Flatlands FS Road 637

Trail Overview

Looking for some camping, and maybe a visit to a historic cemetery from the 1800s? Then this is your trail. Not long, as it is closed part-way through, it does offer a great intro to the offroading experience at the beginning, and after the cemetery provides a little more of an enclosed challenge. The trail begins from Coopers Creek FS Road 33, closer to the east trailhead, with an uphill gravel-based climb. This gravel road is well-maintained and less bumpy than most GS FS gravel roads. The first half of the trail is one lane and suitable for stock-height SUVs/trucks. About 0.7 miles in, the road splits into 4 directions. To the immediate left is a camping spot that would fit 1-2 vehicles and has a walking trail. To the right of this is a permanently gated road that leads to a large field on the other side of the gate. The road to your immediate right will lead to a steep rutted climb only suitable for high-clearance 4WD, leading to the historic Spriggs Chapel Cemetery. The main sign says it was established in 1900, but if you look around at the headstones, some have visible dates that go back to 1836. The majority of headstones are simple rocks and have no writing. One headstone from 1899 says, "He was too good, too gentle and fair to dwell in this cold world of cares." To the left of the cemetery, the road continues up a very steep climb with a single stair step to a small campsite. Back at the road split, the official trail continues nearly straight, the second to the right. After this point, it continues as a one-lane gravel road mostly downhill, still good for beginner offroaders to get their feet wet. There are a few ruts along the way and a few spots to pull over to the side, as well as several blocked-off wildlife planting areas. Towards the end, there is a very small creek crossing. About 1.9 miles in, the gate is closed but does have a spot for a turnaround that fits a few vehicles. This trail is seasonally open from 3/15 - 1/1 and is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the Blue Ridge Ranger District. The status of this and other trails can be found on the FS website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation. Links include information on passes, day rates, and an interactive map to check on trail status. On the interactive map page, you can also access the Google Map of the FS trails for real-time status and trail information. This trail is not considered part of the GA OHV trails which require a special pass. Depending on the activity you'd like to do on this trail or before/after, a pass could be required. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest accepts a few different passes including National Forest Annual Passes. Note that most activities in the area do not require a day rate, but check the website for updated information.

Photos of Flatlands FS Road 637

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Difficulty

This trail is quite easy to drive as it is well maintained. Only on some offshoots, like the section to the cemetery, does the trail become more difficult and requires high clearance and 4WD after rain.

Technical Rating