- Region
- GA/TN, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- No passes or permits are required in the B…
- Managed by
- United States Forest Service — Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia
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Photos of Big Frog Wilderness
How to get there
Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia, are the nearest towns. Main regional access routes include US 64, US 411, TN 68, and Forest Road 221. Choose a trailhead before setting out: Hemptop #145 is reached from Forest Road 62, Wolf Ridge #66 and Big Creek #68 from Forest Road 221, and Chestnut Mountain #63 from the Big Frog Loop road. Check current road and trail conditions with Cherokee National Forest before departure.
- Hemptop #145
Access off Forest Road 62, providing a trail connection to Big Frog Trail.
- Wolf Ridge #66
Access off Forest Road 221 for a connecting approach to Big Frog Trail.
- Big Creek #68
Another access option off Forest Road 221 that connects hikers with Big Frog Trail.
- Chestnut Mountain #63
Access off the Big Frog Loop road, with a trail connection to Big Frog Trail.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
GA/TN, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
A forested wilderness on the Tennessee–Georgia line
Big Frog Wilderness lies mostly in Tennessee, with a small portion extending into Georgia beside Cohutta Wilderness. Its defining feature is 4,224-foot Big Frog Mountain, an isolated peak that dominates the surrounding forested terrain. Designated in 1984, the wilderness is managed by the United States Forest Service. Lower slopes support Virginia pine, while white oak, red oak, and hickory shade the higher ground. This is a destination for forest walking, ridge travel, and overnight backpacking rather than a trip built around developed attractions. The adjoining Cohutta Wilderness gives hikers room to extend a journey across the state line. Choose an itinerary for the terrain as much as the mileage: the trail network includes relatively gentle stretches, long contouring paths, and demanding climbs and descents.
Choosing a hike and planning water
The broader Big Frog Mountain region offers about 35 miles of backcountry trails; that figure is not a mileage total confined to the wilderness boundary. Big Frog Trail #64 climbs steeply to the mountain’s summit and connects with other trails along ridges and streams. The Benton MacKaye Trail traverses the wilderness, providing a backbone for longer walks and overnight loops. For a cross-boundary extension, the Hemp Top Trail leads south from the summit into Cohutta Wilderness. Although most trails are described as well maintained, the terrain remains rugged, and repeated elevation changes can make a modest-looking itinerary demanding. Water deserves particular attention: it may be hard to find even during the wetter spring and early-summer period. Carry plenty, plan conservatively around uncertain sources, and avoid treating a stream shown along the route as a guaranteed supply.
Wildlife, camping, and nearby river outings
Big Frog Mountain is managed as a black bear reserve, and the surrounding region supports deer, wild hogs, turkeys, and other birds. Timber rattlesnakes also occur commonly along wilderness trails. Give wildlife room, watch where hands and feet go, and keep food secured away from animals. Wilderness groups are limited to 12 people, and no passes or permits are required in the Big Frog Region. For a campground-based visit nearby, Jacks River and Tumbling Creek offer primitive tent camping with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and vault toilets; both require visitors to pack out trash. These are vicinity campgrounds, not descriptions of wilderness campsites. The Conasauga River offers a different outing, with snorkeling among shallow riffles and deep pools and access via Conasauga River Trail #61. River visitors should be prepared for cold water and rough terrain.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Big Frog Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 35.0176, -84.5163
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 1′ 3.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 84° 30′ 58.5″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Big Frog Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Distinguished by 4,224-foot Big Frog Mountain, the vast majority of this forested mountain Wilderness lies in Tennessee, with only a sliver in Georgia. It borders the Cohutta Wilderness. The Big Frog-Cohutta...
Key takeaways
- Region: GA/TN, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.018, -84.516
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Big Frog Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Big Frog Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
A forested wilderness on the Tennessee–Georgia line
Big Frog Wilderness lies mostly in Tennessee, with a small portion extending into Georgia beside Cohutta Wilderness. Its defining feature is 4,224-foot Big Frog Mountain, an isolated peak that dominates the surrounding forested terrain. Designated in 1984, the wilderness is managed by the United States Forest Service. Lower slopes support Virginia pine, while white oak, red oak, and hickory shade the higher ground. This is a destination for forest walking, ridge travel, and overnight backpacking rather than a trip built around developed attractions. The adjoining Cohutta Wilderness gives hikers room to extend a journey across the state line. Choose an itinerary for the terrain as much as the mileage: the trail network includes relatively gentle stretches, long contouring paths, and demanding climbs and descents.
