Lake Winfield Scott

Tree at Lake Winfield Scott

Completed in 1942, Lake Winfield Scott is the lasting legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in north Georgia. Named for General Winfield Scott, who led the United States Army for forty years and ran for President in 1852. This beautiful setting features campsites, fishing, and some of the best hiking in the eastern United States, including two Appalachian Trail access trails.

About the area

The 18-acre lake that is the centerpiece of the park is the headwater of Cooper Creek, which winds from the lake to the Toccoa River. Two roads provide access to the park, although one (the north entrance) is only for lake access. The other allows access to the summer home area, hiking trails, and lakeshore facilities including a boat launch, dock and swimming area. A modest fee is required ($2.00 when we last visited in 1999).

Campsites are large and wooded. Each has a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. The 36 sites are divided into two areas.

Area History

Sometime before 1800 a battle occurred near the present-day lake that gave rise to many of the area names -- Blood Mountain, Slaughter Creek, Slaughter Gap. While details of the battle are sketchy, archeological evidence exists that such a battle did take place.

Union County was one of the original ten counties created form the land taken from the Cherokee during the Land Lottery of 1832. In 1838, these American Indians were forced to move west against their will in a travesty of justice know as "The Trail of Tears." It was General Scott who was the federal officer in charge of the removal. For fifty years the land was home to subsistent farmers and sawmills. In the 1880's lumber companies began to strip most of the land of its trees.

Arthur Woody, who lived in Suches and was personally responsible for building the road that runs past Lake Winfield Scott, was the Forest Ranger in charge of the area until his death in the 1940's. Woody lived in Suches and worked with the CCC boys in Camp Woody (Georgia Company 1401) to build the structures in the park. It was the last CCC project in the state and one of the last in country, completed early in 1942. The United States had just declared war on Japan and Germany.

Today the park remains a nearly complete example of the work of the Corps. From the stone masonry of the buildings and walls to the roads they built, the original work of these men is still predominant today. The craftsmanship is remarkable and evident.

Hiking Trails

There are essential four trails in the area, if you include the Lakeshore Trail. This short, flat trail connects the northern entrance to the trailhead parking lot and continues on around the lake to the facilities. Its total length is .4 miles, according to the U.S. Forest Service (site). Jarrard Gap Trail allows access to the Appalachian Trail, as does the Slaughter Gap Trail. Jarrard Gap is a short 1 mile trail that climbs easily to the AT. Slaughter Gap trail is an easy 2.7 mile climb that we always enjoy and walk at least once a year. Additionally, at Slaughter Gap the Duncan Ridge Trail ends. This strenuous trail features some of the toughest hiking east of the Mississippi. The combination of trails offers some great day hikes. If you can handle 8-10 miles in a day, try combining the Slaughter Gap Trail, the AT and Jarrard Gap for a loop totaling just over 8 miles. For something a little longer take the Slaughter Gap Trail up to AT, then follow it to Blood Mountain for some great views year-round. The Blood Mountain shelter, a stone cabin, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built by the CCC. This trail climbs about 1400 feet in just over 4 miles, but it is well-done and rarely more than moderate. Bring your camera.

In addition to the trailside camping, there are two developed camping areas within the park itself with a total of 36 campsites. Fishing and swimming are permitted in the lake, as are boats with electric motors.

Also in the area

• Trails
  Sosebee Cove
  This beautiful cove is a wonderful place to become acquainted with the wildflowers of north Georgia
  
  Coosa Backcountry Trail Another great hike
• Parks
  Vogel State Park
  Named for a local saw-mill operator who donated the land which now comprises the park, Vogel is the 2nd oldest state park in Georgia.
• Brasstown Bald
  Georgia's high point, Brasstown Bald offers hiking, picnicking and a great museum after a moderate half-mile hike.

Visiting Lake Winfield Scott

Access to the park is via State Road 180. This winding mountain road can be dangerous in times of inclement weather. To get to the park from Atlanta take Georgia 400 north to Dahlonega. Turn left and follow State Road 60 to Stonepile Gap. Turn left (still on GA 60). At Suches, turn right on GA 180 and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn in to the first entrance on the right.

More Georgia hiking destinations