Before You Go
Coordinates | 34.7626°N, 84.7031°W
Baton Rouge to Fort Mountain State Park | 594.4 mi
Driving Time | 9 hours
Why Fort Mountain?
Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, this pristine park offers a variety of family outdoor activities. The park also contains multiple overlooks that peer from lofty heights, outward to the distant neighboring Blue Ridge Mountains. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will find some of the 50 miles of the most beautiful trails in northern Georgia. During the summer, children can enjoy the sand beach located on a clear mountain lake, as well as miniature golf, and pedal boat rental. Explore the region of natural beauty and create family fun memories in the forests or the lakes.
Where to Eat
The Biscuit Box
1097 Highway 411 S., Chatsworth, GA 30705
For the best breakfast in Georgia, bring the kiddos to The Biscuit Box. With pancakes, bacon, and biscuits on the menu, plus a staff full of happy, smiling faces ready to serve you, you and your loved ones will have a hearty breakfast to remember. ■ facebook.com/thebiscuitbox
The Big V
716 N 3rd Avenue, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Feast on these delicious and simple burgers in this fun mom and pop restaurant. Known far and wide as the best burger in Northern Georgia, the Big V is a must for your hungry campers looking for a quick bite to eat.
■ facebook.com/the-big-v
The Village Cafeteria
121 N 2nd Avenue, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Choose from 5-6 different meats and 23 vegetables daily at The Village Cafeteria. This family owned and operated restaurant has been in business for 25 years and features delicious homemade desserts on the menu each day. ■ facebook.com
What to Do
Spend the night in one of the beautiful cabins at Adventures Lodges of Georgia in Amicalola Falls State Park. Calming and comfortable with modern conveniences surrounded by astonishing mountain vistas, there are an array of overnight accommodations whether you prefer to settle in a cabin or bring your own tent. Choose adventure and zipline, climb walls, and scavenger hunt. ■ amicalolafallslodge.com
To catch a glimpse of the ancient, infamous and mysterious stone wall, Fort Mountain Rock Wall, put on your walking shoes and hike the Fort Mountain State Park Summit Trail. This 800-foot-long stone wall includes a 1930s, four-story, castle-like stone tower and one of the most beautiful, sweeping views in North Georgia. ■ atlantatrails.com
From an accessible pathway to a challenging trail with staircases, you and your crew can choose how to view the falls at Amicalola Falls State Park. Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for the 729-foot waterfall. The park features beautiful and diverse trails throughout and activities are abundant at the Amicalola Falls Visitors Center. ■ gastateparks.org/amicalolafalls
Explore where the “Trail of Tears” began at New Echota Cherokee Capital Site. See 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Council House, Print Shop, Missionary Samuel Worcester’s home, and an 1805 store. Or, you can journey through the nature trails to see New Town Creek and the small beaver pond. ■ gastateparks.org/newechota
For the water sports fanatics, spend some time on the 17-acre Fort Mountain Lake, where you can paddle the lake by canoe or kayak, or explore the lake by pedal boat (rentals available). For a great workout, rent a stand-up paddleboard, a new sport that combines kayaking and surfing on a large, stable stand-up board. ■ atlantatrails.com
Tour through the galleries at Booth Western Art Museum. The exhibits feature contemporary Western American art, Presidential portraits and letters, Western movie posters, and Western illustrations. For the little ones tagging along, Sagebrush Ranch is an interactive gallery where children of all ages can learn about art and Western America. ■ boothmuseum.org
Hop in the car for an exciting driving tour through Northwest Georgia. The Chieftains Trail is a 200-mile tour that highlights the extensive Native American history. Often called “The Enchanted Land,” the trail features six stops including the ceremonial and burial mounds, Cherokee homes, and the Funk Heritage Center. ■ chieftainstrail.com
