Muddy Spokes
Ride the trails or just ride in the mud. Join the Muddy Spokes Club and you'll be introduced to some 68 miles of mountain bike trails... from not so hard to downright exhausting.
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Fort Mountain State Park
Come see the great wall of Georgia. This 855-foot-long rock wall may not be great in length but its interesting history is shrouded in mystery. The wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. This park offers a variety of outdoor activities for everyone! Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find some of the most beautiful trails in Northern Georgia.
Activities at Fort Mountain State Park
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Biking
Boating
Swimming
Disc/Mini Golf
Camping
Picnicking
Horseback Riding
Biking
Boating
Swimming
Disc/Mini Golf
Camping
Picnicking
Hiking
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. Wildflowers 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 TRAIL
1.2 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 - 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.
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.
Click here for more information about all the trails at Fort Mountain.
Hike for a day or head to the backcountry. There are 14 miles of trails at Fort Mountain State Park.
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. Wildflowers 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 TRAIL
1.2 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 - 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.
- 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.
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.
Click here for more information about all the trails at Fort Mountain.
Horseback Riding
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.
Click here for more information about all the trails at Fort Mountain.
Saddle up! Stables and horse rentals are available at this park.
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.
Click here for more information about all the trails at Fort Mountain.
Biking
301 - East/West Loop - 14.6 miles
This trail is very challenging and has some rough terrain. Average bike time is 4-8 hours.
Avg. Grade: 12%
1500 vertical feet descent and ascent.
Max. Descent: -1,330'/1 mile (-25%)
Max. Ascent: +880'/3 miles (+5%)
302 - Cool Springs Loop - 7 miles
This difficult trail has a steep descent followed by a long ascent. The terrain is very rocky. Average bike time is 2.5 - 5 hours.
Avg. Grade: 12%
800 vertical feet descent and ascent.
Max. Descent: -800'/1 mile (-15%)
Max. Ascent: +800'/3 miles (+5%)
303 - Gold Mine Loop - 6 miles
This popular trail is rated moderate and includes .75-mile of public road. Average bike time is 1.5 - 3 hours.
Avg. Grade: 6%
Max. Descent: -330'/1 mile (-6%)
Max. Ascent: +400"/1 mile (+8%)
Lake Loop - 1.2 miles
This easy trail is good for beginners and usually traveled clockwise (although two-way traffic is permitted). Watch for hikers. Average bike time is less than 30 minutes.
Avg. Grade: 2%
Max. Descent (traveled clockwise): 15%/50'
Max. Ascent (traveled clockwise): 5%/100'
If you want to kick up some dust you'll find 27 miles of great mountain bike trails at Fort Mountain. $2 permits are required for bike trails 301, 302 and 303 and may be purchased at the park office. These trails begin and end at the parking lot located 1 mile north of the office on Old Fort Road. Trails may be closed for maintenance or soil/weather conditions. Call 706 695-2621 to check availability.
301 - East/West Loop - 14.6 miles
This trail is very challenging and has some rough terrain. Average bike time is 4-8 hours.
Avg. Grade: 12%
1500 vertical feet descent and ascent.
Max. Descent: -1,330'/1 mile (-25%)
Max. Ascent: +880'/3 miles (+5%)
302 - Cool Springs Loop - 7 miles
This difficult trail has a steep descent followed by a long ascent. The terrain is very rocky. Average bike time is 2.5 - 5 hours.
Avg. Grade: 12%
800 vertical feet descent and ascent.
Max. Descent: -800'/1 mile (-15%)
Max. Ascent: +800'/3 miles (+5%)
303 - Gold Mine Loop - 6 miles
This popular trail is rated moderate and includes .75-mile of public road. Average bike time is 1.5 - 3 hours.
Avg. Grade: 6%
Max. Descent: -330'/1 mile (-6%)
Max. Ascent: +400"/1 mile (+8%)
Lake Loop - 1.2 miles
This easy trail is good for beginners and usually traveled clockwise (although two-way traffic is permitted). Watch for hikers. Average bike time is less than 30 minutes.
Avg. Grade: 2%
Max. Descent (traveled clockwise): 15%/50'
Max. Ascent (traveled clockwise): 5%/100'
Boating
You don't need a boat at Fort Mountain State Park. Fishing boats, canoes and pedal boats can be rented here. (May 24 - August 31: Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. -8 p.m.; September - October: Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Swimming
Hit the beach and go for a dip in the 17-acre lake.
Disc/Mini Golf
Miniature golf is available on summer weekends. (May 24 - August 31: Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; September - October: Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Camping
There are all kinds of outdoor camping options at this park. If you like the neighborly camaraderie of a campground, you'll find it here. If you want a little more privacy you can have that too. Or if you really want to get out there, backcountry campsites are also available:
- 70 Tent, Trailer, and RV Campsites - cable TV hookups
- 4 Walk-in Campsites
- 6 Platform Campsites
- Backcountry Campsites
- Pioneer Campground
Picnicking
The park offers various picnic shelters for a small fee including:
- 7 Picnic Shelters
- 1 Group Shelter (seats 80, seasonal)
Contact Fort Mountain State Park
Main Contact
Park (706) 422-1932
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Hours of Operation
Park Hours
7 AM - 10 PM
Office Hours
8 AM - 5 PM
Events at Fort Mountain State Park
Canoe BasicsFort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
Saturday, Sep 25, 2010 / 1 PM to 4 PM
Canoe Basics - One hour class, nine participants per class. Participants will need to register at the park office. 706-422-1932.
Facilities at Fort Mountain State Park
For rates visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/FortMountain
- 3,712 Acres
- 17-Acre Lake with Swimming Beach (seasonal)
- 70 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites - cable TV hookups
- 4 Walk-in Campsites
- 6 Platform Campsites
- 15 Cottages
- #5 and #6 are dog friendly (fee required per dog, max 2)
- 7 Picnic Shelters
- Group Shelter (seats 80, seasonal)
- Pioneer Campground
- Backcountry Campsites
Clubs at Fort Mountain State Park
Programs at Fort Mountain State Park
Junior Ranger Gopher Badge
A new GO Georgia badge has been added to the successful Junior Ranger Program. Kids ages 7 - 14 choose from a list of activities to earn their Gopher badge. The younger ones, ages 7 - 10 must complete 5 activities while those in the older group, ages 11 - 14 must work toward completing 8 activities.
GO-for Junior Ranger Gopher Badge >>
A new GO Georgia badge has been added to the successful Junior Ranger Program. Kids ages 7 - 14 choose from a list of activities to earn their Gopher badge. The younger ones, ages 7 - 10 must complete 5 activities while those in the older group, ages 11 - 14 must work toward completing 8 activities.
GO-for Junior Ranger Gopher Badge >>
Fishing Tackle Loaner
The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program (FTLP), developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is a program that provides a way for budding anglers to try fishing without having to purchase any equipment.
GO-for Fishing Tackle Loaner >>
The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program (FTLP), developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is a program that provides a way for budding anglers to try fishing without having to purchase any equipment.
GO-for Fishing Tackle Loaner >>
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