Fort Mountain – Lake Trail

Fort Mountain is named for an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, this park has a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

The trails wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, and occasionally cross streams and provide spectacular vistas. During the summer, children can enjoy the sand beach located on a clear mountain lake, as well as miniature golf and pedal boat rental.  This hike around the lake starts at the parking area next to the playground and minature golf course. It’s a fairly easy roundtrip hike as the trail winds past the campground, across a small stream, and around the dam. It’s a great trail for kids and dogs (but they must be on a leash).