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Reviews for Dawson Forest
(click on name for more information)
Dawsonville, GA

Overall TRAIL RATING with 8 votes:
Overall CAMP RATING with 4 votes:
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Individual Reviews

Trail Rating: 
Camp Rating: 

There are plenty of trails, nice scenery, but some trails are narrow and rocky. Your horse will definitely need shoes. The trail markers and map could use an update; I didn't feel the trails were marked clearly enough the first time I rode these trails. (Got a little turned around a couple of times.) There is a portion fenced off with no treaspassing signs, and you definitely want to respect that (it's the old GNAL site - Luckily I didn't start glowing when riding bye it.). One aspect of the trails I find a little frustrating, is that you share the forest with hunters in the fall. Be mindful of the trail restrictions, and wear hunter's orange!
Reviewed by: JaeC on 9/22/2015 8:25:24 AM
More reviews by JaeC 		Experience: Expert Ride Date: 8/23/2015 Hometown: Dawsonville, GA

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My wife and I where there a few weeks back and we enjoyed riding here. We did get turned around a couple times ( we did not use the map )but the trails we rode we really enjoyed and we do plan to ride here a lot more in the future ...see you there !!! There is a $7.00 day fee
Reviewed by: bluworon on 7/31/2015 3:14:10 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 7/18/2015 Hometown: Dahlonega, Ga

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I ride the blue trail often, love to cross the Etowah river, great to cool off and hang out with your horse for a few minutes in summer/fall, then we also ride the orange/green trials there is a waterfall there, nice ride can walk, trot, cantor and at various points so you are not bored. Several of us rode there at least once every couple weeks all of 2010. Haven't camped there but will this year as just got a LQ trailer!
Reviewed by: c sauers on 1/12/2011 6:34:11 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 11/1/2010 Hometown: marietta, GA

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The campground is okay for a primiative campground. The sites are well maintained and there are plenty of posts in each campsite area for tie lining and room for electric fences or panels. The trails are well maintained and there are hills for conditioning and lots of flat areas for trotting and cantering especially on the blue trail. The trails are pretty and the river is great for cooling off horses and riders. It is easy access from Hwy. 400.
Reviewed by: Marge on 9/27/2010 10:38:21 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 9/11/2010 Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

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We ride at the Dawson Forest often. Horses definitely need shoes, but there are some nice trails off the roads. Fun to cross the Etowah River in a couple of spots. They have cut a new trail in (Orange trail) which keeps you off one of the roads. It is very shady, some steep places, but a really nice ride down to a waterfall. Great place for a day ride. The campground is primitive with no water or electricity, but still plenty of space for good size LQ's and pick lines. Trails are pretty well marked and trail maps are available. Pretty nasty public bathroom.
Reviewed by: Kay on 8/12/2009 3:03:43 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 6/1/2009 Hometown: Canton, GA

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Like others have indicated, plan your ride so you don't spend too much time on the roads. The blue trail is very nice and has some fun water & bridge crossings. Last time I was there, the roads weren't quite as rocky as before, but they're definitely not very scenic at any time of the year. If you can stay off the roads, you could get away without shoes.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 4/14/2008 7:01:36 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 2/10/2008 Hometown: Canton, GA

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I was very disappointed in these trails. About a mile is nice then you get onto gravel/dirt roads that are open to forestry jeeps. Not scenic. We did not get over to the blue trail which is supposed to be nicer but still, alot of road.
Reviewed by: Kathy on 3/5/2008 11:19:19 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 3/1/2008 Hometown: Conyers, GA

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Single track trails are nice, not too many rocks, some challenging/fun water crossings and pretty scenery. BUT, much of the trail system is gravel forest roads that are hard on the horses' feet. If you go, try to avoid the roads.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 10/9/2007 7:58:15 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 7/7/2007 Hometown: , Select State