Choosing a hike and planning water
The broader Big Frog Mountain region offers about 35 miles of backcountry trails; that figure is not a mileage total confined to the wilderness boundary. Big Frog Trail #64 climbs steeply to the mountain’s summit and connects with other trails along ridges and streams. The Benton MacKaye Trail traverses the wilderness, providing a backbone for longer walks and overnight loops. For a cross-boundary extension, the Hemp Top Trail leads south from the summit into Cohutta Wilderness. Although most trails are described as well maintained, the terrain remains rugged, and repeated elevation changes can make a modest-looking itinerary demanding. Water deserves particular attention: it may be hard to find even during the wetter spring and early-summer period. Carry plenty, plan conservatively around uncertain sources, and avoid treating a stream shown along the route as a guaranteed supply.
Wildlife, camping, and nearby river outings
Big Frog Mountain is managed as a black bear reserve, and the surrounding region supports deer, wild hogs, turkeys, and other birds. Timber rattlesnakes also occur commonly along wilderness trails. Give wildlife room, watch where hands and feet go, and keep food secured away from animals. Wilderness groups are limited to 12 people, and no passes or permits are required in the Big Frog Region. For a campground-based visit nearby, Jacks River and Tumbling Creek offer primitive tent camping with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and vault toilets; both require visitors to pack out trash. These are vicinity campgrounds, not descriptions of wilderness campsites. The Conasauga River offers a different outing, with snorkeling among shallow riffles and deep pools and access via Conasauga River Trail #61. River visitors should be prepared for cold water and rough terrain.
Route options
- Big Frog Trail #64 to Big Frog MountainStrenuous, with a steep summit climb
Climb to the 4,224-foot summit on the wilderness’s central connecting trail. Several approach trails feed into this route, so the full itinerary depends on the chosen access point. Part of the trail follows the Benton MacKaye Trail.
- Hemp Top Trail into Cohutta Wilderness0.8 mile from the summit into Cohutta Wilderness
From the top of Big Frog Mountain, head south into adjoining Cohutta Wilderness. The stated distance covers the summit-to-Cohutta connection, not the approach to the summit or a complete outing.
- Benton MacKaye Trail through Big Frog Wilderness
Use the long-distance trail as a through-route across the wilderness or as the backbone of an overnight itinerary linked with other trails. Select connections and water-carry plans before committing to a loop.
- Conasauga River Trail #61
A nearby river-access alternative to the mountain routes, offering access to the Conasauga River for fish viewing and snorkeling. Expect shallow riffles, deeper pools, and cold water.
Sample itineraries
- Big Frog Mountain day hike · 1 day
Follow Big Frog Trail #64 toward the 4,224-foot summit. Expect a steep climb rather than an easy forest walk. Choose your approach and turnaround using a trail map; connecting access includes Wolf Ridge #66 and Big Creek #68 off Forest Road 221. Carry ample water.
- Overnight on the wilderness trail network · 2 days
Plan a backpacking route using Big Frog Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail as a backbone, with connecting ridge and stream trails. Verify the route and water options before departure. The terrain mixes contouring paths with demanding climbs; do not count on finding water even during the wet season.
- Conasauga River and nearby campground · 2 days
Explore the wider Big Frog region using Conasauga River Trail #61 for river access and fish viewing. Camp at nearby Tumbling Creek Campground, within walking distance of Ocoee Lake #3. Keep river activities within your swimming ability; pools can be deep and water cold. Pack out all trash.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring wet season
Spring is part of the wet season, but wilderness water sources can still be hard to find. Carry plenty rather than assuming streams will supply the trip. Prepare for wet conditions on rugged trails.
