Fort MountainTrail Map |
Trail map with trail descriptions for Fort Mountain State Park (SP) in Georgia. Published by Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.
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Fort Mountain State Park Trail Map
405
301
407
301
408
407
201
407
West
Overlook
Big
Rock
Trail
401
302
#3
301
302
#4
Cool Springs
Overlook &
Gahuti Trailhead
P
P
ldm
Go
ine
301
Creek Tr
ail
410
#2
#1
GeorgiaStateParks.org/FortMountain
#5
401
Office
301
Gahuti Trail
301
P
PARK
ENTRANCE
52
52
412
n
Park Boundary
Ga
ho
r
ti Connecto
301
hut
Tr
ai
l
1/2 mile
Criminal trespass charges
and search & rescue costs
can be charged to parties
guilty of negligence or
failure to get user permits.
0
SCALE
52
Ellijay
1 mile
Since trails may be closed for
maintenance or inclement weather,
check with the Park Office to
ensure availability.
Pi
Permits required for all Bicycle, Equestrian and Backcountry Use
Park Boundary
Stone Wall
Trail
Fort Mtn.
tone
N. Sr Tr
e ail
Tow
P
#4
303
Mtn. Bike
Trailhead
Permit Required
P
Lake Trail
#6-15
52
Park Boundary
Park Boundary
P
303
P Picnic
Shelter 5
#1-5
Old Fort
Picnic Area
CCC S tone
Towe r Trail
#2
403
401
407
401
181 Fort Mountain Park Road • Chatsworth, Georgia 30705 • park: 706-422-1932 • emergency: 706-695-4592 • reservations: 1-800-864-7275
LEGEND
Pinhoti Connector Trail
Hiking Trails
Big Rock Trail
Campers Loop
CCC Stone Tower
Cool Springs Overlook
Gahuti Trail (Backcountry)
Creek Conn.
404
401
400
301
#1
#3
301
P
a
rk
Bo
ar
y
un
d
410
Goldmine Creek
Lake Trail (multi-purpose)
Multi-use 201
North Stone Tower
Stone Wall
Upper Cabin Access
West Overlook
Biking Trails
301
302
303
Horse Trails
401
400
403
404
Park Boundary
52
West Overlo o k Tr ail
Gahuti Trail
405
407
408
410
412
Parking
“You are Here”
Checkpoint Markers
Park Office
RV and Tent Camping
Pioneer Camping Area
Backcountry Campsite
Mountain Biking
Cottages
Overlook
Picnic Area
Paved Roads
Gravel Roads
Symbols
P
Horse Stables
Cliff
Mine
Road
Chatsworth
52
Park Boundary
i Tr
ail
Combination Trails
Accessibility for Selected Trails
Big Rock Trail
2350
2300
Mystery of Fort Mountain
High atop Fort Mountain are the rocky ruins of an ancient “stone
wall” with prehistoric origin steeped in legend. Generations of
archaeologists and historians have unsuccessfully sought to
unravel the riddle of this wall, one of several stone assemblages
scattered throughout the Southeast. More than 150 years after its
discovery, answers still evade us as to who built the wall, when
and for what purpose.
Theories abound, and one of the more realistic explanations
is that the wall was built around 500 A.D. by a tribe of Native
Americans for ceremonial or religious purposes. Others assert
the wall was built by wandering bands of Welsh explorers during
the 14th century as fortification against Indians. Welsh Prince
Madoc has been credited with building several stone petroglyphs
in the Southeast after supposedly sailing into Alabama. Another
theory, based on Cherokee legend, is that the wall was built by the
“Moon Eyes,” a race of light-skinned people who could see in the
dark because of their larger or paler eyes. Or perhaps Spanish
conquistadors, possibly Hernado de Soto, built the wall as a
defense against Indian attacks.
Since no artifacts have been found to support these theories, no
one knows who built the “wall of stones” zigzagging across the
southern face of the Cohutta mountain range’s most prominent
peak. This part of the southern Appalachian Mountains rises
above the Piedmont Plain and offers 80-mile views, making it an
ideal location for ceremonial practices or defensive needs.
