Woody Gap Recreation Area

Woody Gap works a few ways for a few different people. If you’re into just catching a great view, Woody Gap has that for you right at the parking lot. In fact, when I arrived on a Sunday morning, there were a few people taking in a sunrise breakfast from the trunk of their car.
If you’re up for a nice quick hike to an even better view at Preacher’s rock, which is less than 2 miles from the Woody Gap parking lot (you can’t miss it due to the outcrop clearing and endless mountain views), you can find that here too. This hike is easily hiked by all comers, as this trail isn’t really tough at all, and will be flat in about half of the trail.
Finally, if you want a long scenic hike, say to Blood mountain, Neel’s Gap, or any place you’d like to stop along the Appalachian trail, again, Woody Gap has you covered. Blood mountain is about 12 miles away from the parking lot of Woody Gap, and a decent map at the parking lot marks several «to see» locations on the map. Just remember, this is 12 miles one way, so either park a car at both Appalachian locations, or be prepared to get in a 24 mile round trip hike.
There is no welcome center at the Woody Gap lot, and while there is a bathroom, it’s more of an outhouse than anything… and bring your own tissue/​hand sanitizer just in case. Several benches are littered around, and while there are two lots, they both can fill up pretty quickly.
Woody Gap is on Highway 60, and I found it easy to get here by just pushing the «directions» feature on the Unilocal app, as both waze and my in dash gps located me on highway 60, but not at the woody gap location.
Very nice area that you definitely must check out if you’re anywhere near the Dahlonega area.

If you’re in the Dahlonega area and want a nice overlook, visit Woody Gap.
Follow GA 60 northwest of Dahlonega and follow the signs to Woody Gap Recreation Area. You’ll know it when you see it – there’s a clearing at near the top of the mountain. The overlook is on the left (if coming from the southeast). Additional parking and toilet facilities are on the right.
The Appalachian trail crosses the recreation area. Southwest from Woody Gap is the trail to Gooch Gap. North and east trail head in the direction of Blood Mountain.
We love the winding drive up to this overlook, and we always bring our dogs with us to enjoy the view and a brief walk down the trail. We think you’ll enjoy it too.