Dade County Community Forest

Nestled along two miles of Lookout Creek and directly adjoining Cloudland Canyon State Park, this 660-acre woodland holds the potential to become a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and economic vitality not just for Dade County, but for the entire Southeast region.

In partnership with Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Alliance for Dade, Dade County and other local leaders, Trust for Public Land is working to acquire Dade County Community Forest, expanding access to Cloudland Canyon and ensuring this space remains a community resource; protected, accessible, and productive for generations to come. Together, we envision a future where a new trail system winds through the forest, sustainable timber practices support local jobs, and families and visitors alike find space to connect with nature.

This forest represents a chance to close the outdoor access gap in northwest Georgia. While nearby Pickens County has seen outdoor recreation fuel an 18.1 percent increase in average job earnings, Dade County has experienced only a 3.1 percent rise—largely due to limited recreational destinations. Creating this community forest  could help drive nearly $3 million in new economic activity through tourism and small business growth.

Through TPL’s proven community forest model and the support of capital funding programs like the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Forest Program and the Appalachian United Outdoors program, we have an opportunity to create a lasting asset for the people of Dade County—one that supports livelihoods, strengthens the local economy, and deepens the community’s bond with the land.

We’re not just protecting trees. We’re protecting a shared vision for Dade County’s future, rooted in access, equity, and pride of place.