The stone wall runs east and west for 855 feet, and its height
varies from two to six feet. Archaeologists believe it was much
higher before exploration and plunder by previous scientists
and treasure hunters. Adding to the mystery are 30 “pits” built
into the wall. Were these gun emplacements or symbolic to
some ceremonial practice of earlier inhabitants? Will the secrets
contained within these stones forever remain a mystery?
Trail Safety & Etiquette
• Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
• Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by dressing
in layers and carrying rain gear.
• Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle.
• Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help.
• Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one
location and wait for help. This will make it easier for
rescuers to find you.
• Pack out all trash.
• Keep pets on a leash.
• Do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife.
• Protect the landscape by staying on trails.
Mountain Biking Safety & Etiquette
• Wear a helmet.
• Bikers yield to hikers and horses.
• Announce your presence to others. When passing, a polite “On
your left” or “On your right” is suggested.
• Carry maintenance tools and replacement inner tubes.
• Prevent erosion by staying on trails and not skidding.
made by combining trails shown on the map
2800
2200
2750
2150
2700
2100 feet above sea level
clockwise
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Avg. Grade: 14%;
Max: 30%/200LF
Min. Width: 30 Inches
Avg. X-slope: 12%;
Max: 30%/20LF
The Big Rock Nature Trail
travels from the ridgeline near
the lake down into a mountain
hollow, then crosses a dividing
ridge and returns up Gold Mine
Creek passing several small
cascades and waterfalls. Wildflowers abound in spring.
Cool Springs Overlook Trail
2500
Gahuti Trail
2000
1800
feet above sea level
2650
The Stone Tower Loop is hiked
by traveling uphill on the West
Overlook Trail and returning
on the CCC Stone Tower Trail.
Year-round vistas from West
Overlook.
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Avg. Grade: 14%;
Max: 20%/250LF
Min. Width: 36 Inches
Avg. X-slope: 12%;
Max: 15%/45LF
Stone Steps on East Part of Loop.
Upper Cabin Combo:
2300
clockwise
3
8.2 Mile Loop
Avg. Travel Time: 5 Hours
Foot Travel Only.
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Avg. Grade: 10%;
Max: 25%/500LF
Min. Width: 18 Inches
Avg. X-slope: 12%;
Max: 30%/50LF
Camping by Permit Only.
2900
4
5
6
7
8
The Gahuti Trail travels around
the edge of the park, passing
just below the summits of both
Cohutta and Fort mountains.
Ever changing, the trail is both
beautiful and challenging in all
seasons. Hikers should always
be aware of changing weather.
Four backcountry campsites
are available for use by permit.
2400
feet above sea level
clockwise
0
1
1.6-Mile Combination Loop
Avg. Travel Time: 1 1/4 Hours
Foot Travel Only.
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Avg. Grade: 10%;
Max: 25%/150LF
Min. Width: 18 Inches
Avg. X-slope: 12%;
Max: 25%/25LF
Beware of bikes on Lake Trail.
The Upper Cabin Loop is hiked
by using the Upper Cabin
Access Trail to the Lake Trail,
Lake Trail
2850
proceeding to the Goldmine
Creek Trail and returning on
the Gahuti Trail to the upper
cottage area.
This combination of trails
offers excellent vistas from the
upper levels of the ridgeline
and wonderful views of the
lake and Goldmine Creek. The
creek was named for early
goldmining, with some of the
old mining pits visible along
the trail.
Climate Data for Chatsworth, GA
2800
2750
2700
feet above sea level
clockwise
The Lake Trail loops around
Fort Mountain’s lake and
can be accessed from the
campgrounds, cottage areas,
Starts and ends at picnic shelter #5 picnic area and picnic shelter
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
#5, and the Big Rock Trail
Avg. Grade: 4%;
parking area. Trail is most
Max: 20%/75LF
accessible traveled clockwise.
Min. Width: 30 Inches
In this manner, users descend
Avg. X-slope: 12%;
the 75 lineal feet 20% grade.
Max: 25%/60LF
Bikers must yield to all other users.
1.2-Mile Loop
Avg. Travel Time: 1 Hour
Open to Biking & Foot Travel.
