Fort Mountain State Park trail map [2008]

Fort Mountain State Park Trail Map

181 Fort Mountain Park Road Chatsworth, Georgia 30705 park: 706-422-1932 emergency: 706-695-4592 reservations: 1-800-864-7275

LEGEND

www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

Hiking Trails

Pinhoti Connector Trail Big Rock Trail

Campers Loop CCC Stone Tower

Permits required for all Bicycle, Equestrian and Backcountry Use

Cool Springs Overlook

Gahuti Trail (Backcountry)

Creek Conn.

Goldmine Creek

405

Park Boundary #3
401

Lake Trail (multi-purpose)

201

401

Multi-use 201

Park Boundary West Overlook Trail
410

North Stone Tower

Stone Wall

404

407

412 410

Upper Cabin Access West Overlook Biking Trails

301

West Overlook

NTo. wSetornTerail

Fort Mtn.

301 401
302
303

Stone Wall Trail
302

TCoCwCerStTornaeil

Horse Trails 401 400 403 404 405

#4

#5

301

Cool Springs

Overlook &

Gahuti Trailhead

P Old Fort

#2

Picnic Area P

403

Park Boundary

407

408

407

#4

410

412

Park Boundary Gahuti Trail

Symbols Paved Road Gravel Road
Picnic Area Overlook Cottages Mountain Biking
Backcountry Campsite Pioneer Camping Area RV and Tent Camping
Park Office Checkpoint "You are Here" markers P Parking

400 301

301 401
408
401 407

Horse Stables

#1

#1-5

407

302
301 Mtn. Bike Trailhead Permit Required
P
303

Gahuti Trail #1
301 Office

Park Boundary

Ga. Hwy. 52
Ellijay

Cliff Mine

Big

P

Road

Rock

#3

Trail P

P

301

PARK

ENTRANCE

Lake Trail P Picnic
Shelter 5

Goldmine Creek Trail

Pin

#6-15

#2

hoti Connector Trail

Gahuti Trail

301

303

301

Chatsworth

Ga. Hwy. 52

Park Boundary

Since trails may be closed for maintenance or inclement weather, check with the Park Office to ensure availability.

Park Boundary

Criminal trespass charges and search & rescue costs can be charged to parties guilty of negligence or failure to get user permits.

0
SCALE

1/2 mile

1 mile Map Data Oct. 2008

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.

Accessibility for selected trails

2350 2300 2250 2200 2150 2100 feet above sea level

Big Rock Trail

clockwise

0.5-Mile Loop Avg. Travel Time: 1 Hour Foot Travel Only.
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 100% accessible by 2002 standards.

2600 Gahuti Trail

2500

(Backcountry)

2400

2300

2200

2100 feet above sea level

clockwise

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

8.8 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.

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.

2900

Lake Trail

2850

2800

2750

2700 2650 feet above sea level

clockwise

1.2-Mile Loop Avg. Travel Time: 1 Hour Open to Biking & Foot Travel.
Starts and ends at picnic shelter #5 Compacted Natural Soil Surface Avg. Grade: 4%; Max: 20%/75LF Min. Width: 30 Inches Avg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 25%/60LF Bikers must yield to all other users.

The Lake Trail loops around Fort Mountain's lake and can be accessed from the campgrounds, cottage areas, picnic area and picnic shelter #5, and the Big Rock Trail parking area. Trail is most accessible traveled clockwise. In this manner, users descend the 75 lineal feet 20% grade.

Combination Trails: made by combining trails shown on the map.

2900 Stone Tower Combo:
2850 West Overlook, CCC Stone Tower
2800 2750 2700 2650 feet above sea level

clockwise

0.9-Mile Loop Avg. Travel Time: 1 Hour Foot Travel Only.
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

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.

2650

Upper Cabin Combo:

Upper Cabin Access, Lake Trail, Goldmine Creek, Gahuti

2600

2550

2500

2450
2400 0

feet above sea level

clockwise 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, 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, GEORGIA

Avg. Avg.

Avg.

Month High Low Mean Precip. Record High Record Low

Jan 49F 30F 39F 5.86 in Feb 54F 32F 43F 4.93 in Mar 63F 40F 51F 6.34 in Apr 72F 47F 59F 4.30 in May 79F 56F 68F 4.28 in Jun 86F 65F 75F 4.38 in Jul 89F 69F 79F 4.76 in Aug 89F 68F 78F 3.65 in Sep 83F 62F 72F 5.00 in Oct 73F 49F 69F 3.31 in Nov 62F 40F 51F 4.79 in Dec 53F 33F 43F 4.92 in

79F (1949) 79F (1989) 87F (2000) 91F (2002) 95F (1962) 103F (1988) 103F (1952) 103F (1983) 102F (1954) 94F (1954) 86F (1961) 78F (1956)

-10F (1985) 0F (1966) 7F (1993) 25F (1987) 33F (1971) 42F (1984) 52F (1967) 51F (1968) 32F (1967) 23F (1952) 12F (1955) -4F (1983)

2600

2400

2200

2000

1800

1600 feet above sea level

0

2

4

301 Biking Trail

clockwise

6

8

10

12

14.6-Mile Loop Avg. Travel Time: 4 Hours/Bike 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.

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 Grade heads unless otherwise indicated.
Obstacles may include uneven surfaces, exposed X-slope rock and tree roots, fallen trees and/or limbs, steps,
long steep grades, loose stones and leaf litter, softness, mud, icing, or other slick conditions when Width wet, poisonous plants, 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.