Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
In mid-November, Jesse and I went up to Chatsworth to hike at Fort Mountain State Park. Fort Mountain is one of our favorite Georgia state parks, and boasts 25+ miles of trails. We have visited multiple times and we have gone camping there as well.
Fort Mountain is in the Cohutta Wilderness. The park is literally on the top of a mountain. According to Georgia State Parks, the park sits 2,850 feet above sea level. If you go during the fall, the drive up the mountain is one of my favorites for seeing fall foliage. There are also scenic overlooks to stop at on the way up the mountain (if you are coming by way of Chatsworth).
During our November 2023 visit, it was a cloudy and overcast day. We did not realize though until we got to the top of the mountain that the park was completely enveloped in fog. Nevertheless, we hit up our favorite trails.
Our first stop was the visitor center to get a map. After that, we drove to the Cool Springs Overlook. This is just a short walk from a parking lot to go see an overlook. But that day the fog was so crazy that we could only see about 10 feet in front of us. From there, we got back in the car and drove to the Lake Trail that circles Fort Mountain Lake. This is an easy but scenic trail. If you go to Fort Mountain this is a trail that you can’t miss! The lake trail is only 1.2 miles. As you hike through, mountain laurel edges the lake. During this foggy day, the squiggly dark branches of the laurel paired with the fog made it feel like we were in a Tim Burton movie. On this trail we have also spotted different types of fish, newts, tons of different mushrooms, and different types of birds.
Towards the end of the lake trail, you will see an open area next to the road. If you walk up the hill to the road, you will see parking for Big Rock Trail. This is an awesome nature trail that is only .5 miles. Even though it sounds short, parts of the trail go uphill, are steep, and rocky. But this trail is a can’t miss as well. This trail follows the side of the mountain. There are spots where you can really tell just how high up you are. In the second half of the trail, there is a waterfall. The waterfall is part of a creek that flows out of the lake. This waterfall is one of my favorite spots at the park. It looks like a staircase. Here we have found snakes and salamanders.
Hike to a Mysterious Stone Fort Built a Few Thousand Years Ago at Fort Mountain State Park
Even though we did not do it on this most recent hike, if it is your first time visiting Fort Mountain, you must also do the CCC Stone Tower trail. This hike is only .9 miles, but it can feel challenging, especially if you have just done the other two trails listed above. Parts of this trail are rocky and uphill. However, it is worth it because some of the best views in the park are found at the West Overlook. This overlook gives you amazing views of the valley beneath Fort Mountain. As you hike the trail, you also come to the CCC Stone Tower, which was a fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. But the most mysterious part of the trail is the old stone fort that was built by Native Americans a few thousand years ago. There are different theories as to why it was built and who built it. Be sure to read about it on your visit!
As I stated earlier, we love Fort Mountain. In this article, I will attach photos not only from our November 2023 visit but also from our other visits. Once you visit, you will understand why we keep coming back again and again, and hopefully you will, too!
The closest brewery to Fort Mountain is Dalton Brewing Company, which is around 35 minutes away in Dalton, GA. Dalton Brewing Company is located in charming historic downtown Dalton.
Happy Trails!
Katie & Jesse
Tips for your trip:
- If you go to Fort Mountain, watch out for wildlife! This park has been one of the most consistent for us seeing animals.
- This Georgia State Park is also home to many bears! Read about safety around bears at BearWise.
- Fort Mountain Park has a beach on the lake, which is a great way to cool down after a summer hike.
- The trails at Fort Mountain are kind of spread out. Some of the trails you have to drive to, but typically there is enough parking.
Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain Park Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 (Google Map)
Fort Mountain State Park Trail Map
GPS Coordinates: N 34.7613010 | W -84.702702
