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Chestatee Wildlife Management Area in Cleveland | Map and Routes

Lake · Bare rock

5 (34 ratings)

Explore the natural beauty of Chestatee Wildlife Management Area in Cleveland, which spans an impressive 10,894.3 acres. This sprawling park offers a diverse range of walking and hiking trails that ...

Explore the natural beauty of Chestatee Wildlife Management Area in Cleveland, which spans an impressive 10,894.3 acres. This sprawling park offers a diverse range of walking and hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll through serene woodlands or a more challenging trek, the park has something for everyone. With an extensive network of trails, visitors can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. From the scenic DeSoto Falls Trail to the rugged Dockery Lake route, there are numerous options to satisfy your craving for outdoor activity and adventure. For walkers and hikers, Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is a haven for exploration and discovery. With an array of well-maintained trails, you can embark on invigorating journeys through lush forests, alongside tranquil streams, and past breathtaking waterfalls. The park's diverse terrain and captivating natural landscapes make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in physical activity while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you prefer a short, leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, this park provides an array of options to fulfill your walking and hiking desires. As you plan your visit to Chestatee Wildlife Management Area, consider downloading the Pacer Pedometer app for valuable insights into the park's routes and trail information. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive park details, Pacer Pedometer can enhance your outdoor experience by providing essential guidance and navigation. Whether you're a novice walker or an experienced hiker, this app offers valuable resources to help you make the most of your time in the park. Discover the wonders of Chestatee Wildlife Management Area and immerse yourself in the natural splendor it has to offer.

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Walking and Hiking in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

When it comes to walking and hiking, the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area in Cleveland, United States offers a plethora of options for outdoor enthusiasts. With essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, the park ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors. The availability of ...

When it comes to walking and hiking, the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area in Cleveland, United States offers a plethora of options for outdoor enthusiasts. With essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, the park ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors. The availability of drinking water further adds to the convenience, allowing hikers to stay hydrated during their outdoor activities. Additionally, the park's accessibility is enhanced by being wheelchair-friendly, catering to a wider range of individuals with diverse needs. As visitors traverse the park's trails, they are treated to captivating viewpoints including Lower DeSoto Falls, Upper DeSoto Falls, Chestatee Overlook, and cascades, providing breathtaking natural landscapes for hikers to appreciate. Whether it's a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is a haven for those seeking outdoor activity and natural beauty.

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Other Info about Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

Essential Amenities in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

Picnic Site
BBQ
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Accessibility in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

Viewpoint

Lower DeSoto Falls

Viewpoint

Upper DeSoto Falls

Viewpoint

Chestatee Overlook

Viewpoint

cascades

Best Walking Routes in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

#1 - Desoto Falls - Upper and Lower
1
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 49m

This scenic hiking trail requires a five dollar parking. The trail is dirt the whole way. Our route starts going to the lower falls which is about a quarter of a mile from the bridge. This part of the walk is the steepest but certainly manageable for the North Georgia mountains. The waterfall is approximately 30 feet tall it varies in volume depending on the rain. The walk to the upper Falls starts out next to a bustling stream then goes through stands of hemlock and hardwood. This 3/4 of a mile is slightly uphill the whole way. Make sure to look for the very large trees through this section. The upper Falls is roughly 100 feet in height cascading over a couple of drops.During large volume waterflow it is truly impressive. The return walk is along the same route as you went in.

