There are some insanely gorgeous trails and breathtaking views right here in North Georgia, and one so close...Sawnee Mountain. Let's GO!
SAWNEE MOUNTAIN
Whether you’re a Georgia native or a recent transplant, you likely already know that Georgia has a lot to offer. Our state is well known for excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment. But, did you know that Georgia has a ton to offer in the way of outdoor recreation – specifically, hiking?
Georgia Hikes was created to help spread awareness regarding some of the most beautiful hikes in our state. We seek to share information and develop a sense of community around the rapidly growing hiking community in Georgia. We have a love for the outdoors and believe that getting outside and exploring all that our state has to offer is a fantastic way to connect with family, friends, and even strangers you may meet along the way!
We enjoyed our partnership with North Atlanta FitLife to tell you all about some of our favorite hikes – detailing the views, length, difficulty, and what to expect! We hope that you learned of some new places and go check them out for yourself! Georgia has so much to offer and is the perfect state for exploring, hiking, and making memories.
One of our favorite hikes that is super local to North Atlanta is the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain. Located in Cumming, Georgia, this hike is extremely convenient for many living in metro Atlanta.
Location: Bettis Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA
Distance: 4 miles Round Trip
Time: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: No
What We Love:
· Convenient
· Family Friendly
· Incredible Views
· Historical Value
The Hike:
There are a couple of trail entrances, but we recommend that you catch the trail head at the Bettis Tribble Gap Road entrance. This location offers plenty of parking, restrooms, and even a playground for children to enjoy. As you start on your journey, you’ll be pleased to find that the trail is wide, well maintained, and clearly marked. Follow the trail which will lead you through a dense hardwood forest. Along the way you will pass several gated gold mine entrances dating back to the 1800’s. You’ll notice the trail steepens quite a bit once you pass the gold mines. You will actually gain just over 400 feet of elevation throughout the hike! When you near the top, you will take the Indian Seats Overlook Spur which will get you to the summit. The effort of this hike is well worth it as once at the summit you will be greeted by incredible 180° views of the surrounding area and the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The summit is actually over 1,900 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest peaks in the north metro area (even taller than Stone Mountain!
At the top, you will also notice a small boulder field and some unique rock formations, known as the “Indian Seats” ( where the trail gets its name) . These rocks have naturally-carved depressions that resemble seats and are a great option for a photo op! You’ll also notice there is an expansive overlook at the top which offers excellent views. If you go on a clear day, you can see some well-known peaks in the distance including Springer Mountain, Blood Mountain, and Brasstown Bald. There’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy some time at the top of the mountain, so plan to stay a while. It’s an ideal place to catch a stunning sunrise or sunset! While this hike is beautiful year-round, we particularly love hiking it on cool, clear nights in the spring, fall and winter!
This trail is truly a hidden gem right here in metro Atlanta and we absolutely recommend checking it out!
Follow us on Instagram at @_georgia_hikes_ or visit our website at gahikes.com for more hiking content! Be sure to tag us and North Atlanta FitLife and let us know if you check out Sawnee Mountain!
Resources:
www.gahikes.com
IG: @_georgia_hikes_