Fort Mountain State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Mountain State Park |
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View of the ruins
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 Fort Mountain State Park
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Location | Murray County, Georgia, USA |
| Nearest city | Ellijay, Georgia |
| Area | 3,712 acres (15.02 km2) |
| Governing body | Georgia State Park |
Fort Mountain State Park is a cool place to visit in Georgia, USA. It covers a huge area of about 3,712 acres (15 square kilometers). You can find it between the towns of Chatsworth and Ellijay. The park is named after Fort Mountain, where a mysterious old rock wall stands. This park opened in 1938. The rock wall is about 885 feet (270 meters) long. It's more like a marker than a strong fort.
Contents
Park History and Growth
Fort Mountain State Park first opened its doors in 1936. The land for the park was given by Ivan Allen, Sr. Back then, the park was smaller, about 1,930 acres (7.8 square kilometers).
Building the Park
Many of the park's cool features were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a group of young men who worked on public projects during the 1930s. They built the stone fire tower, the lake, and many of the trails. They also helped construct some of the park buildings. In the late 1990s, the park grew even bigger. With help from state and federal money, it expanded to its current size of 3,712 acres.
The Ancient Rock Wall
The park gets its name from a very old rock wall. This wall is found on the top of Fort Mountain. It's about 885 feet (270 meters) long and zigzags across the peak.
What the Wall Looks Like
The wall is made from local stones. These stones came from the areas around the mountain top. Along the wall, you can see 19 or 29 small pits. There are also the remains of what might have been a gateway.
Who Built It?
No one is completely sure who built this wall or why. In 1956, experts studied the wall. They said it was built by ancient Native Americans. But they couldn't figure out exactly when or why it was made. Some modern websites suggest that local Native Americans built it around 500 AD. They might have used it for religious reasons.
Legends and Stories
There are many interesting legends about the wall. One story says that a legendary Welsh explorer named Madoc built it. He and his group were said to have built stone forts across America. Another legend connects the wall to the "moon-eyed people" from Cherokee stories. Some people even thought it was a fort for Hernando de Soto's explorers. Others believed it was a special place for Cherokee newlyweds.
Exploring Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain State Park is located inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. It's a great place for outdoor adventures.
Fun Activities to Do
You can enjoy many activities here. Popular choices include hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park has about 14 miles (23 kilometers) of trails for you to explore.
Nature and Scenery
The park is known for its beautiful and unique views. You'll see a mix of hardwood and pine forests. There are also many blueberry bushes. The park also has a lovely 17-acre (6.9-hectare) mountain lake.
Park Structures
At the top of Fort Mountain, you'll find a tall stone tower. This tower was also built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The picnic shelters in the park were built by the CCC too. They also made the trails that lead to the rock wall.
Getting There
You can easily reach the park by driving on Woody Glenn Highway. This road is also known as Georgia 2 and Georgia 52.
Images for kids
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Fort Mountain overlook -
Another view of the ruins -
View from Fort Mountain -
The stone tower -
The Fort Mountain lake -
A trail inside the park
