Sawnee Mountain Preserve - Hiking Trails Near Cumming, Ga
Mar 25th, 2009 by Admin 1
Short Description: There are four main trails within the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. The Indian Seats Trail, Laurel Trail, Yucca Trail and Eaglet Trail. The last two are short connection trails linking to the longer Indian Seats and Laurel Trails. There are 3.75 miles of trails all combined. An observation deck sits at approx. 1680ft at the top of the Indian Seats trail before descending.
Nearest: Cumming, Georgia
County: Forsyth
Trailhead Location: 1) Sawnee Mountain Preserve Parking Lot off of Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. 2) Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center off of Spot Rd.
Trail Lengths:
- Indian Seats Trail - 1.6 mile loop (Easy to Moderate)
- Laurel Trail - 1.6 mile loop including upper and lower Laurel Trail (Moderate)
- Yucca Trail - 0.3 mile (Easy)
- Eaglet Trail - 0.25 mile (Easy)
Trail Markers: Direction Signs ( All trails clearly marked)
Parking Fee: No Fee
Directions:
- From Cumming, Head West on GA-20/GA-9/E Main St toward Mason St. Continue to follow GA-20/E Main St (0.1 mi)
- Turn Right at Tribble Gap Rd (1.2)
- Continue on Bettis Tribble Gap Rd and Sawnee Mountain Preserve will be on your right (Stone pillar entrance) (1.9 mi)
Counterclockwise from top left: Bill Harris, Trey Tramble, and Logan Harris
Last Thursday I hiked with a friend of mine, his son and a friend of his at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. This was my first time over there and I was surprised how nice the trail system was being as close to downtown Cumming as it is.
While we were there we hiked both of the main trails starting with the Indian Seats Trail. We headed up the Southeast side of the mountain to the old Indian Seats which the trail is named after and then on up to the observation deck where there are some great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. There is historical evidence that this area at the top of the mountain may have been used for ceremonial purposes by the Native American tribes that inhabited this area in the distant past.
After taking a few minutes to take in the view we continued along the Indian Seats Trail to meet up with th Upper Laurel Trail. Near the end of the Lower portion of the Laurel Trail an opening to an old mine shaft, covered now by a wrought iron gate, is just off the trail. If you get close enough to the gate on a warmer day you will be able to feel the notable difference of cool air coming up from the old mine.
I have to agree with your post! I live in Cumming and my family visits the Sawnee Mtn. Preserve on a regular basis. Just today my husband and I hiked up to the the Indian Seats and had a picnic lunch. Even when it is a busy day, there are so many trails and different things to see, you always feel like you are alone. As if you become one with nature.
It is a beautiful place and well taken care of. I am glad to see it getting more recognition.
Happy hiking!!
Melissa,
Sounds like you had a nice hike yesterday. Obviously you knew about Sawnee Mtn. already, but we’re glad you found our post agreeable. Thanks for your comment.
Admin
As a heads up to everybody…unfortunately dogs are not allowed at the park or on the trails.
Thanks TJ for your comment. It’s true, pets are not allowed. Sorry that wasn’t in our original post.
Admin
I hiked this today based on your recommendation. Very nice facilities and a nice hike. Thanks.
I’ve hiked this a couple times since seeing your post. This spot is a great find. They have a really nice visitors center as well (on the opposite side of the mountain of the main trail entrance). Thanks!
I’m a highschool junior in Forsyth and I love, love, love Indian Seats. I love photography so I think it’s a really cool place to go and shoot pictures as well as get some good excercise. So fun to go with friends, as long as the weathers nice.
Yeah, its a good little spot for photography for sure, glad to here your getting out there. We’d like to get back there soon ourselves.
I was here today for the first time and really enjoyed it! The weather was great! I do have a question though…isn’t Sawnee Mountain across from this preserve? I thought it was the mountain with the towers on it. Is that a different mountain? Can you hike it? Thanks for the post!
Kyle,
I believe this is Sawnee Mountain but may need to check on it again. I do know that the area is called Sawnee Mountain Preserve so I would feel a bit misled if its not the actual mountain.
Good excuse to hike in the area again.