This is a gorgeous trail that traverses a pristine area of national forest in the Cohutta Mountains. The Bear Creek trail follows the tumbling Bear Creek and also passes the Gennett Poplar, one of the largest poplars alive.
"From Atlanta take I-75 N to I-575 N toward Ellijay. I-575 turns GA 5 (US 76) and leads to E. Ellijay. Turn left at the second light in E. Ellijay (past the Ingles and McDonald's) and cross the railroad tracks. Turn left onto GA 52 West. Around mile marker 8, turn right onto Gates Chapel Rd. After 5.4 miles, turn right onto FS 90. Go 1.7 miles and turn right on FS 68. Two miles to trailhead parking area (on the right).
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=217