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Avg. Grade: 10%;
Max: 25%/1330LF
20% Ascending in last 3 miles
Min. Width: 48 Inches
Avg. X-slope: 12%;
Max: 20%/50LF
Hikers Yield To Bicyclists.
Trail Closed to Horses.
Grade
2450
2200
Month
Avg.
High
Avg.
Low Mean
Avg.
Precip.
Record High
Record Low
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
49ºF
54ºF
63ºF
72ºF
79ºF
86ºF
89ºF
89ºF
83ºF
73ºF
62ºF
53ºF
30ºF
32ºF
40ºF
47ºF
56ºF
65ºF
69ºF
68ºF
62ºF
49ºF
40ºF
33ºF
5.86 in
4.93 in
6.34 in
4.30 in
4.28 in
4.38 in
4.76 in
3.65 in
5.00 in
3.31 in
4.79 in
4.92 in
-10ºF (1985)
0ºF (1966)
7ºF (1993)
25ºF (1987)
33ºF (1971)
42ºF (1984)
52ºF (1967)
51ºF (1968)
32ºF (1967)
23ºF (1952)
12ºF (1955)
-4ºF (1983)
39ºF
43ºF
51ºF
59ºF
68ºF
75ºF
79ºF
78ºF
72ºF
69ºF
51ºF
43ºF
79ºF (1949)
79ºF (1989)
87ºF (2000)
91ºF (2002)
95ºF (1962)
103ºF (1988)
103ºF (1952)
103ºF (1983)
102ºF (1954)
94ºF (1954)
86ºF (1961)
78ºF (1956)
clockwise
4
14.6-Mile Loop
Avg. Travel Time: 4 Hours/Bike
Open to Biking & Foot Travel
2550
2500
2100 feet above sea level
0
1
2
1600 feet above sea level
0
2
Upper Cabin Access, Lake Trail, Goldmine Creek, Gahuti
2600
2400
2650
clockwise
0.9-Mile Loop
Avg. Travel Time: 1 Hour
Foot Travel Only.
2650
(Backcountry)
2400
2200
100% accessible by 2002 standards.
2600
301 Biking Trail
2600
West Overlook, CCC Stone
Tower
2850
2250
0.5-Mile Loop
Avg. Travel Time: 1 Hour
Foot Travel Only.
Stone Tower Combo:
2900
6
8
10
12
The East-West Bike Loop
is rated by many as one
of the most beautiful and
challenging bike trails in
the southeastern United
States. Users travel from
mountain ridge top to valley
floor, through pine and
scrub laurel thickets, upland
hardwood and cove forests,
by old mines, then waterfalls
and rhododendrons along
Hassler’s Mill Creek before
returning up the mountain.
All trail profiles start and end at their trail
heads unless otherwise indicated.
Obstacles may include uneven surfaces,
exposed rock and tree roots, fallen trees and/
X-slope or limbs, steps, long steep grades, loose stones
and leaf litter, softness, mud, icing, or other
slick conditions when wet, poisonous plants,
Width
heat or cold in season, insects, snakes, and
wild animals including bears.
Horse Trails
More than 25 miles of horse trails offer loop rides varying from 3
to 16 miles. Riders must bring their own horses and register at
the stables; or can rent guided horses from the concessionaire.
First-time riders must attach a photocopy proof of a negative
Coggins test. Parking is at the stables access (west side of the
park). Check the website or call ahead for trail closings during
bad weather.
The horse trails pass through varied environments, from lush
forest coves to wind-swept ridge tops. Wildflowers catch the
eye in early spring, green foliage is bountiful during summer,
changing leaf colors welcome fall, and spectacular vistas arrive
with winter. Cliffs, waterfalls, old mines (some that provide
natural “air-conditioning” during summer and warm air during
winter), and abandoned mining equipment add interest to the
trails. Horse watering stations are at approximately two-mile
intervals.
The shorter loops, which begin at the stables and go past
waterfalls, are the easier trails, with most at a 20% or less grade.
Basic rules apply: riders must stay on marked trails; no trail
riding between sunset and sunrise; no reckless or fast riding;
and horses should not be left unattended or unbridled. Anyone
found in violation of these rules will face criminal prosecution
(OCGA 12-3-10) and be banned from use of horse trails at all
state parks.