Hiking The Fort Mountain Loop

Sports & Recreations

  • Author Shannon Rae Treasure
  • Published June 12, 2011
  • Word count 432

The loop trail takes 1.3 miles which circles the top of Fort Mountain where a panoramic view of the area marks the focal point of this magnificent habitat. The top of the mountain is where a fire tower is also situated aside from a great wall that runs more than 800 feet on it. The wall varies in height from approximately two to six feet high. A mystery still exist on who really built this wall and experts agreed that the construction of this wall could have taken place around 500 A.D. On the other hand, the fire tower is another feature on this loop trail that allows rangers to spot wildfires up to a distance of 40 miles. The trail was built on a land that was donated by former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen and was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the late 1930’s.

Starting from the parking lot, take the footpath to the northwest and trek it counter-clockwise. The trail is a gradual climb as it approaches a spectacular panorama where you will see the Cohuttas and the Ridge and Valley area of the northwest section of Georgia. The loop trail is marked with yellow rectangular trail blazes.

The footpath hugs the mountainside and just about .4 miles along the path; a red blazed trail is spotted on the left which is a shortcut to the fire tower at the highest point of the Fort Mountain. However, take the more scenic trail at the North Face Loop by following the yellow-blazed trail straight to the rocky pathway. Expect a series of steep drops until it approaches an ascent to a set of rock stairs which had been fixed a couple of times.

Go straight ahead as you circle around the scenic viewing point where you will find an intersection of three trails at the right. Go forward taking the trail to the right where the path rapidly ascends to another set of stairs. The trek then takes an easy route as it approaches a wooden lookout that stretches past a cluster of trees on the mountain. At this point, the viewing deck gives you a vantage point for 2,000 feet view of Chatsworth.

From this overlook, pace further to the fire tower at the peak of Fort Mountain. Access to the fire tower is possible where you will have the best view of the mountain trail. On your return back, follow the blue-blazed trail towards the wall where you can check out the crevices on it. Move past this and the path then leads you back to the steps to the parking lot.

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