Cherry Log, GA Cabins: Buyer Guide to the GA 515 Corridor

Cherry Log Cabins and the GA 515 Corridor

The short answer

Cherry Log is an unincorporated community in Gilmer County, north-northeast of Ellijay, on GA 515, the four-lane state designated the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway in 1991. Cabins here trade Ellijay’s downtown for forest and highway access north toward Blue Ridge. Being unincorporated, it follows Gilmer County rules on rentals, roads and septic.

Last checked October 16, 2026

Where Cherry Log is

Cherry Log is an unincorporated community (a USGS 'populated place') in Gilmer County. Its official name was confirmed by a Board on Geographic Names decision, and it lies north-northeast of Ellijay. (USGS place names (GNIS), checked 2026-10-16)

The road that shapes it

A 1991 Georgia General Assembly resolution (House Resolution No. 283, Resolution No. 55) redesignated State Route 515, from the north end of I-575 to the North Carolina line, as 'The Zell Miller Mountain Parkway'. The resolution became law on April 25, 1991. (Georgia DOT, checked 2026-10-16)

The parkway is the main road between Ellijay and the counties to the north. Cabins near it are easy to reach; cabins up the side roads off it can be another matter, so drive the last mile yourself before you offer.

A waterfall sliding in white streams down a broad sloping rock face scattered with fallen autumn leaves. — Falls Branch Falls in the national forest near Cherry Log Photo: Thomson M, CC BY 3.0

Forest next door

The USDA Forest Service lists Cohutta Wilderness trailheads in Fannin, Gilmer and Murray counties. It describes the wilderness as 37,000 acres with 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails, managed through the Conasauga Ranger District (3941 Highway 76, Chatsworth). (USDA Forest Service, checked 2026-10-16)

Public forest land nearby is part of the appeal, and it also means some of the land around you will not be developed.

Rules that apply

Unincorporated: Gilmer County’s short-term rental chapter applies; licenses do not transfer on a sale.
Private and shared roads are common. Ask for any road maintenance agreement in writing.
Septic records come from Gilmer County Environmental Health; well tests from the UGA Extension office in Ellijay.

Questions buyers ask

Is Cherry Log part of Ellijay?

No. Cherry Log is an unincorporated community in Gilmer County, north-northeast of Ellijay, according to USGS place-name records.

Source: USGS place names (GNIS)

Is the Cohutta Wilderness in Gilmer County?

Partly. The Forest Service lists Cohutta Wilderness trailheads in Fannin, Gilmer and Murray counties, and describes the wilderness as 37,000 acres with 90 miles of trails.

Source: USDA Forest Service

Rules and fees change. Every rule on this page links to the office that sets it; confirm with that office before you rely on it.

Talk to a North Georgia agent before you write the offer.

Gold Peach Realty is the brokerage behind this guide. An agent can pull the septic records, read the association rules and drive the road with you before your due-diligence clock runs out, and show you what is actually for sale in Ellijay and the rest of Gilmer County.