Lake Russell is a 100-acre lake with grass beach near Chenocetah Mountain. The Lake Russell Recreation Area is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Cornelia, Georgia. It has three nice hiking trails available for hiking year-round.
TrailsThe Lake Russell Trail is a 4.6 mi. loop trail that goes completely around the shore of this beautiful 100-acre lake. The Ladyslipper Trail is a nice 6.2-mile hike that loops through the forest behind Nancytown Lake. The Sourwood Trail is a 2.7-mile loop trail that features a nice little waterfall "Nancytown Falls" at the 1.5 mi. mark.
PicnickingA picnic shelter with seating for 30 and a large grill is available on a first come basis or by reservation. Three picnic areas are located adjacent to the lake, a large grass-covered beach and swimming area. A unique 'in-water' sliding board is available for the kids' enjoyment.
Site AmenitiesLoop through the recreation area is paved. This recreation area has bathhouses with hot showers, municipal water, trailer dump station and well maintained campsites. No electricity available at this time. Campground host resides in area.
RequirementsArea is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. Fees are required except for the boat ramp. (As of June 10, 2005, a fee is not required for use of the boat ramp. Please visit the
Chattahoochee National Forest website for additional information.) This area is open 24 hours a day for campers use. Special fees apply for the group camping area.
Recommended SeasonsSpring through fall for camping, yearlong for fishing and boating.
DirectionsFrom downtown Toccoa, take W. Currahee St./Hwy 123 south towards Hwy. 17 to the Jeanette Jamieson Intersection. Go straight through the intersection, taking GA Hwy. 13 towards Cornelia/Mt. Airy. Stay on Hwy. 13 for approximately 15 miles. Lake Russell Road will be on the left, near the Mt. Airy, GA railroad bridge. Drive about 2.5 miles to the parking lot at Nancytown Lake.
For More InformationContact USDA Forest Service
Chattooga Ranger District
(706) 754-6221
