Fort Mountain State Park Trail Map - Georgia State Parks and ...

Tower TrailSCALE01/2 mile 1 mileMap Data Oct. 2008printed Nov. 2010 | 20M-$1860Park BoundaryCriminal trespass chargesand search & rescue costscan be charged to partiesguilty of negligence orfailure to get user permits.Park BoundaryGa. Hwy. 52Since trails may be closed formaintenance or inclement weather,check with the Park Office toensure availability.Chatsworth301Gahuti Trail303301i C o n n ec t o r Tr a i l#2#6-15P PicnicShelter 5i n h o tGoldmineCreekTrailLake TrailP#3CliffMineRoadPark BoundaryBigRockTrailP301PARKENTRANCEPPHorse Stables407#1#1-5Office303PParking301407301#1Checkpoint "You are Here"markersPark Boundary401PPark OfficeGahuti Trail400Mtn. BikeTrailhead Permit RequiredRV and Tent CampingPioneer Camping AreaBackcountry Campsite408Gahuti Trail301Mountain BikingCottagesOverlook401Picnic Area302Paved RoadGravel RoadEllijay301Ga. Hwy. 52Symbols412410408407#4407405403404#2P403Old FortPicnic Area401400PPark BoundaryHorse Trails301Cool SpringsOverlook &Gahuti Trailhead303302410302401West Overlook TrailCCC Stone#4#5Stone WallTrailBiking Trails301Park BoundaryFort Mtn.West OverlookWestOverlookTower TrailUpper Cabin AccessN. Stone301Stone Wall404407410412North Stone TowerMulti-use 201201401Lake Trail (multi-purpose)Goldmine Creek405401Creek Conn.#3Gahuti Trail (Backcountry)Park BoundaryCool Springs OverlookCCC Stone TowerCampers LoopPermits required for all Bicycle, Equestrian and Backcountry UsePinhoti Connector TrailBig Rock TrailHiking TrailsLEGENDwww.GeorgiaStateParks.org181 Fort Mountain Park Road • Chatsworth, Georgia 30705 • park: 706-422-1932 • emergency: 706-695-4592 • reservations: 1-800-864-7275Fort Mountain State Park Trail Map

Accessibility for selected trailsCombination Trails: made by combining trails shown on the map.Mystery of Fort MountainHigh atop Fort Mountain are the rocky ruins of an ancient “stonewall” with prehistoric origin steeped in legend. Generations ofarchaeologists and historians have unsuccessfully sought to unravelthe riddle of this wall, one of several stone assemblages scatteredthroughout the Southeast. More than 150 years after its discovery,answers still evade us as to who built the wall, when and for whatpurpose.Theories abound, and one of the more realistic explanations is thatthe wall was built around 500 A.D. by a tribe of Native Americansfor ceremonial or religious purposes. Others assert the wall was builtby wandering bands of Welsh explorers during the 14th century asfortification against Indians. Welsh Prince Madoc has been creditedwith building several stone petroglyphs in the Southeast aftersupposedly sailing into Alabama. Another theory, based on Cherokeelegend, is that the wall was built by the “Moon Eyes,” a race of lightskinnedpeople who could see in the dark because of their larger orpaler eyes. Or perhaps Spanish conquistadors, possibly Hernado deSoto, built the wall as a defense against Indian attacks.Since no artifacts have been found to support these theories, no oneknows who built the “wall of stones” zigzagging across the southernface of the Cohutta mountain range’s most prominent peak. This partof the southern Appalachian Mountains rises above the PiedmontPlain and offers 80-mile views, making it an ideal location forceremonial practices or defensive needs.The stone wall runs east and west for 855 feet, and its height variesfrom two to six feet. Archaeologists believe it was much higher beforeexploration and plunder by previous scientists and treasure hunters.Adding to the mystery are 30 “pits” built into the wall. Were thesegun emplacements or symbolic to some ceremonial practice of earlierinhabitants? Will the secrets contained within these stones foreverremain a mystery?Trail Safety & Etiquette• Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.• Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by dressing inlayers 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 onelocation and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuersto 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.235023002250220021502100 feet above sea level clockwise0.5-Mile LoopAvg. Travel Time: 1 HourFoot Travel Only.Compacted Natural Soil SurfaceAvg. Grade: 14%; Max: 30%/200LFMin. Width: 30 InchesAvg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 30%/20LFCool Springs Overlook Trail 100% accessible by 2002 standards.260025002400230022002100 feet above sea level clockwise0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8290028502800275027002650Gahuti Trail(Backcountry)8.2 Mile LoopAvg. Travel Time: 5 HoursFoot Travel Only.Compacted Natural Soil SurfaceAvg. Grade: 10%; Max: 25%/500LFMin. Width: 18 InchesAvg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 30%/50LFCamping by Permit Only.Big Rock TrailLake TrailThe Big Rock Nature Trailtravels from the ridgeline nearthe lake down into a mountainhollow, then crosses a dividingridge and returns up GoldMine Creek passing severalsmall cascades and waterfalls.Wildflowers abound in spring.The Gahuti Trail travels aroundthe edge of the park, passingjust below the summits of bothCohutta and Fort mountains.Ever