Jarrard Gap

Lake Winfield Scott is a beautiful man-made reservoir located near Suches, Georgia, in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. The lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1940s as part of the federal government’s efforts to develop recreational facilities and improve public lands during the Great Depression. It was named in honor of General Winfield Scott, a prominent 19th-century U.S. Army officer who served in several major military conflicts, including the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. Surrounded by the heavily forested mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Lake Winfield Scott provides a scenic setting for swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping. The U.S. Forest Service manages the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, which includes the lake, a developed campground, picnic facilities, and several hiking opportunities. Two trails originating within the recreation area provide access to the Appalachian Trail, making the lake a popular destination for both day hikers and backpackers exploring the surrounding mountains.

This hike follows the Jarrard Gap Trail from the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area to its junction with the Appalachian Trail at Jarrard Gap. The trailhead is located near the lake’s boat ramp, where the route quickly leaves the developed recreation area and enters a peaceful forest of hardwoods and evergreens. The well-established trail gradually climbs through a shaded mountain landscape, passing beneath a canopy of mature trees and following a series of gentle to moderate grades toward the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, hikers experience the quiet beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, with its dense vegetation, mountain terrain, and seasonal changes in foliage. The trail eventually reaches a backcountry campsite at Jarrard Gap, a popular stopping point for Appalachian Trail backpackers. A nearby spring provides a convenient water source, although hikers should always treat or filter water before drinking. A well-worn forest road crosses the gap near the campsite, making it important to watch the trail carefully as you approach the junction with the Appalachian Trail. Upon reaching the gap, hikers can continue along the Appalachian Trail in either direction or retrace their steps to Lake Winfield Scott, making this route a pleasant introduction to one of the region’s most scenic sections of the Chattahoochee National Forest.