About WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER
Overview Woodring Day Use Area is located in the North Georgia Mountains about 70 miles north of Atlanta on Carters Lake. The sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, boating, mountain biking, fishing, hunting and picnicking.Recreation Boaters visit Carters Lake to enjoy its solitude and scenic beauty. Whether in a powerboat or sailboat on the open water or paddling along the shoreline in a canoe, Carters Lake offers enjoyable boating experiences for everyone. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake. Major species include bass (largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, striped and spotted) crappie, walleye, bream and catfish. Hikers come to take advantage of the Amadahy and the Oak Ridge hiking trails that are both located along Woodring Branch Rd. Picnickers have several tables to choose from in the Day Use area, each with a stationary grill. There is one large picnic shelter available to rent on this website. Camping is available in the nearby Woodring Branch campground that boasts electricity hookups for RVs. There is also a primitive campgound for tent camping and a boat-in campground for the adventurous. Facilities Woodring Day Use Area provides boaters with a launch ramp with two lanes and courtesy dock. The area also provides ample picnic sites and restrooms. The shelter (CL-11) seating capacity is 50 people maximum and parking capacity of 25 vehicles.Natural Features Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. It covers 3,200 surface acres and has 62 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Nearby Attractions The City of Ellijay is about 30 minutes away, offering restaurants, grocery stores and fuel, along with other amenities.Charges & Cancellations Please review the rules and reservation policies link at the bottom of the page.
How to Get There
From Atlanta: Take Interstate 75 North until Exit 293, turn right onto Georgia Highway 411 North, travel approximately 30 miles; take a right onto Georgia Highway 136 East; proceed across railroad tracks; turn left onto Old Highway 411 North, continue approximately six (6) miles and turn right onto Highway 76, travel approximately 3.5 miles and turn right onto Woodring Branch Road; proceed almost five (5) miles and continue straight into Woodring Branch Day Use Area.Woodring 5600 Woodring Branch RoadEllijay, GA 30540
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER
Heading to WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
No central reservation system listed for WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272301) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
From Atlanta: Take Interstate 75 North until Exit 293, turn right onto Georgia Highway 411 North, travel approximately 30 miles; take a right onto Georgia Highway 136 East; proceed across railroad tracks; turn left onto Old Highway 411 North, continue approximately six (6) miles and turn right onto Highway 76, travel approximately 3.5 miles and turn right onto Woodring Branch Road; proceed almost …
How do I contact WOODRING DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
You can reach the park at phone: 706-334-2248.
References & Official Resources
