Toccoa GA, Stephens County & Northeast Georgia

Known as the park where spring spends the summer, Moccasin Creek is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the shores of lovely 2,800-acre Lake Burton. Despite its mountain location, the park is relatively flat, offering easy navigation for large RVs, children's bicycles and wheelchairs. A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open only to physically challenged visitors, senior citizens and children. Tour the adjacent trout-rearing station, hike on several nearby mountain trails or simply relax in this peaceful setting. The parks central location makes it a perfect jumping off spot for mountain exploration.

Pleasant breezes and temperatures are enjoyed at this park that is nestled in the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains on the shores of Lake Burton. The park offers a rock-bed creek where only senior citizens and children under 11 are permitted to fish. The mixture of pine and hardwood forest with a smattering of laurel and rhododendron, found at higher elevations, is perfect for woodland exploration. Several mountain trails, fun-filled annual events and nearby access to the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail is an attractive element of Moccasin Creek State Park.

Surrounded on three sides by Lake Burton, this park offers a diverse array of outdoors activities. The Lake Burton Fish Hatchery is nearby and tours are available. Fishing in the lake is excellent, but the true attraction is for canoeing and hiking. Camping is available year-round, however local conditions can make the road to the campground impassible.

Lake Burton was one of the first lakes in the United States created specifically for power generation. With the completion of the dam at the east end of the lake in 1913, more than 2700 acres of lake were created. In Georgia's rugged Blue Ridge Mountains of Rabun County, Lake Burton has coves galore. Each is more breathtaking than the last, with peaks jutting high above the water. The Tallulah River was dammed and the town of Burton flooded when the lake was completed. Today the lake serves as a reservoir, controlling the flow of water to Seed Lake below it.

Canoeing the lake can be tricky. Sudden changes in weather should be expected, and because of the surrounding mountains, unexpected gusts of wind in the center of the lake can tip a canoe, especially for the unaccustomed paddler. Fall is a truly beautiful time of year, especially in late October. Do not expect to find any vacancies at that time of year.

The nature trail in the park is good for the children. More experienced hikers will want to tackle Hemlock Falls Trail, which offers a easy walk, but can be slippery. No camping is allowed at the falls but is permitted at the trailhead. The trailhead is not difficult to find because it is carved in stone.

Experienced hikers may want to brave the toppled trees above Hemlock Falls and continue on to Moccasin Creek Falls about a half-mile further. This trail, once a maintained path, is now frequently blocked by debris. The path is actually part of a longer path that at one time continued to Addis Gap, where it merged with the Appalachian Trail.

This peaceful park encompasses 32 acres of mountain land offering a 54-site campground accommodating both tents and RVs. A boat dock and launch offer fishing access to Lake Burton. The park also offers seasonal canoe rental. All ages enjoy fishing the lake while only seniors and children under the age of 11 are permitted to fish the tributary stream. All abilities are able to fish in Lake Burton now that the park has added an ADA fishing pier. A playground, open-air pavilion and easy access to several short trails make this park an enjoyable experience. Annual events at Moccasin Creek include the Wildflower Hike (August), Lake Burton Arts and Crafts Festival (July), the Georgia Mountain Trout Program and Contest (June), the Ol' Time Pond Fishing Day (August) and the Country and Bluegrass Festival (October).

Information
Moccasin Creek State Park
Route 1, Box 1634
Clarksville, GA 30523
(706) 947-3194

Directions
From downtown Toccoa, take US-123/W. Currahee St. to the Jeanette Jamieson Intersection. Turn right onto US-123 South/GA Hwy. 17 North/GA-365 North. Turn right onto US 441 BR/GA Hwy. 115/GA Hwy. 17. Continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Hill Crossing Rd NW. Turn left onto GA-385/Old (Historic) US 441. Continue to follow GA-385 for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto GA Hwy. 197. Go approximately 20 miles to the park entrance.

Hours of Operation
Park: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Office: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Scenic Attractions

Moccasin Creek State Park