 5.5 miles
Green Mountain Trail - 4.6 miles
Flat Creek Loop - 5.8 miles
Stanley Gap/Flat Creek Connector - .1 mile
Long Branch Loop - 2.0 miles

Trailhead Locations
The main trailhead location is at Deep Gap, a short 15-minute drive from the Welcome Center. Three other trailheads are at Stanley Gap, Shady Falls Road, and on Forest Road 711 by way of Campbell Camp Road. Bulletin boards at trailheads show maps of the area, and the trail system.

Directions from Blue Ridge to Trailheads
Deep Gap - From McDonald's restaurant at intersection of GA Hwy. 515 and GA Hwy. 5 in Blue Ridge. Proceed east on GA Hwy. 515 (toward Blairsville) approx. 0.8 miles to Windy Ridge Road. At Windy Ridge Road turn right, go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2 miles to Aska Road on right. Turn right, go south 4.4 miles to Deep Gap parking area below gap and on right side of road.

Stanley Gap - Go south on Aska Road 8 miles. Turn right on Stanley Creek Road (Toccoa Riverside Restaurant on left). Parking area for trail is 4.1 miles on right.

Forest Road 711 - Drive south on Aska Road 2.5 miles to Campbell Camp Road. Turn left and follow main road 0.8 miles to Forest Road 711 intersecting from left. Follow 711 past private homes; turn right, trailhead 2.0 miles.

Shady Falls - Follow Aska Road south 5.9 miles to Shady Falls Road. Turn left, go 0.2 miles, parking area on left.

Travel time to these trailheads will vary from fifteen to forty minutes depending on trailhead chosen. Roads leading to trailheads are paved or dirt/gravel all weather roads suitable for sedans. Parking is available in moderate size graveled areas near trailheads.

Hiking and Bicycling Times
Times can range from as short as 15-20 minutes to a 3-5 hour round trip hike or ride from one end of the system to the other. It is the various combinations of trails that provide the diversity of cycling and hiking experiences. See individual trail descriptions on trailhead boards for details of mileage, challenge, general layout and other unique features.

Use Restrictions
No motorized vehicles or pack stock, including horses, are allowed on the trail system. The trails have been designed and constructed for use by day hikers and mountain bicyclists. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the national forest unless posted otherwise Please, do not camp on private lands or within 50 feet of streams. Rules and regulations of the national forests apply to all recreational activities. Do not cut live trees, use dead and down wood only for campfires, do not pollute, bathe in or contaminate streams and watercourses. Do not litter. If you pack it in, pack it out.

The Toccoa River Canoe Trail also runs through the Aska Trails Area.

For detailed directions or more information, contact the Welcome Center or the USDA Forest Service at (706) 745-6928.

See our Self Guided Tours for scenic drives
For more information:www.fs.fed.us/conf/
Outdoor Adventures Hiking Access Points