changing, the trail is bothbeautiful and challenging in allseasons. Hikers should alwaysbe aware of changing weather.Four backcountry campsitesare available for use by permit.feet above sea level clockwise1.2-Mile LoopAvg. Travel Time: 1 HourOpen to Biking & Foot Travel.Starts and ends at picnic shelter #5Compacted Natural Soil SurfaceAvg. Grade: 4%; Max: 20%/75LFMin. Width: 30 InchesAvg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 25%/60LFBikers must yield to all other users.The Lake Trail loops aroundFort Mountain’s lake andcan be accessed from thecampgrounds, cottage areas,picnic area and picnic shelter#5, and the Big Rock Trailparking area. Trail is mostaccessible traveled clockwise.In this manner, users descendthe 75 lineal feet 20% grade.Stone Tower Combo:West Overlook, CCC Stone Tower290028502800275027002650 feet above sea level clockwise0.9-Mile LoopAvg. Travel Time: 1 HourFoot Travel Only.Compacted Natural Soil SurfaceAvg. Grade: 14%; Max: 20%/250LFMin. Width: 36 InchesAvg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 15%/45LFStone Steps on East Part of Loop2650260025502500245024000feet above sea level1.6-Mile Combination LoopAvg. Travel Time: 1 1/4 HoursFoot Travel Only.Compacted Natural Soil SurfaceAvg. Grade: 10%; Max: 25%/150LFMin. Width: 18 InchesAvg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 25%/25LFBeware of bikes on Lake TrailThe Upper Cabin Loop is hikedby using the Upper Cabin AccessTrail to the Lake Trail, proceedingThe Stone Tower Loop is hikedby traveling uphill on the WestOverlook Trail and returningon the CCC Stone Tower Trail.Year-round vistas from WestOverlook.Upper Cabin Combo:Upper Cabin Access, Lake Trail, Goldmine Creek, Gahuti1clockwiseto the Goldmine Creek Trail andreturning on the Gahuti Trail tothe upper cottage area.This combination of trails offersexcellent vistas from the upperlevels of the ridgeline andwonderful views of the lake andGoldmine Creek. The creek wasnamed for early goldmining,with some of the old mining pitsvisible along the trail.CLIMATE DATA FOR CHATSWORTH, GEORGIAAvg. Avg. Avg.Month High Low Mean Precip. Record High Record LowJan 49ºF 30ºF 39ºF 5.86 in 79ºF (1949) -10ºF (1985)Feb 54ºF 32ºF 43ºF 4.93 in 79ºF (1989) 0ºF (1966)Mar 63ºF 40ºF 51ºF 6.34 in 87ºF (2000) 7ºF (1993)Apr 72ºF 47ºF 59ºF 4.30 in 91ºF (2002) 25ºF (1987)May 79ºF 56ºF 68ºF 4.28 in 95ºF (1962) 33ºF (1971)Jun 86ºF 65ºF 75ºF 4.38 in 103ºF (1988) 42ºF (1984)Jul 89ºF 69ºF 79ºF 4.76 in 103ºF (1952) 52ºF (1967)Aug 89ºF 68ºF 78ºF 3.65 in 103ºF (1983) 51ºF (1968)Sep 83ºF 62ºF 72ºF 5.00 in 102ºF (1954) 32ºF (1967)Oct 73ºF 49ºF 69ºF 3.31 in 94ºF (1954) 23ºF (1952)Nov 62ºF 40ºF 51ºF 4.79 in 86ºF (1961) 12ºF (1955)Dec 53ºF 33ºF 43ºF 4.92 in 78ºF (1956) -4ºF (1983)260024002200200018001600 feet above sea level0 214.6-Mile LoopAvg. Travel Time: 4 Hours/BikeOpen to Biking & Foot TravelCompacted Natural Soil SurfaceAvg. Grade: 10%; Max: 25%/1330LF20% Ascending in last 3 milesMin. Width: 48 InchesAvg. X-slope: 12%; Max: 20%/50LFHikers Yield To Bicyclists.Trail Closed to Horses.GradeX-slopeWidth4301 Biking Trail68clockwise10 12The East-West Bike Loop israted by many as one of themost beautiful and challengingbike trails in the southeasternUnited States. Users travel frommountain ridge top to valley floor,through pine and scrub laurelthickets, upland hardwood andcove forests, by old mines, thenwaterfalls and rhododendronsalong Hassler’s Mill Creek beforereturning up the mountain.All trail profiles start and end at their trailheads unless otherwise indicated.Obstacles may include uneven surfaces, exposedrock and tree roots, fallen trees and/or limbs, steps,long steep grades, loose stones and leaf litter,softness, mud, icing, or other slick conditions whenwet, poisonous plants, heat or cold in season,insects, snakes, and wild animals including bears.Horse TrailsMore than 25 miles of horse trails offer loop rides varying from3 to 16 miles. Riders must bring their own horses and register atthe stables; or can rent guided horses from the concessionaire.First-time riders must attach a photocopy proof of a negativeCoggins test. Parking is at the stables access (west side of thepark). Check the website or call ahead for trail closings duringbad weather.The horse trails pass through varied environments, from lushforest coves to wind-swept ridge tops. Wildflowers catch theeye in early spring, green foliage is bountiful during summer,changing leaf colors welcome fall, and spectacular vistas arrivewith winter. Cliffs, waterfalls, old mines (some that providenatural “air-conditioning” during summer and warm air duringwinter), and abandoned mining equipment add interest tothe trails. Horse watering stations are at approximately twomileintervals.The shorter loops, which begin at the stables and go pastwaterfalls, are the easier trails, with most at a 20% or less grade.Basic rules apply: riders must stay on marked trails; no trailriding between sunset and sunrise; no reckless or fast riding; andhorses should not be left unattended or unbridled. Anyonefound in violation of these rules will face criminal prosecution(OCGA 12-3-10) and be banned from use of horse trails atall state parks.