Drive west from Ellijay on GA-52 and the road climbs into Fort Mountain State Park, a 4,058-acre park on the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness. It has one of the more intriguing mysteries in Georgia: a long, low wall of piled stone along the top of the mountain that nobody has fully explained.

It is also simply a good park, with a swimming lake, a fire tower, long views and about 60 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

The stone wall

The wall runs about 855 feet along the highest point of the mountain. Georgia State Parks says it is thought to have been built by early Native Americans, either as a fortification or for ceremonies. Its age and purpose are still debated, and you will hear other stories locally. Treat those as legends.

A short trail leads to the wall. Please do not climb on it or move the stones.

The fire tower

Near the wall stands a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era program that built much of the park. The tower and the overlooks along the summit trails are good places to take in fall color. Tower access depends on the weather.

Things to do

  • Hiking: more than 25 miles of trails, from a lake loop to longer routes through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets. Our Ellijay hiking trails guide compares the park’s loops with Carters Lake and Bear Creek.
  • Mountain biking: about 27 miles of trails. See our mountain biking guide for other options nearby.
  • Horseback riding: bring your own horse; there are no guided rentals in the park. A negative Coggins test is required. A horse trailhead off Bunker Hill Road reopened in July 2025 with a $5 parking fee. For guided rides on rented horses, see horseback riding near Ellijay.
  • The lake: a 17-acre lake with a seasonal sand beach, plus rentals such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards in season.
  • Miniature golf: seasonal, for a fee.
  • Fishing and geocaching.

Staying overnight

The park has cottages, a campground and backpacking sites, plus a few options for campers without a tent. Reserve through Georgia State Parks, and book early for October weekends.

Know before you go

  • Fees: a Georgia State Parks ParkPass is required for parking. Annual passes are available. Overnight guests pay the daily ParkPass once per stay.
  • Hours: the park is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Address: 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705.
  • Roads: GA-52 over the mountain is steep and curvy, with sharp switchbacks. Take it slow, especially in fog.

Combine it with

Carters Lake is nearby for an afternoon on the water, and the Jacks River Falls hike starts farther north in the Cohutta Wilderness. For a full day close to Ellijay, see our outdoor activities guide.

Sources and further reading

Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.