Chestnut Mountain WMA Shooting Range

Chestnut Mountain Rd, Dalton, GA 30720, United States

The Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range, nestled in the scenic Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Whitfield County, offers a unique and engaging outdoor shooting experience. This 100-yard range, with distances marked at 25, 50, and 100 yards, provides a perfect setting for both rifle and handgun enthusiasts. It’s important to note that visitors need to bring their own unbreakable targets. The range also includes a covered shed for added comfort and accessibility, accommodating various shooters.

Features of the Range

Location: Situated within the serene Johns Mountain WMA, Armuchee.
Facilities: Equipped with shooting benches, a covered shed, and accessible benches.
Range Design: A 100-yard range with intervals at 25, 50, and 100 yards.
Parking: Gravel parking available for up to 10 vehicles.
Amenities: Gravel path leading to restrooms and shooting shed.

Operation and Access

Payment System: The range has transitioned to a cashless system; visitors must use the recreation.gov app for payments.
Proof of Payment: Ensure to have proof of payment upon arrival; cell service may be limited.
Hours of Operation: Varies seasonally, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (May-Aug) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sep-Apr), closed on Sundays.

User Reviews and Insights

Users highlight the range’s cleanliness, excellent communication, and adherence to safe practices.
Appreciated for its affordability ($5 per person), the range is a popular choice for both new and experienced shooters.
Some reviewers mention it can get crowded, especially on weekends, suggesting weekday visits for a more relaxed experience.
The range’s remote location may pose challenges for navigation and cell service, so preparing for this is advised.

Nearby Attractions The Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range is in proximity to various wildlife management areas and state parks, including Allatoona WMA, Cloudland Canyon State Park, and Red Top Mountain State Park, among others, offering additional recreational opportunities.

Additional Information

Fees: $5 per person daily, with an annual option available.
Contact: Hunter Services (706-557-3355), After Hours (404-291-8167).
Location Coordinates: N 34.6179, W -85.0459.

At a glance

Longest distance: 100 yards

Range details

Range type: Firearm Shooting Range
Facilities: 100-Yard
Fees: Daily: $5/person, Annual: $25/person
Staffing: Unstaffed
Region: 1

Source: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, retrieved October 23, 2026. Details change; confirm with the range before you go.

Range type: Firearms
Funding: Built or improved with federal Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) funds

Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service (Wildlife Restoration program), retrieved October 23, 2026. Details change; confirm with the range before you go.

Fees: $5/person/day . Download the Recreation.gov mobile App before visiting the shooting range! Day passes can be purchased through Recreation.gov website prior to visiting or with the Scan and Pay feature through the mobile App at the range kiosk. Once the mobile App is loaded onto your device, phone service is not needed to purchase a pass at Chestnut Mountain Range. Simply follow the instructions on the information kiosk. An Annual Permit is also available for $25.00 per shooter per year, applicable to the purchaser only, by visiting the Conasauga Ranger District Office.
Rules: Rifles and Handguns only. Shotguns may only be patterned. Bring your own paper targets. Alcohol is not permitted on the range, in the parking lot, or on the shooting range access road. Skeet shooting not allowed.

Source: USDA Forest Service, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, retrieved October 23, 2026. Details change; confirm with the range before you go.

Shooting and services

Photos

Chestnut Mountain WMA Shooting Range photo

Location