#2 - DeSoto Falls Trail
1
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 49m

DeSoto Falls Trail is a 2.3 mile (5,000-step) route located near Cleveland, Georgia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 337.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Dockery Lake
1
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 55m

Dockery Lake is a 3.2 mile (7,500-step) route located near Suches, Georgia. This route has an elevation gain of about 770.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Chestatee Wildlife Management Area Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Gentaro
8
David
3
Chris
2
4Chuck
2
5PacerGuy_1953
2
6screven
1
7ttunewg098
1
8Robert Grove
1
9mariapownall
1
10kmabrey
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Blood Mountain Wilderness
Vogel State Park
Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area
Raven Cliffs Trailhead
Smithgall Woods State Park
Smithgall Woods State Park
Smithgall Woods State Park
Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area
Mark Trail Wilderness

FAQs About Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

Where is the best place to walk in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

The best place to walk in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is the DeSoto Falls Trail. It has a rating of 4.0 and is 2.3 miles long. It is a popular choice among walkers and hikers. (Route information provided by the Pacer community)

How many routes are in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

There are a total of 3 routes in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area. These routes offer a variety of lengths and terrains, catering to different preferences. (Route information provided by the Pacer community)

Which is the longest route in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

The longest route in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is the Dockery Lake trail, which is 3.2 miles long. It provides a more challenging and scenic walk/hike for those seeking a longer route. (Route information provided by the Pacer community)

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

Yes, there are essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and drinking water available for walkers/hikers in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area.

How accessible is Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

What kind of sports can I do in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

In Chestatee Wildlife Management Area, you can enjoy walking, hiking, and taking in the scenic viewpoints such as Lower DeSoto Falls, Upper DeSoto Falls, Chestatee Overlook, and cascades.

What is the best season to walk in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

The best season to walk in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is typically spring or fall when the weather is milder, and the foliage is vibrant. Summer can be hot, and winter may bring cold temperatures.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

Visitors to Chestatee Wildlife Management Area should prepare for hot and humid conditions in the summer, with occasional thunderstorms. Winters can be cold with the possibility of snow and ice. It's important to check the weather forecast before visiting and dress accordingly.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area?

Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, squirrels, and a diverse bird population. Visitors may also encounter snakes, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and watch your step while hiking.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

Blood Mountain Wilderness
Vogel State Park
Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area
Raven Cliffs Trailhead
Smithgall Woods State Park
Smithgall Woods State Park
Smithgall Woods State Park
Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area
Mark Trail Wilderness

Latest Check-ins at Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

screvenNov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025Walking
ttunewg098Nov 6, 2025
Nov 6, 2025Hiking
Robert GroveJul 6, 2025
Jul 6, 2025Walking
mariapownallMay 24, 2025
May 24, 2025Walking
ChrisSep 24, 2024
Sep 24, 2024Walking
ChrisSep 23, 2024
Sep 23, 2024Walking
kmabreyJul 2, 2024
Jul 2, 2024Hiking
genejordan1218Jun 23, 2024
Jun 23, 2024Walking
genejordan1218Jun 23, 2024
Jun 23, 2024Walking
ArianaMar 16, 2024
Mar 16, 2024Hiking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

RankingCheck-ins
Gentaro
8
David
3
Chris
2
4Chuck
2
5PacerGuy_1953
2
6screven
1
7ttunewg098
1
8Robert Grove
1
9mariapownall
1
10kmabrey
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Chestatee Wildlife Management Area
#1- Desoto Falls - Upper and Lower
1
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 49m

This scenic hiking trail requires a five dollar parking. The trail is dirt the whole way. Our route starts going to the lower falls which is about a quarter of a mile from the bridge. This part of the walk is the steepest but certainly manageable for the North Georgia mountains. The waterfall is approximately 30 feet tall it varies in volume depending on the rain. The walk to the upper Falls starts out next to a bustling stream then goes through stands of hemlock and hardwood. This 3/4 of a mile is slightly uphill the whole way. Make sure to look for the very large trees through this section. The upper Falls is roughly 100 feet in height cascading over a couple of drops.During large volume waterflow it is truly impressive. The return walk is along the same route as you went in.

#2- DeSoto Falls Trail
1
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 49m

DeSoto Falls Trail is a 2.3 mile (5,000-step) route located near Cleveland, Georgia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 337.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Dockery Lake
1
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 55m

Dockery Lake is a 3.2 mile (7,500-step) route located near Suches, Georgia. This route has an elevation gain of about 770.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Photos of Chestatee Wildlife Management Area

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