Brown's Guide to Georgia

Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall that stands on the highest point of the mountain. This mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against 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 of which wind through hardwood forests and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. During the summer, children will enjoy the sand beach located on the clear mountain lake.

The Wall at Fort Mountain State Park
The wall extends 875 feet around the south side of the mountain. It is 7 feet high in some places, with an average height of 2-to-3 feet. At intervals in the wall are little insets where one or two people can crouch down – perhaps to defend the mountain or in some type of religious service. The most widely accepted idea attributes the wall to the Cherokee Indians who perhaps built it as part of a religious sun-worshiping ritual. Another theory holds that a race of blue-eyed, white-skinned people built the wall. The story goes that a man named Prince Madoc left Wales in 1170 with 11 ships and 200 men and landed near what is now Mobile, Alabama. The men were repeatedly attacked by Indians and eventually retreated to what is now North Georgia. Being sun worshippers, they built the wall to extend from east to west so it was exposed to the arc of the sun. A precipice at each end gives an unobstructed view of the rising and setting sun.

ACTIVITIES:
Hiking and Backpacking – 14 miles of trails
Mountain Biking- 27 miles of trails, $2 trail fee
Fishing and Pedal Boat Rental (seasonal)
Miniature Golf (seasonal)
Horseback Riding- 25 miles of trails, horse rentals, stables – Fort Mountain Stables

FACILITIES:
3,712 Acres
17-Acre Lake with Swimming Beach
70 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites – cable TV hookups
4 Walk-in Campsites
6 Platform Campsites
15 Cottages
7 Picnic Shelters
Group Shelter (seats 80)
Pioneer Campground
Backcountry Campsites

Park Hours: 7AM-10PM Office Hours: 8AM-5PM

Rates vary for state park lodging, campsites, shelters, golf courses and other facilities. Check with the individual park’s website or by telephone to confirm current prices.

$3 daily parking fee