Nestled in the North Georgia mountains just outside Dahlonega, Nimblewill Gap OHV Road has the kind of backwoods magic that calls to me. Every twist of this trail is wrapped in Appalachian charm—misty hollers, mossy creek crossings, and that old soul feeling that only the Southern Appalachians can give you. If you’re hunting for a trail that gives you peace, mud, and a taste of history all in one ride—this is it.
Where is Nimblewill Gap OHV Road?
Nimblewill Gap Road sits in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 miles northwest of Dahlonega, Georgia. It’s the kind of place you’d miss if you weren’t looking—hidden behind the layers of tall pine and rhododendron that blanket these hills.
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Closest Town: Dahlonega, GA
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Trail Access Point: Nimblewill Church Road / Forest Road 28-1
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Coordinates: 34.5892° N, 84.1753° W
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Elevation: 2,580 feet at the gap
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National Forest: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
How Do I Get There?
I came in from Dahlonega, following GA-52 west to Nimblewill Church Road. Once you pass the Nimblewill Baptist Church (a true backwoods relic), the road turns to gravel and you’re officially in overland territory.
From Atlanta:
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Take GA-400 North to GA-60
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Continue to GA-52 W toward Amicalola Falls
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Turn right on Nimblewill Church Road and follow the signs for Forest Road 28-1
Be warned—GPS gets patchy up here. Download offline maps before you go. I personally used onX Offroad and Gaia GPS to map out my route and check for gate closures.
What Kind of Trail Is Nimblewill Gap Road?
This is a moderate-level forest road. It’s not technical, but the weather and washouts can make it spicy.
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Trail Type: Out-and-back or connector
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Surface: Gravel, clay, rock, and mud
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Length: ~12.5 miles (depending on the route you connect with)
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Elevation Gain: Roughly 1,100 feet
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Time to Complete: 1–2 hours, depending on stops
You’ll climb through deeply forested ridges, cross a few narrow creeks, and navigate washboard sections with occasional ruts. During my trip, I hit a couple of washouts and a slick hill climb that tested my tire choice. But with 33s and a rear locker, I was never in danger.
What Vehicles Are Allowed?
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4WD vehicles recommended
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No ATVs or UTVs – this trail is open to licensed street-legal vehicles only
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Motorcycles are permitted, but be cautious—some of the descents are slick when wet
Don’t attempt this in a low-clearance 2WD vehicle. The Forest Service might say it’s okay in dry weather, but I watched a Subaru Outback get winched out of a ditch on the backside near Black Falls Creek.
Is Nimblewill Gap Road Open Year-Round?
Mostly, yes—but the Forest Service does occasionally gate it during heavy rains or winter storms to prevent erosion.
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Typical Season: Open year-round
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Closures: Check with the Blue Ridge Ranger District or call ahead
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Weather Note: Georgia clay + rain = red grease. Trust me, it gets slick fast.
Is Camping Allowed on the Trail?
Absolutely. Primitive camping is permitted along most of the route. I spotted several great dispersed campsites:
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Along Black Falls Creek
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Near the intersection with Winding Stair Gap Road
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On the ridge just past the Gap with stunning views
There are no developed campgrounds directly on the trail, so come self-contained.
Pro Tip from Rock Lander: Haul out what you haul in. This is bear country and backcountry ethics matter.
What Are the Must-See Spots?
This whole region is soaked in history. You’re rolling through old Cherokee territory, Civilian Conservation Corps routes, and even old gold prospecting zones.
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Nimblewill Gap itself – a peaceful saddle with views and ghost stories
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Black Falls Creek crossing – scenic and fun after rain
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Jake and Bull Mountain trails – nearby trail system for bikes and horses
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Amicalola Falls – just to the south if you want a side adventure
And if you're a fan of thru-hiking culture, the Appalachian Approach Trail cuts through nearby Amicalola—so you might cross paths with folks chasing Maine.
Is It Family-Friendly?
Yes, with caution.
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For kids: The smoother sections make for a fun ride, and there are creeks to wade in
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For dogs: Great trail for pets as long as they’re secure in the vehicle
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For beginners: Good intro to off-roading, especially in dry conditions
I brought my family on this one. My youngest fell asleep to the rhythm of gravel, and my oldest kept spotting “beaver signs” (they were just stumps, but hey—it’s the thought).
What Should I Bring?
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Recovery gear (tow strap, traction boards if you’re solo)
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Paper map or downloaded GPS track
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Full-size spare
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Extra water and snacks
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Bug spray (trust me)
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Camp chair and coffee if you plan to stop and soak it in
Is There Cell Service?
Spotty at best. Once you get past the church and into the national forest, service drops out. Verizon gave me a few bars up high, but don’t count on it.
Final Thoughts from Rock Lander
Nimblewill Gap Road isn’t a badge trail or a boulder crawl—it’s a soul trail. It reminds you why you got into off-roading in the first place. Quiet ridgelines. Crunchy gravel. That feeling that you’re driving into history. If you're in Georgia and looking for a trail with peace, mud, and a little mystery—Nimblewill Gap will treat you right.
Want to ride it? Mark it on your map. Respect the forest. And maybe I’ll see you out there, parked under the pines, sipping trail coffee in the morning mist.
—Rock Lander
