Get Involved

ForestWatch outings help the public discover lesser known trails and areas to explore, which is becoming more and more valuable as popular trails see record numbers of visitors. The fact that these Outings are open to the public and free of registration costs, makes this program one of the best kept secrets of North Georgia forests.

The Outings program is unique because members, leaders, and specialists within the community are the ones sharing their passion for an area or topic. From wooly adelgids and bladderworts to geology to Native Americans, there is always more to learn and explore. This community building is important in helping to advance our mission while being just plain fun!

Of course, the Outings program incorporates adventurous components of exploring our forests, too. With over 1200 miles of Forest Service roads, many of the roads that lead us to lesser known areas are gravel and degrade over time. Sometimes, our favorite hike or area gets overused, and funding for basic road maintenance isn’t always top priority for our land managers. Access to these areas that we experience and grow to love is a key component of educating about and experiencing our forests. We greatly appreciate coordinating with Outings Leaders who have scouted the route, providing a more enjoyable experience in our national forests. Once comfortable with an area, we can often find additional opportunities to extend the adventure further to known waterfalls, vistas, and big trees.

Have an Outings Leader you want to recommend? Email Jessica Morehead at outings@gafw.org.