Rich Mountain (Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rich Mountain |
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Rich Mountain viewed from Georgia State Route 515
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,040 ft (1,230 m) |
| Prominence | 331 ft |
| Geography | |
 Rich Mountain
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Location | Gilmer County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Parent range | Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Tickanetley |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hiking |
Rich Mountain is a tall mountain located in Gilmer County, Georgia. It stands at 4,040 feet (1,230 m) high. This makes it the highest point in the Rich Mountain Wilderness area. It's also part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. While it's very tall, it's actually the second-highest mountain in Gilmer County. Only Big Bald Mountain is a little bit taller, reaching 4,081 feet (1,244 m).
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Discover Rich Mountain: A Georgia Gem
Rich Mountain gives its name to the Rich Mountains. This is a group of mountains shaped like a circle. They are found in the northeastern part of Gilmer County. Rich Mountain sits right in the middle of this mountain range. From its center, ridges and valleys spread out like spokes on a wheel.
Many of these mountains have dark, rich soil. The trees growing here are mostly hardwood forests. These are "second-growth" forests, meaning they grew back after older trees were cut down.
Where is Rich Mountain Located?
The mountain is about 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of a town called Cherry Log. It's also about 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Ellijay. Big Bald Mountain, which is the tallest point in Gilmer County, is only about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) northeast of Rich Mountain.
A major road, U.S. Route 76, runs to the west of the mountain. The very top of Rich Mountain is inside the Rich Mountain Wilderness. It's also part of the Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area, which helps protect animals.
How Tall is Rich Mountain?
Rich Mountain stands at 4,040 feet (1,230 m) tall. This makes it the second-tallest mountain in Gilmer County. It is also the highest point within the Rich Mountain Wilderness. If you look at all the mountains in Georgia, Rich Mountain is the 21st tallest. This ranking is for mountains that rise at least 160 feet above the land around them.
A Look Back: The Fire Tower
During the Great Depression, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a fire tower on top of Rich Mountain. This tower helped spot forest fires. Today, only a stone chimney and fireplace are left standing at the summit. They are a reminder of the CCC's important work.
Hiking to the Summit
There are no official hiking trails that go directly over the very top of Rich Mountain. However, adventurers can still reach the summit. Hikers can walk off-trail from Rich Mountain Road. This road used to be a logging road that went through the Rich Mountains.
