Getting Oriented
The route follows the Middle Fork of the Boise River from Arrowrock Reservoir east into the Idaho Batholith. Atlanta sits in a small basin at the headwaters, surrounded by the Sawtooth Wilderness on the north and the Boise National Forest on all other sides. From Atlanta, alternate routes leave south to Featherville and Pine via Forest Service roads, or northeast over Atlanta Summit to Stanley (high-clearance only, weather-dependent).
Trail Overview
Ninety-five miles one way, out-and-back from Boise. The lower 35 miles to Twin Springs are improved gravel suitable for stock SUVs in dry conditions. Above Twin Springs the road narrows, the surface degrades to rocky single-lane, and tight curves and steep grades require 4WD. Drive time is four to six hours one way, depending on conditions. Most travelers run it as a multi-day trip with overnight in Atlanta.
Points of Interest
- Arrowrock Reservoir. Bureau of Reclamation reservoir at the start of the gravel section, with boat ramps and dispersed shoreline camping.
- Twin Springs. Small community at the lower-canyon halfway point with a private rustic resort and developed hot springs.
- Bonneville Hot Springs. Roadside thermal pools roughly 25 miles below Atlanta.
- Power Plant Campground. Boise NF developed campground at the base of Atlanta Summit.
- Atlanta. Former gold-rush town, population around 25 year-round. The Atlanta Lode produced ore from 1864 to 1953. Several small lodges and a general store, though hours are seasonal.
- Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary. Just north of Atlanta; trailheads to the south side of the wilderness leave from town.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is permitted on Boise NF land along the road with the standard 14-day stay limit. Developed Boise NF campgrounds along the route include Cow Creek, Troutdale, Power Plant, and Riverside. Atlanta has a small private campground with hookups.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- The road is impassable November through May most years. The Boise NF gates the upper section.
- Carry a spare tire, recovery gear, and extra fuel. Atlanta's general store stocks limited gas, but availability is unreliable.
- The road is single-lane in the upper canyon. Use pullouts and yield to oncoming traffic on tight curves.
- River crossings on the Middle Fork road use bridges. The bridges are old; check Boise NF status before driving.
- Bonneville Hot Springs is on Forest Service land and free; it's busy on summer weekends.
- Combine the Middle Fork approach with a return via Featherville and Pine on Forest Service roads to make a 200-plus-mile loop back to Boise.
