I’ve driven on and around Fort Mountain many times but never stopped at Fort Mountain State Park… that is, until August 24th. Fort Mountain might be my new favorite Georgia State Park. It is beautiful and well maintained. There is plenty to do for your family, and it’s only ~2 hours from Metro Atlanta.
What you might need for your visit:
- Pack a picnic. There are picnic tables and shelters all over the park.
- Bring some swimsuits. There is a lake with a beach, kayaks, and paddle boats.
- Wear shoes that can get a little wet for crossing mountain streams.
Why your family should adventure at Fort Mountain State Park:
- To be in awe. Breathtaking views, mountain streams, a mysterious wall, and wildlife will lead you to a sense of awe.
- Technical (but not too technical) hiking will challenge you and your family to grow.
- So much to do!
Amos, our Chief Adventure Officer, and myself visited Fort Mountain for the purpose of hiking, and we hiked 3 different loops. There are over 25 miles of trails within the park, so there are plenty of options for every skill level. I still carry Amos in the Osprey pack, and I can take on more technical trails. First up…
Big Rock Nature Trail
The ~3/4 mile trail is a quick loop that I enjoyed because of the mountain stream you follow for the first part of the loop. It is a rocky and root filled trail that could be challenging for your younger hikers, but it is up to you to decide if your family can take on the challenge. Follow the yellow blazes to stay the course, as this trail does cross another trail. This trail can be technical, but it could be a good test on a short trail that’s not miles and miles long.
Mountain stream on Big Rock Nature Trail.
Lake Loop+Red Blaze+Gold Mine Creek Trail
Departing from Picnic Shelter #5 (just down the road from the Big Rock Nature Trail Trailhead), head right on the Lake Loop Trail, marked by blue blazes. This is a flat, wide gravel path that follows the banks of the lake. At the first fork, follow the Red Blaze. This will lead you to the Gold Mine Creek Loop. At the next intersection, take a left and look for the Gold Mine Creek Trail sign to begin your ascent up the loop. Gold Mine Creek is another technical trail. Our Chief Discovery Officer is 5, and I don’t know if she would have fun on this loop. Your 10 year old might! It is a beautiful trail that follows the creek most of the way. There are multiple creek crossings and times when you are walking in the creek bed. You are surrounded by rhododendron and lush ferns. The trail makes a hard right turn marked by two white blazes. I missed it and wondered through some dense forest before I realized I missed the turn. At the turn, you make a steep ascent through fern covered ground until the next intersection. Take a right here to follow the white and orange blazes along a wide trail (maybe an old road bed) until you reach the red blaze for again. Follow this back to the Lake Loop (blue blazes) to finish the stroll around the lake. It will take you by the docks and the beach before returning to the picnic shelter.
If you’re not looking for a technical hike then stay on the Lake Loop. It’s a beautiful trail along the waters.
Don’t miss the turn.
West Overlook Trail + CCC Stone Tower Trail
Naturally Stacked Rocks
West Overlook View
We had one more hike to do, so we hopped in the car and headed up to the West Overlook Trailhead. This hike is worth the price of admission. From the parking lot, take the West Overlook Trail following the yellow blazes. This is another rocky trail, but I think our CDO could handle it, which means your younger ones can too. At the fork I decided to go left following the red blazes to the overlook. Just before you get to the overlook, don’t miss the messy stack of rocks. They resemble how Amos stacks his toys at the end of the day. The overlooks is an absolutely awe inspiring views. It must be one of the best views in North Georgia. It was this moment that reminded me that I am a part of something bigger. Even Amos was in awe as he proclaimed, “Whoa!” at the view. After spending time at the overlook, head up the steps toward the fire tower. Follow the signs directing you up the trail. The fire tower is closed, so don’t waster your time walking up the stairs. Head toward the sign directing you to the stone wall. Descend down the trail of rock steps until you reach the wall. This stone wall is a mystery. Some believe it is a wall built for protection by Native Americans. A Cherokee legend claims it was constructed by the Moon-Eyed people (a mystery group as well) to protect against attacks. What do you think is the purpose of the wall? Who built the wall? After taking in this mystery, continue your descent down to the parking lot.
The Mysterious Wall
Eat your picnic. Relax on the beach. Go to the playground. Enjoy all this park has to offer.
I know we will be heading back!
Be Kind. Be Bold. Be Thankful.
P.S. I highly suggest you take the backroads on 411 through Fairmount, and stop at the Southern Creamery for coffee, a cookie, a piece of cake, or homemade ice cream.
