NORTH GEORGIA'S FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
The ruins of an ancient stone wall stand high atop the summit of a mountain in the rugged Cohuttas Mountains within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Mystery and legend surround the origins of this wall. Many believe it was built by an unknown tribe of Indians around 500 AD for religious purposes. This theory is the most widely accepted one because the sun rises and sets perfectly over both ends of the wall. There are, however, several other fascinating theories.
The park’s name implies one explanation for the wall’s existence—fortification. Another interesting theory comes from the Cherokee legend that the wall was built by “Moon Eyes,” a race of light skinned people who could see in the dark. Spooky. When you visit the wall, read the park signs and decide for yourself. The ancient wall of piled stones snakes along for 855’. A hike to this mysterious wall takes about 15 minutes.
The wall is not the only thing to see at Fort Mountain State Park. Outstanding scenery, panoramic views, the 400’ cascading waterfall on Gold Mine Creek, a 17-acre lake, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding and accommodations are a few other enticements to draw you here. It is said that Fort Mountain has some of the prettiest trails of any state park. You’ll find hardwood forests, pine forests and lots of blueberry thickets. Wildlife flourishes here—tons of deer and many black bears. There are photo opportunities everywhere. It’s relatively isolated most of the year, even though it is located just about an hour north of Atlanta.
With more than 3400 acres of land, Fort Mountain State Park is the perfect place for family fun. The beautiful mountain lake is crystal clear and very cold. There is a swimming beach, bathhouse, paddle & fishing boats and miniature golf (in season). For accommodations, there are 15 cottages, 70 tent and trailer/RV sites, clean bathrooms and several primitive back country walk-in sites
Fort Mountain State Park is a hiker’s paradise with 14 miles of trails. They are well marked, blazed with orange paint. The most popular route is the 1.3 mile Old Fort Trail which accesses the 
summit of Ft. Mountain and passes the renowned rock wall, an old observation/fire tower and the scenic Chatsworth Overlook. The tower was built by the Civil Conservation Corps back in the early 30’s and provides the most excellent views. This hike is rated easy to moderate. Strewn about the trails are thousands of rocks, from small stones to room-sized boulders. How convenient for “whoever” built that wall!
Fort Mountain State Park is a hiker’s paradise with 14 miles of trails. They are well marked, blazed with orange paint. The most popular route is the 1.3 mile Old Fort Trail which accesses the summit of Ft. Mountain and passes the renowned rock wall, an old observation/fire tower and the scenic Chatsworth Overlook. The tower was built by the Civil Conservation Corps back in the early 30’s and provides the most excellent views. This hike is rated easy to moderate. Strewn about the trails are thousands of rocks, from small stones to room-sized boulders. How convenient for “whoever” built that wall!
Other hiking trails include the Gahuti Trail, the Lake Trail and the Big Rock Nature Trail. The Gahuti is 8.2 miles and is rated difficult to strenuous. It takes about 5 hours to hike and it travels around the edge of the park, just below the summit. The back country camping sites are situated on this trail and are available for use with a permit. The 1.2 mile Lake Loop Trail takes you around the lake, which was created by damming up the creek. It is rated easy and is open to foot traffic and bikes. Big Rock Nature Trail follows an old roadbed to the western boundary of the park, where it merges with the Gahuti. It continues to Gold Mine River where the trail ascends in steps while the creek descends in cascades. Depending upon the water level of the lake and its feeder streams, the river/waterfall can be spectacular. Wildflowers abound here in the spring. The trail
Other hiking trails include the Gahuti Trail, the Lake Trail and the Big Rock Nature Trail. The Gahuti is 8.2 miles and is rated difficult to strenuous. It takes about 5 hours to hike and it travels around the edge of the park, just below the summit. The back country camping sites are situated on this trail and are available for use with a permit. The 1.2 mile Lake Loop Trail takes you around the lake, which was created by damming up the creek. It is rated easy and is open to foot traffic and bikes. Big Rock Nature Trail follows an old roadbed to the western boundary of the park, where it merges with the Gahuti. It continues to Gold Mine River where the trail ascends in steps while the creek descends in cascades. Depending upon the water level of the lake and its feeder streams, the river/waterfall can be spectacular. Wildflowers abound here in the spring. The trail is rated moderate to difficult in some books, easy to moderate in others. Big Rock Nature Trail gets its name from the boulder field which is scattered through the forest.
Fort Mountain State Park is part of the Chieftains Trail, certain locations in Northwest Georgia which highlight the 3 distinct Native American cultures that once thrived in these foothills—the pre-historic Mississippian Culture, the Creeks and the Cherokees. If you are a history buff like me, you’ll enjoy visiting the other points of interest on the Chieftains Trail: the Etowah Indian Mounds near Cartersville; the Chieftains Museum in Rome; New Echota near Calhoun; Chief Vann’s House in Spring Place; and the Funk Heritage Center in Waleska.
Fort Mountain State Park is a beautiful place to spend the day or vacation for a week. Be sure to check out this hidden gem. For more information, go to their website at www.gastateparks.org/FortMountain. Their physical address is 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705. GPS coordinates are N34.760916/ W084.707166. To get reservations for camping or cabins, please call (800) 864-7275. To reach the park for a fun day trip from Blue Ridge: Travel south on Hwy 515 to Ellijay; turn right and take Hwy 52W for about 15 miles.