Backcountry Permits
Georgia Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in Georgia. Georgia has 11 designated wilderness areas primarily in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Appalachian Trail enters Georgia at Springer Mountain. Most areas use self-issue trail registers. No permit required for most areas except the Cohutta Wilderness during peak season.
USDA Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Fire Permit Required
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
Varies
Check specific area
Lottery?
No
Reservations / self-issue
Self-Issue?
Yes
100% of areas
Wilderness Acres
0.1M
11 designated areas
Permit System
Georgia Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in Georgia, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
USDA Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
- Official Site
Reservation System
Self-issue / Recreation.gov (Blood Mountain area)
Book online →
Reservation Window
Varies by area - check recreation.gov for specific trailhead opening dates
Lottery System
No Lottery - first-come reservations or self-issue
Daily Quota
Varies by trailhead and area - check permit system for current quotas
Self-Issue Permits
Available
Available at approximately 100% of areas - fill out permit at trailhead kiosk; no advance reservation needed
Popular Areas
Cohutta Wilderness, Blood Mountain Wilderness, Springer Mountain (AT Southern Terminus), Raven Cliffs Wilderness, Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
Georgia Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
Free – Varies
Fee per person per entry or per night depending on area regulations.
Reservation Window
Varies
How far in advance you can book on recreation.gov or equivalent system.
Safety & Leave No Trace
Bear Canister, Fire & Leave No Trace Requirements
Bear Canister
Not Mandated - approved food hang (PCT method, 10/4/4 rule) is generally sufficient. Verify specific area requirements as rules vary.
Fire Permit
Required - obtain a free fire permit before any open flame on federal land outside developed campgrounds.
Check notes below for seasonal restrictions.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout all designated wilderness. Camp 200+ feet from water, trails, and other parties. Pack out all waste.
Georgia Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in Georgia
Total Wilderness Acres
115,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in Georgia.
Designated Areas
11
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in Georgia.
Important Notes
Georgia-Specific Wilderness Rules
No permit required for Georgia wilderness areas. Campfire permits required in Chattahoochee NF during dry periods. Black bears and wild boar are common — hang food at least 10 feet high. Cohutta Wilderness (36,000 acres) is one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern US. The AT southern terminus at Springer Mountain is a popular destination March–April.
Source: USDA Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (www.fs.usda.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently - always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.