POCKET PICNIC SHELTER

The Pocket Picnic Shelter is located off the Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway in northwest, Ga. Surrounded by the horseshoe ridges formed by Horn and Mill Mountains, the Pocket is located in a geographical region known as the Ridge and Valley Province of Northwest Georgia, part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This region consists of long narrow ridges, sweeping valleys, creeks, streams, ponds, and waterfalls. A small creek, locally known as Spring Branch (a tributary to nearby Johns Creek) meanders through the recreation area, providing a cool relief in the summer months. An informational interpretive loop trail and the Pocket Loop Trail leads visitors through a mixed pine/oak forest, past a small wildlife pond, and near wildlife food plots. This variety of natural features provides habitat for deer, turkeys, a multitude of song birds, and aquatic life, such as amphibians and beavers. The Johns Mountain Overlook and the Keown Falls Picnic Area are found nearby. These two beautiful recreation sites showcase the natural features of the surrounding region.

Recreation: The Pocket Picnic Shelter is located in the Pocket Picnic Area, part of the Pocket Recreation Area. The Pocket Recreation Area consists of the picnic shelter, a picnic area, and a campground. Camping, picnicking, hiking, birding, and wildflower viewing are all popular activities in the area. The trail heads for the Pocket Loop Trail and Pocket Interpretive Trail are located in the picnic area. A Civilian Conservation Corps spring box is located in the creek, releasing cold water from deep below the surface. This is a great place to wade and cool off during long summer days. Hiking the 1.5 mile Pocket Interpretive Trail contains signs to provide an educational walk through multiple types of habitat where an array of wildlife and plant species can be found. The 2.5 mile Pocket Loop Trail provides a similar, but longer experience, sharing some of the same tread with the interpretive trail. Visitors also enjoy the 3.5-mile Pocket Foot Trail that loops between the picnic area and a nearby campground. Interpretive signs are placed along the route, including a brief description of the area. It is a relatively wide path and a nice, easy walk. Trout fishing in Johns Creek (less than a mile away) is a great place to wet a line and fill one's creel. Georgia DNR fishing regulations apply. The Pocket Campground is adjacent to the picnic area. Information on the Pocket Campground can be found here: Pocket Campground More information about the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and other recreational activities can be found here: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Nearby: Johns Creek Trout Fishing Area: A great place to go trout fishing managed by the U.S. Forest Service and GA DNR with the help of Trout Unlimited. Leaving the campground, turn left onto Pocket Road. After 1/4 mile stay right at the Y. After 1 mile look for legal pull-offs for fishing access. (Georgia DNR fishing regulations apply). Johns Mountain Overlook: A U.S. Forest Service overlook where visitors can view the Armuchee Valley and distant Taylor's Ridge. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. After 3 miles turn left at the Johns Mountain Overlook entrance sign (Forest Service Road 208). Follow FSR 208 for 2 miles to the overlook. Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead: A beautiful place to picnic with a loop hike to Keown Falls. Best seen after rain. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. After 2 miles turn left at the Keown Falls Trailhead entrance sign (Forest Service Road 702). Follow FSR 702 for half a mile. The Keown Falls trail is a 3 mile loop trail. The falls are about 1 miles when following the trail counter clockwise. Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range (Fee Area, see Recreation.gov page Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range ): A U.S. Forest Service shooting range to hone your shooting skills. You must provide your own firearm, ammunition, and targets. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. After 4.6 miles turn right onto Furnace Creek Road. After 2 miles on Furnace Creek Road, turn right onto GA-136. Follow GA-136 for 5.7 miles. Turn left at the Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range entrance sign (Forest Service Road 212). Follow FSR 212 for a half mile. Houston Valley OHV Area (Fee Area, see Recreation.gov page Houston Valley OHV Area ): A U.S. Forest Service ATV trail system. This is a designated area with 25 miles of various levels of trails where visitors can legally ride dirt bikes and ATVs (under 50 inches). On the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest ATVs and dirt bikes are limited to designated OHV trails and not allowed to be driven on roads designated as Forest Service Roads (National Forest Roads ARE NOT part of the county road system). Visitors must provide their own vehicles at this facility. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. Follow Pocket Road for 7.3 miles then turn left onto GA-136. After 1/10th of a mile turn right onto GA-201. Follow GA-201 for approximately 5.5 miles and veer left onto Old Ringgold Road. After approximately 5 miles turn left onto Houston Valley Road. After 2 miles turn onto Capehart Road. Follow Capehart Road into the Houston Valley OHV parking lot. The closest town is Dalton, Georgia, which is about 25 miles east of the picnic area. Dalton has numerous grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations available.