Georgia’s principal national forest system joins the mountain Chattahoochee and the eastern Oconee into an 867,265-acre conservation and recreation landscape. The Chattahoochee grew from U.S. Forest Service land purchases begun in 1911, became a separate national forest in 1936, and was later joined by the Oconee in 1959. Early conservation was shaped by Roscoe Nicholson, who helped secure key lands, and Arthur Woody, who restored deer and trout after severe depletion. Today the forests protect rivers, wilderness, and wildlife habitat, including the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River, the Chattooga River, and major mountain landmarks, while also supporting extensive trails, roads, lakes, and outdoor recreation.