Summer
Early summer wet season; later summer
Early summer belongs to the wet season, yet water may remain difficult to locate. Carry adequate drinking water. For river outings, account for cold water and deep pools rather than assuming summer makes swimming straightforward.
Fall
Fall
Lower slopes hold Virginia pine, while upper elevations support oak and hickory. Plan for elevation-related changes in comfort on routes above 4,000 feet. Check the forecast and water availability before committing to an overnight route.
Winter
Winter
Treat the steep summit climb as a mountain outing, with insulating layers and weather protection. Check current trail and road conditions before departure. Choose a turnaround that leaves enough daylight for the descent.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring wet season | Spring is part of the wet season, but wilderness water sources can still be hard to find. Carry plenty rather than assuming streams will supply the trip. Prepare for wet conditions on rugged trails. |
| Summer | Early summer wet season; later summer | Early summer belongs to the wet season, yet water may remain difficult to locate. Carry adequate drinking water. For river outings, account for cold water and deep pools rather than assuming summer makes swimming straightforward. |
| Fall | Fall | Lower slopes hold Virginia pine, while upper elevations support oak and hickory. Plan for elevation-related changes in comfort on routes above 4,000 feet. Check the forecast and water availability before committing to an overnight route. |
| Winter | Winter | Treat the steep summit climb as a mountain outing, with insulating layers and weather protection. Check current trail and road conditions before departure. Choose a turnaround that leaves enough daylight for the descent. |
Permits, fees & closures
No passes or permits are required in the Big Frog Region. Wilderness groups are limited to 12 people.
Official source: Big Frog Mountain - Cherokee National Forest · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Water can be hard to find even during spring and early summer's wet season. Carry plenty and verify sources before planning an overnight trip.
- Big Frog Trail climbs steeply above 4,000 feet. Rugged terrain and repeated climbs on connecting trails can make routes more demanding than expected.
- Timber rattlesnakes occur on wilderness trails. Watch foot placement and give snakes room to move away.
- Black bears and wild hogs inhabit the area. Keep your distance, secure food, and never approach or feed wildlife.
- The Conasauga and Jacks Rivers present cold water and rough terrain; Conasauga pools can be deep. Assess conditions and swimming ability before entering.
What to pack for Big Frog Wilderness
- Detailed map showing Big Frog Trail and connecting trails
- Compass or offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Sturdy hiking footwear
- Ample drinking water and extra carrying capacity
- Water treatment for any collected water
- Rain shell
- Insulating layers
- Tent and sleep system for backpacking or primitive camping
- Wildlife-resistant food storage
- Trash bags for packing everything out
- Mask and snorkel for Conasauga fish viewing
- Secure water footwear
- Dry clothing
Big Frog Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Big Frog Wilderness?
- Most of the wilderness lies in Tennessee, with a small portion in Georgia. It borders Cohutta Wilderness and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Its highest point is 4,224-foot Big Frog Mountain.
- How do you reach the hiking trails?
- Regional access routes include US 64, US 411, TN 68, and Forest Road 221. Wolf Ridge #66 and Big Creek #68 connect to Big Frog Trail from Forest Road 221; Chestnut Mountain #63 connects from Big Frog Loop road. Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia, are the nearest towns.
- Are all the trails steep?
- No. The network includes easier paths with little elevation change, long contouring trails, and demanding up-and-down routes. The summit climb on Big Frog Trail is steep. The wider Big Frog region offers about 35 miles of backcountry trails.
- Can you reliably refill water along the way?
- No. Water may be hard to find even in spring and early summer. Carry plenty, confirm water options before departure, and treat any water collected for drinking.
- What nearby campgrounds have basic facilities?
- Jacks River and Tumbling Creek offer primitive tent camping with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and vault toilets. Jacks River sits across the road from the Jacks–Conasauga confluence; Tumbling Creek is near Ocoee Lake #3. Both require visitors to pack out trash.
- Can a hike continue into Cohutta Wilderness?
- Yes. From the top of Big Frog Mountain, the Hemp Top Trail leads south into Cohutta Wilderness. The Benton MacKaye Trail also traverses Big Frog and can serve as a backbone for longer backpacking routes.