The Wildlife Management Areas surrounding Suches, GA — primarily Coopers Creek WMA and Blue Ridge WMA — give the public access to hundreds of thousands of acres of mountain forest, streams, and ridgeline within the Chattahoochee National Forest. These are working wild lands managed by Georgia DNR for wildlife conservation, hunting, and fishing. For hunters, anglers, and anyone who wants to get deep into the North Georgia mountains, the WMAs around Suches are the point.
Wildlife Management Areas are public lands managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for wildlife conservation, hunting, fishing, and compatible outdoor recreation. WMAs in North Georgia typically overlap with or border the Chattahoochee National Forest. They are managed specifically to support wildlife populations, with habitat management practices like prescribed burns and timber work designed to benefit game and non-game species alike.
Access to most Georgia WMAs is free. Some require a WMA license for hunting and certain activities, available through Georgia DNR. Hiking, wildlife observation, and fishing generally do not require a WMA-specific license beyond your standard Georgia fishing or hunting license.
Coopers Creek WMA is the closest major WMA to the Toccoa Currents cabins. It covers a large swath of the mountains in Union and Fannin counties, with Coopers Creek running through the middle of it. The area has excellent trout fishing on the creek, and the forest here is mature hardwood and mixed pine typical of the southern Appalachians.
Coopers Creek is known for its deer hunting in fall and turkey hunting in spring. The creek corridors hold grouse and woodcock during migration. For non-hunters, the WMA roads and creek access points provide wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. You are likely to see deer, wild turkey, and a variety of birds without having to go far from the road.
The Blue Ridge WMA covers mountain terrain in Fannin and Gilmer counties near the Blue Ridge area. It includes ridgeline forest, creek drainages, and access points off several roads in the national forest. The WMA encompasses habitat that supports black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a full suite of woodland songbirds during migration and breeding season.
The terrain in the Blue Ridge WMA is rugged. Roads into the WMA can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle in wet conditions. If you are heading in on foot, the forest roads double as hiking routes with far less traffic than formal trail systems.
The WMAs around Suches see significant hunting pressure during Georgia’s deer season in fall and turkey season in spring. If you are visiting during deer season and plan to hike in the WMAs, wear blaze orange and be aware of your surroundings. Most WMA hunting takes place weekdays and weekends throughout the season.
Hunters pursuing deer, turkey, small game, and bear in the North Georgia WMAs need a valid Georgia hunting license and the appropriate WMA license. Season dates, bag limits, and specific regulations are available through the Georgia DNR website and updated annually.
You do not need to hunt to enjoy what the WMAs around Suches have to offer. For a full list of wildlife confirmed at the cabins, see our Wildlife at the Cabin post. For fishing in the area, see Trout Fishing on the Toccoa River. The managed lands and the surrounding national forest support populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, red fox, raccoon, river otter, great blue heron, osprey, and a remarkable variety of woodland birds.
Dawn and dusk are the most productive times for wildlife viewing. WMA roads that see little vehicle traffic are often the best places to drive slowly and watch the edges of fields and forest openings. Creek drainages, particularly early in the morning, are good for seeing herons, otters, and deer coming to water.
Do I need a license to hike in Georgia Wildlife Management Areas?
Generally no. Hiking and wildlife observation in Georgia WMAs do not require a WMA-specific license. Access to most Georgia WMAs is free. Fishing and hunting require the appropriate Georgia DNR licenses.
Is it safe to hike in WMAs during hunting season near Suches?
Take precautions. During deer season and turkey season, wear blaze orange and be aware of your surroundings on WMA land. Most WMA hunting takes place on weekdays and weekends throughout the season.
What wildlife can I see in the WMAs near Suches, GA?
White-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, red fox, raccoon, river otter, osprey, and a wide variety of woodland birds. Dawn and dusk along WMA roads and creek drainages are the most productive times for wildlife viewing.
What is the closest Wildlife Management Area to the Toccoa Currents cabins?
Coopers Creek WMA is the closest major WMA to the cabins. It covers a large section of the mountains in Union and Fannin counties, with excellent trout fishing on Coopers Creek and strong populations of deer, turkey, and woodland birds.
The Chattahoochee National Forest and surrounding WMAs begin right outside the cabin. Bring your rod, your binoculars, or your hunting license.
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