Fort Mountain

A great destination for hiking and history, Fort Mountain State Park sits at the southwestern end of the Cohutta Mountains. The area in and around the park was home to the Cherokee for hundreds of years. The park gets its name from an ancient 885-foot-long stone wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The wall ranges from 2-7 feet tall and is believed to have been built by Native Americans. While many theories and legends have surfaced, the true origin of the stone structure remains unknown.

NEARBY DESTINATION: Chief Vann House

Origin stories of the wall range from sun worship theories to fortification against enemies and even speculation of a mountaintop honeymoon haven for newlyweds.

There is also a large stone fire tower atop the mountain built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lookout tower allowed rangers to spot fires up to 40 miles away. According to signage onsite, this was one of thousands of similar towers built following the 1910 “Big Blowup” fire in the Pacific Northwest that consumed 3 million acres, the equivalent of the entire state of Connecticut.

Originally built in the mid 1930s, this tower was restored beginning in 2014 with local stone, southern cypress, white oak and steel

There are 60 miles of recreational trails for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders to explore and enjoy the beautiful scenery and mountain overlooks including the West Overlook.

Above-the-clouds views from West Overlook

Campsites are poised along some of the longer trails and families can also find shorter, kid-friendly hikes including Lake Trail.

This 17-acre lake welcomes guests for swimming, fishing, canoeing and more

The park offers kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and boats to rent. Visitors will also find stables with guided horseback rides and stall rentals.

Overnight guests can choose from fully equipped cottages, a campground or backpacking campsites. There is also an area to park RVs. The park has 7 picnic shelters, a large playground near the lake, restrooms and showers. There is also a miniature golf course.

Click here for CURRENT PARK ALERTS to review before you visit.

HOURS: Park hours are 7 a.m.- 10 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 Daily ParkPass. You can also all buy an annual pass for $50.

PHONE: 706-422-1932

ADDRESS: 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705

PARK AMENITIES: