We Love Our National Parks, but This Georgia Park Is Just as Spectacular

I’m going to tell you a secret: I prefer state parks over national parks (usually). Don’t get me wrong, our nation’s national parks are offensively beautiful and I think everyone should visit as many as they can in their lives, but state parks will always have my heart. I love having access to natural areas in my own state, and boy oh boy, does Georgia have some spectacular state parks. Cloudland Canyon State Park might be one of the most popular state parks in Georgia, but there’s another state park nearby that tends to get overshadowed. Fort Mountain State Park is worth the visit—let’s take a closer look:

Clocking in at 4,058 acres, Fort Mountain State Park is a nature lover’s playground. Located about 60 miles east of Cloudland Canyon State Park, this Georgia park tends to get overlooked by its iconic neighbor, which is a shame.

Nestled at the southwestern end of the Cohutta Mountains near the Cohutta Wilderness, the park sits 2,850 feet above sea level and is ideal for hikers and history lovers. 

The park earned its name from a mysterious rock wall. The wall zigzags for 855 feet and varies between two and six feet tall at some points. No one knows the origin story of this rock wall with certainty, but archaeologists and historians believe it was built between 500 and 1500 CE. Cherokee lore maintains that the wall was built by the “Moon-eyed people,” an ancient race of people who lived in the Appalachia region. 

No one knows why it was built. Many theories believe it was a defense fortification, while others float a spiritual structure theory. We may never know for sure. 

Fort Mountain State Park has 25 miles of hiking trails. I love that the trails are a wide range of difficulty, ensuring there’s a trail for everyone. Easy, kid-friendly trails include the West Overlook Trail (0.8 miles), Fort Mountain Lake Loop (1.1 miles), Big Rock Nature Trail (0.5 miles), and Cool Springs Overlook (0.2 miles). For folks looking for more of a challenge, the Gahuti Backcountry Trail’s 8-mile trek is sure to please. 

While the trails are well-marked, it’s important to note that you’re in bear territory. Please review BearWise Safety before you hit the trails so you know what to do if you encounter one. As you can see from the photo, sometimes they appear on trails and campsites.

One notable structure you’re bound to come across as you explore Fort Mountain State Park is the fire tower. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and served as a fire tower until the 1960s, when a newer, modern steel tower was built nearby. The top of the tower met a fiery fate in 1971 and fell into a neglected state (and eyesore) for many years. The tower was restored to its original appearance in 2014, though it is not used as an active fire tower. You can see both the rock wall and the stone tower on this loop trail.

Whether you’re fascinated by history or seeking a hiking trail with a view, Fort Mountain State Park is worth a visit. Fifteen cottages, 70 tent/RV sites, and several backcountry campsites at Fort Mountain State Park ensure there are plenty of ways to stay at this beautiful Georgia park. Visit the Georgia State Park website to check dates and rates.

Share this article with someone you want to visit Fort Mountain State Park with! For more outdoor adventure, check out some of my favorite spring hikes in Georgia.