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Drone Rules for Chattahoochee National Forest

Union County, Georgia (GA) • United States
Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia 30512, USA
Lat: 34.7834 • Lng: -84.0332
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS Chattahoochee NF prohibits drones in six designated Wilderness Areas. Anna Ruby Falls and Tallulah Gorge are popular filming locations with seasonal permit requirements.

Drone Rules - Chattahoochee NF, Georgia

Six Wilderness Areas (Cohutta, Rich Mountain, Raven Cliffs, Ellicott Rock, Blood Mountain, Mark Trail) prohibit drone use under the Wilderness Act.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Cohutta Wilderness (37,000 acres) is one of the largest roadless areas in the eastern US; no exceptions for commercial UAS
  • Anna Ruby Falls is within the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area -- special use permit required year-round
  • Gainesville Memorial (GVL) Class D is ~20 NM south; Dalton Municipal (DNN) is ~10 NM west of Cohutta trailheads

Key Rules

  • Confirm Wilderness boundary on USGS/USFS topo before launching near ridgelines
  • Anna Ruby Falls NRA requires separate filming permit even outside Wilderness
  • Appalachian Trail in Blood Mountain Wilderness -- NPS trail corridor rules may also apply

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