Gorgeous Woodland Trails And Lake Beach Views Are Hidden Within This Underrated Georgia State Park

Georgia is, in many ways, the South's epicenter for urban escapes and small-town serenity. Whether you're enjoying Atlanta's enchanting riverfront suburb of Sandy Springs or exploring the outdoor attractions at the quaint coastal city of Richmond Hill, Georgia has all sorts of getaways for modern and rustic travelers alike. The state also boasts gorgeous natural wonders for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. One particularly underrated Georgia outdoor destination is the extraordinary Fort Mountain State Park. Located less than a two-hour drive north of Atlanta, the state park is a gem among north Georgia's enchanting Blue Ridge summits. 

Fort Mountain State Park's defining feature is obviously its namesake mountain, a 2,851-foot landmark presiding over the Georgia landscape. Like many Blue Ridge Mountains, Fort Mountain bears a thick covering of lush hardwood forests that display a bright green splendor in the spring and summer, and magical fall colors in the autumn. Fort Mountain is part of the larger Cohutta Wilderness, within the Cohutta Mountains of Georgia's Appalachian region. As the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River, the Cohutta Wilderness is one of the most rugged areas left in the state. This pristine magic is quite evident in even partially developed areas like Fort Mountain State Park. 

Fort Mountain's natural beauty alone makes it worth the trip. However, the park is also notable for its ancient (and mysterious) archaeological treasure. Near the mountain's crest is an old, 855-foot stone wall, dated to be between 500 and 1,000 years old. The exact origin of this stone wall remains a mystery, though Cherokee legend holds that it was built by a race of "Moon-eyed people" long ago. Mysterious humanoids aside, the wall's resemblance to a military fortification gave Fort Mountain its contemporary name. 

Fort Mountain State Park's stunning natural scenery, epic views, and historical curiosities make it one of Georgia's top destinations for unforgettable hikes. The park features more than 50 miles of excellent trails, many of which pass Fort Mountain's magnificent lookout spots near the summit. For a short but thrilling sample of the destination's greatest attractions, you can hike to the park's ancient stone wall and its summit lookout in a single 1.5-mile loop. This route also passes the park's historic stone fire lookout tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

For more intimate scenery, the park's Big Rock Nature Trail covers deep mountain hollows, scenic creeks, and several waterfalls in less than a mile (with exquisite displays of wildflowers in the spring). Other trails in the park range from short forest walks to challenging backcountry treks through the mountain wilderness. Many of the park's trails are also terrific routes for mountain biking. In fact, the East-West Bike Loop along the 301 Mountain Bike Trail is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful (and challenging) mountain bike routes in the South. And far from being merely a mountain destination, the state park also features the 17-acre Fort Mountain Lake, where visitors can enjoy a day of fishing, boating, or swimming. 

While Fort Mountain State Park is perfect for exhilarating day trips, it's also a fantastic destination for camping. Currently, the park features tent campsites, group pioneer campsites, cozy cottages, RV and trailer-accessible sites, backcountry camping, and picnic shelters. If outdoor sleeping isn't for you, Fort Mountain State Park is just a 30-minute drive away from Georgia's rustic and charming mountain city of Ellijay, complete with apple orchards, wineries, and a wide range of lodging options.