Most of extreme north Georgia is covered by protected lands – the Chattahoochee National Forest and a number of Wildlife Management Areas open for hunting and fishing. But the region of the Southern Appalachians lies below the vast protected area along the borders of Gilmer, Pickens, Dawson, and Fannin Counties. The Mountain Stewards launched our efforts in 2005 and continue today to work on the hiking opportunities in Pickens, Dawson and Gilmer Counties. We have added 32 miles of new trails and built Canoe Launch sites that open Blue Trails (waterways) in north Georgia.