General Info
The trails in Big Canoe are not open to the general public, as this is a private gated community. They are available to residents and guests. To inquire about staying in Big Canoe, please call (706) 268-1115.
Nature Info
Big Canoe Birds and Butterflies Facebook group has fantastic photos by our bird enthusiasts.
Flora of the Southern Appalachians Facebook group has great info on plants and flowers in our area. Beautiful pictures.
BCTC Articles
Members of the Trails Committee have written articles for Smoke Signals and Inside the Gates over the years.
Past Articles
Frank Wright, a member of BCTC from the early 2000s till 2020, an Appalachian Trail hiker and worker, wrote a series of articles in the first decade of the century for Smoke Signals under a column named Copperhead’s Day Hikes. Copperhead was his chosen trail name for his trek up the Appalachian Trail to Maine. His articles are entertaining and informative.
Misc. Info
Trails adjacent to Big Canoe:
Eagle’s Rest Park on Mount Oglethorpe has several miles of trails with viewing platforms. Recommended destination. You can walk there from Big Canoe in two ways:
From the Deer Run Ridge Extension, go around the gate, then a left onto Monument Rd.
From the end of Ridgeview Drive, on a trail that starts between two houses at the cul-de-sac. Note: this is an unofficial trail. It is not maintained by the Trails Committee. Take this trail at your own risk. It starts on private property, continues on Big Canoe green space, and then on someone else’s property before intersecting with the southwestern portion of Eagle’s Rest Oglethorpe Mountain Trail.
Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area Wildcat Creek tract, north of Big Canoe, has many trails with waterfalls and other attractions. Be mindful of hunting seasons and restricted access during those times. NOTE: 2022 DEER HUNTING SEASON STARTS OCTOBER 14 AND ENDS JANUARY 31, 2023. HIKERS PROHIBITED. See the detailed 2022-2023 hunting season schedule.
Here are some more resources: