The Dawson Forest City of Atlanta Tract is a big forest in Georgia. It has a wild past. It was once a secret place for nuclear tests. Now, it’s a quiet spot for hiking and camping. This article tells its full story. It covers the forest’s history, the nuclear lab, and how you can visit today. I’m Douglas Baltes, a writer with a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania. I love nature and have studied forests and conservation for years. My work with groups like the Australian Marine Conservation Society helps me share true, clear facts about places like Dawson Forest.
The Early Days of Dawson Forest
Dawson Forest sits in Dawson County, Georgia. It covers 10,130 acres of hills and trees. The Etowah River flows nearby. Long ago, this land was home to Cherokee people. They lived here before settlers came. In the 1800s, farmers and loggers used the land. By the 1930s, a man named Roscoe Tucker owned big parts of it. He was a local leader who knew the land well.
In 1951, things changed. The United States Air Force and Lockheed Martin, a company that builds planes, wanted a secret place to test ideas. They chose Dawson Forest. Roscoe Tucker sold them the land. It was far from cities, perfect for private work. This started the forest’s strangest chapter: the Georgia Nuclear Aircraft Laboratory, or GNAL.
The Georgia Nuclear Aircraft Laboratory (1951–1971)
The GNAL was a top-secret place. It was called Air Force Plant No. 67. Its main job was to test if planes could use nuclear power. This was during the Cold War, a time when the United States and the Soviet Union raced to build strong weapons. A nuclear plane could fly for weeks without landing. It sounded like a great idea. But it was very dangerous.
How the Lab Worked
The lab had special buildings. The biggest was the Radiation Effects Facility. It held a 10-megawatt nuclear reactor. This reactor was not like others. It was “air-shielded.” That means it had no heavy walls to block radiation. Instead, it hung in the air between steel towers. Workers hid in underground bunkers to stay safe. They used machines to control the reactor from far away.
The lab also had:
- A hot cell building to handle radioactive items.
- Two pump houses to pull water from the Etowah River.
- A narrow railway to move materials.
- A water cooling tower and labs for tests.
Another reactor, called the Shield Defense Facility, was planned. It was smaller, only 80 watts. But it was never used. The lab tested how radiation hurt plants, animals, and objects. They wanted to know what a nuclear plane might do to the world below.
What They Found
The tests showed bad news. A nuclear plane would spread radiation everywhere. It could kill trees, grass, and animals. Even people on the ground could die. The lab found that rubber tires melted or turned hard. Liquids became sticky like gum. A nuclear plane crash would make a big area unsafe for years. By the 1960s, the Air Force knew nuclear planes were not safe. The project stopped in 1971.
The Environmental Impact
The lab hurt Dawson Forest. Radiation killed plants and animals near the reactor. Trees grew small and weak up to a mile away. Wildlife died or left. Some areas got so much radiation that they were called “lethal zones.” Workers dumped radioactive water into pits. This made the soil and water dirty.
In 1978, tests found radiation in a small 3-acre area. It was higher than normal but not deadly. Today, that area is fenced off. The rest of the forest is safe. Since 1977, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources checks the land. They say radiation levels are normal now. But stories of strange animals, like two-headed deer, still float around. These are just rumors, not facts.
The Forest After the Lab
In 1971, Lockheed closed the lab. They sold the land to the City of Atlanta. The city wanted to build a second airport. But the land was too hilly. The airport idea failed. In 1975, the city gave the Georgia Forestry Commission control. They turned the forest into a Wildlife Management Area. Now, it’s a place for hiking, biking, and camping.
The forest healed over time. Trees and animals came back. The Etowah River flows clean. Only a few old buildings remain. You can see concrete pads and the hot cell building. It’s tall, covered in barbed wire, and has “No Trespassing” signs. The rest of the lab is gone or buried.
Why People Visit Dawson Forest Today
Dawson Forest is now a public space. It’s part of the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area. It has over 25 miles of trails. People come to hike, ride horses, or bike. Hunters visit during deer season. The forest is free for hikers and campers. Bikers and horse riders pay a small fee, about $7 a day.
The forest’s past makes it special. Old ruins tell a story of the Cold War. The trails are quiet, far from city noise. You can see deer, birds, and sometimes bears. The Etowah River adds beauty. It’s a great spot for anyone who loves nature or history.
Public Access Guide: How to Visit Dawson Forest
Want to explore Dawson Forest? Here’s a simple guide to help you plan. It’s easy to visit, but you need to know a few things.
Getting There
Dawson Forest is in Dawsonville, Georgia. It’s about 10 miles from Georgia 400 in Cumming. The main entrance is at Dawson Forest Road East. Use these coordinates for parking: 34.40529, -84.18025. The roads are gravel but safe for most cars. There’s no exact address for GPS, so use a map app to find Dawson Forest Road.
What to Expect
The forest has many trails. Some are easy, some are hard. The Blue Trail and Red Trail are popular for hiking. They’re about 5 miles long and flat. The Yellow Trail is good for biking but harder to cross the river. The trails go past old lab ruins, like the pump house at 34.35564, -84.14037. You’ll see concrete foundations near the parking lot.
The hot cell building is fenced off. Do not climb the fence. It’s watched by cameras. Trespassing can get you in trouble. The forest is safe, but stay on marked trails. Hunters use the area in fall, so wear bright clothes during hunting season (October to January).
Tips for Visitors
- Bring Supplies: Carry water, snacks, and a map. There are no shops nearby.
- Check the Season: The forest closes for one week in August for road work. Call the Georgia Forestry Commission to check dates.
- Stay Safe: Don’t eat plants near old lab sites. Radiation is low, but it’s better to be careful.
- Camping: Campsites are near the parking lot. They have dry toilets. No fee is needed.
- Respect Nature: Don’t leave trash. Keep the forest clean.
- Bring a Camera: The ruins and river are great for photos.
Best Time to Visit
Visit from June to September for warm weather. August is best, but check for closures. Winter is good for clear views, but trails can be muddy. Spring has wildflowers, making hikes pretty.
The Legacy of Dawson Forest
Dawson Forest shows how nature can heal. The lab left scars, but the forest grew back. Today, it’s a safe place for fun and learning. The old ruins remind us of the Cold War. They show how people took risks to build new things, even if those things didn’t work.
The forest also teaches us about care. The Georgia Forestry Commission works hard to keep it safe. They check for radiation and protect animals. My work in conservation, like helping kelp forests in Australia, shows me how important this is. Places like Dawson Forest need our help to stay strong.
Clearing Up Myths
Some people talk about weird things in Dawson Forest. They say there are three-eyed deer or giant leaves. These stories come from the lab’s time. But they’re not true. Dr. James Mahaffey, a nuclear expert, studied the forest. He found no proof of strange animals. The radiation is gone, except in the fenced area. The forest is just a normal, beautiful place now.
Why This Matters
Dawson Forest is more than a park. It’s a piece of history. It shows how people tried big ideas, even dangerous ones. It also shows how nature can come back. As a biologist, I see the forest as a win for conservation. It’s a place where people and nature meet. You can walk the trails, see the ruins, and feel the past.
Final Thoughts
Dawson Forest City of Atlanta Tract is a special place. It has a wild history with the nuclear lab. Now, it’s a peaceful spot for everyone. You can hike, camp, or learn about the past. Follow the guide above to visit safely. Enjoy the forest’s beauty and respect its story. If you have questions or want to share your trip, leave a comment below!
Disclaimer: This article uses trusted sources like science reports and history books. We tried hard to make sure all facts are correct, but some details about the nuclear lab and its effects might still be studied. When visiting Dawson Forest, follow all signs, stay on trails, and avoid blocked-off areas to stay safe. The author and publisher are not responsible for any problems if you use this guide. Check with the Georgia Forestry Commission for updates on closures or safety rules before you go.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
