As you make your way up the short but vigorous trail to the top of Fort Mountain you will encounter scattered rocks of varying sizes. It helps you understand the availability of material that lead to the construction of the rock wall the mountain is known for.
It has an otherworldly feel and I found it as fascinating on a recent trip as I did when I visited as a child.
National Register of Historic Places
Located near the summit of Fort Mountain, the rock wall which gives the mountain its name remains a mystery. Its origin has been attributed to everyone from Hernando de Soto to the Cherokee. The de Soto connection has long been disproved but the specific use by the Cherokee is still being researched. Some believe it was ceremonial while others consider it territorial.
A marker here reads: This ancient stone fortification, 885 feet in length, and the land on the crest of this mountain, 2832 feet above sea level, was given to the State of Georgia for the establishment of Fort Mountain State Park by Ivan Allen, Public Spirited Citizen of Georgia in the year 1934.
The drive up Georgia Highway 2/52 to Fort Mountain State Park affords several breathtaking overlooks of the Cohutta Wilderness. This southwestern chain of the Appalachians is striking for its natural beauty.
Through the acquisition of private lands beginning in 1938, Cloudland Canyon State Park was established in 1939, with much of the initial work being done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of FDR’s New Deal. Until this time, the only access to most of Dade County was through Alabama or Tennessee so the State of Georgia and the CCC built Georgia Highway 136 to connect the park and the county seat of Trenton to U. S. 41 and the rest of the state.
Before you explore, check out the interpretive center. The architecture could be described as a modern chalet meets something from outer space. If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll probably intrigued. I’m going to try to find out more about it.
The park is located on the Cumberland Plateau atop Lookout Mountain, where Daniel Creek and Bear Creek converge to form Sitton Gulch Creek. The site was historically known as Sitton Gulch. Characterized by a dramatic gorge cut by Sitton Gulch Creek, Cloudland Canyon is over a thousand feet in overall depth, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1980 feet.
One of the most-visited state parks in Georgia, Cloudland Canyon offers something for everyone. Primitive campers, as well as “glampers” utilizing one of the well-appointed yurts or cottages, can spend days hiking the canyon, accessing waterfalls, caves and other amazing features.
I highly recommend adding this to your Georgia “bucket list” if you’ve never visited.
Even if you’re not an “experienced” hiker, the the Overlook Trail adjacent to the main parking lot is relatively easy. The views at the main overlook are well worth the effort.
Overlook #2 is a short hike from the interpretive center and affords wonderful views of Bear Creek Gorge. It’s usually quite shaded and a bit difficult to photograph.
From the Overlook Trail, follow signs to the Waterfalls Trail. A quick descent and strenuous steps characterize this hike, which I didn’t complete due to time constraints.
Even if you can’t make it all the way to the falls, enjoy the geologic formations, including this well-known rock overhang.
A concrete arch behind the visitor center at Amicalola Falls State Park marks the beginning of the approach (8.5 miles) to the Appalachian Trail.
Even if you don’t plan on hiking the AT, you might enjoy this trail.
Great views abound in this area, especially in winter.
This cool Georgia-shaped rock marks the beginning of the trail. I almost forgot it, but how could I?
Amicalola is the highest waterfall in Georgia and the views from the top of the falls are some of the nicest in the southern Appalachians. My apologies for not sharing a full shot of the falls.
When I was visiting Amicalola Falls I met several Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hikers just setting out on their journeys. This gentleman had just made the drive up from southern Louisiana and was surprised by the warm weather. I think everyone was. The approach to the AT begins at Amicalola and winds its way up 8.5 miles to Springer Mountain, the trail’s southern terminus. Thousands of hikers pass through here every year with high hopes of making it all the way to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Most don’t quite make the grade, but all are drawn by the solitude and natural beauty of the trail. Whether seasoned hikers or first-timers, all come away from the experience with stories to tell.
This guy documented his journey on YouTube and it was fascinating and inspiring. It’s worth checking out.
*–Some of you may know this photograph and remember it was originally published in black and white. I still have the file for that but decided I like the color version for now.
If you turn onto Doublehead Gap Road off Georgia Highway 60 you’ll have a nice view of these mountains, known as the John Dick Mountains. There are several spots to pull over on the right of way.
No matter the time of year, the vista of the Blood Mountain Wilderness from Chestatee Overlook is always worth a look.
Chattahoochee National Forest