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Georgia
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Georgia State Parks

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USA Parks
Georgia
Historic High Country Region
Fort Mountain State Park
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Fort Mountain State Park Goldmine Creek Falls © Cris Hoskins
Waterfall in Ft. Mountain SP
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
Fort Mountain State Park © Ben Prepelka
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FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
181 Fort Mountain Park Road
Chatsworth, Georgia   30705

Phone: 706-695-2621
Reservations: 800-864-7275
Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find some of the most beautiful trails in northern Georgia. Most wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. During the summer, children will enjoy the sand beach located on a clear mountain lake, as well as miniature golf and pedal boat rental.
History of the Area
Located in Georgia's Cohutta Mountains, the park was established in 1938. It spans over 3,712 acres and features a mysterious rock wall of unknown origin. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many facilities during the Great Depression era including cottages and campsites.

The area is known for its ancient stone fortification that dates back to around AD500-600 but remains shrouded in mystery regarding who constructed it or why. This has led to various theories involving prehistoric Native Americans or early European explorers.

In addition to historical intrigue, visitors are drawn by recreational activities such as hiking trails with stunning views across Chattahoochee National Forest along with fishing opportunities at Fort Mountain Lake.

Camping
- Cottages: The park offers 15 fully equipped cottages for a comfortable stay.

- Campsites: There are 70 tent, trailer and RV campsites available.

- Walk-in Sites: Six walk-in sites offer more secluded camping experience.

- Pioneer Camping Site: This is ideal for large groups with its capacity of up to 30 people.

- Picnic Shelters and Group Shelter: These can be rented out by larger parties or families.

- Horseman's Campground: It provides equestrian facilities along with eight horse stalls in the campground area.
Swimming
1. Fort Mountain State Park offers a large, 17-acre lake for swimming during the summer months.
2. The park's beach area provides an ideal spot to swim and sunbathe with family or friends.
3. Lifeguards are not always on duty; visitors should exercise caution when swimming in the lake.
4. Swimming is only allowed from Memorial Day through Labor Day due to safety regulations by Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
5. Canoes, pedal boats, paddleboards and kayaks can be rented at the lakeside concession stand for water exploration beyond just swimming.


Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a 17-acre lake where guests can rent pedal boats and kayaks, providing an opportunity to enjoy the water while taking in the surrounding natural beauty. Fishing is also allowed on this lake with proper licensing. However, personal motorized boats are not permitted within the park's boundaries.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 17-acre lake, home to catfish, bass and bream. A valid Georgia Fishing License is required.


Location
Fort Mountain State Park is located near Chatsworth, Dalton and Ellijay

Horse Area
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. 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.
Picnicking
1. Fort Mountain State Park offers numerous picnic spots with grills and tables.
2. There are two large, covered group shelters for picnics available by reservation.
3. Picnic near the 17-acre lake or along hiking trails offering stunning views of nature's beauty.
4. Enjoy a lakeside barbecue at one of several designated areas equipped with charcoal grills and benches.
5. The park also provides accessible picnic facilities to accommodate all visitors' needs.


Bicycling
301 BIKING TRAIL 14.6 mile loop. Rated difficult to strenuous.

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.
Trails
BIG ROCK TRAIL 0.5 mile loop. Rated moderate to difficult.

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. Wild- flowers abound in spring.

GAHUTI TRAIL 8.8 miles. Rated difficult to strenuous.

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.

LAKE TRAIL1.2 mile loop. Rated easy.

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:These trails are made by combining trails shown on the map.

* STONE TOWER COMBO - West Overlook, CCC Stone Tower 0.9 mile loop. Rated moderate to difficult.

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.

* UPPER CABIN COMBO - Upper Cabin Access, Lake Trail, Goldmine Creek, Gahuti 1.6 mile combination loop. Rated difficult to strenuous.

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.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 100 species to spot, including warblers and hawks. Birders can explore various trails or the lake area for diverse habitats. The Gahuti Backcountry Trail is a popular choice among avid bird watchers. A checklist of birds found in the region is available at the park office.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 28 great all around park by cheswim
park review stars; one to five lots to do, great place to take kids. lake with swimming and paddle boat rental. Very easy trail around lake and many other trails available. Usually some planned ranger activities available. clean restrooms and showers. been there several times
May 21 If you like the Mountains by Carolyn Covington,GA
park review stars; one to five Great park. Clean bath houses. Level sites. Beautiful campground. Even camped during the rain and had a great time.
November 3 Autumn Leaves were in full color
park review stars; one to five 30 Oct 08 - 2 Nov 08-- The autumn leaves were in full color, most notable early morning and late afternoon. Overlooks were breath taking. As a bonus the view of the stars from 2,800 FT at 2:30-4:30 AM was fantastic! Had a great weekend!!!!
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Area Campgrounds
Talona Ridge RV Resort
723 Highland Parkway
East Ellijay, GA
706-636-2267
Area Cabins and Lodges
Wilderness View Cabins
9420 Highway 52
Chatsworth, GA
(706) 517-8810
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Pet owners should always carry waste bags with them during walks or hikes.
- No more than two pets per campsite are allowed in the park's camping areas.
- All pet vaccinations need to be current and proof may be requested by Park staff.
- Aggressive dogs, regardless of breed, will not be tolerated within the state park boundaries.
- Dogs cannot enter any buildings including cabins, lodge rooms, group shelters or museum areas inside Fort Mountain State Park.
- Pets should never disturb wildlife; chasing animals is strictly prohibited.
- Dogs can't swim in designated swimming beaches but they're permitted along shorelines outside these regions.
- Unattended tethering of your dog at campsites isn't permissible.

Directions
Located 8 miles east of Chatsworth via Ga. Hwy. 52 (take I-75 exit #333 toward Ga. Hwy. 411).

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