Lake Russell Multiple-Use Trail, Georgia

The project creaed sustainable designated trails and trailheads in appropriate places in a Wildlife Management Area. See a one-page pdf version of this page.

Award Category: Multiple-Use Management & Corridor Sharing

Project sponsors:

• USFS Chattooga District of the Chattahoochee National Forest
• Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association, Inc.
• Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA)

Congressional District: Congressional District: Charles Norwood (R-9-GA)

Senators: Saxby Chambliss (R) and Johnny Isakson (R)

2006 Annual Achievement Award winner: for trail projects funded through the Recreational Trails Program of the Federal Highway Administration.

The Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area is a state-managed, 17,000 acre property located within the Chattooga District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. One of the state's largest Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's), Lake Russell has many gravel roads, logging roads, and single-track horse trails, suitable for many trail uses such as hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and bird watching.

In 2000, $150,000 of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) was utilized to place sustainable designated trails in appropriate places, close down eroded areas, and construct trailheads with bulletin boards in order to post rules and regulations.

The availability of RTP funds, along with volunteer commitments from groups such as the Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association and Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA), was the deciding factor in creating and maintaining multiple-use recreational opportunities for this expansive area.

In October 2003, phase I of the combination bike/horse trail project was completed, with the opening of the Frady Branch Trailhead, along with new trails combining 3 loops and providing for over 12 miles of trails. Additionally, a number of historical sites along the route have now been marked as a result of RTP funds.

The Lake Russell WMA Multiple-Use Trail System, with its scenic stream crossings, vistas, rock overhangs, waterfalls and historical sites, serves as a great example of how National Forests and user-volunteer groups can work together to enhance corridor sharing.

Contact: Scott Hill, USFS, 200 Highway 197 N, PO Box 1960, Clarksville, GA 30523; phone (706) 754-6221

For more great trails, see:

• Georga's National Recreation Trails

• The Georgia Trails page and nationwide index of state-by-state trail links

See a one-page pdf version of this page.

See previous Recreational Trails Program Award Winners:

• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000

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