Sawnee Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sawnee Mountain |
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Sawnee Mountain viewed from Cumming
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,946 ft (593 m) |
| Prominence | approx. 750 feet |
| Geography | |
| Location | Forsyth County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Parent range | Appalachian Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Cumming |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Drive to Sawnee, Hike to Little Sawnee |
Sawnee Mountain is a beautiful mountain in Georgia, north of Atlanta. It sits between the flat lands (called the piedmont) and the start of the Appalachian Mountains. The area gets about 46 inches of rain and 5 inches of snow each year.
The name Sawnee Mountain actually means the whole mountain ridge. This ridge is about five miles (8 km) long. The highest point of Sawnee Mountain is 1,946 feet (593 meters) above sea level. This is about 750 feet (229 meters) higher than the land around it.
The Sawnee Mountain ridge stretches from southwest to northeast. It has five small hills, called knolls, and three low points, called gaps. These gaps are named Chamblee, Sawnee, and Bettes. Sawnee Mountain is the highest point in Forsyth County. It is just a few miles north of Cumming, Georgia, which is the county seat.
Sawnee Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is even a bit taller than famous mountains like Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain. However, it is further north than some other tall peaks like Bear Mountain and Pine Log Mountain.
Explore Sawnee Mountain Preserve
The Sawnee Mountain Preserve is a special place that protects 963 acres of the mountain. It is managed by Forsyth County Parks and Recreation. This preserve helps keep the mountain's nature safe.
The Visitor Center at the preserve is a great place to start your visit. It has fun exhibits where you can learn about the mountain's nature and its past. There's also a library and a comfy lounge. The center offers educational programs for schools, scout groups, and others. They even have a summer camp program!
A Look at Sawnee Mountain's History
People believe that Native Americans used a natural open area at the top of the mountain. This spot is called the Indian Seats. They might have used it for important ceremonies long ago.
When white settlers came to the area, a local Cherokee man named Sawnee helped them. He was a skilled carpenter and farmer. He was well-known, and the mountain ridge was named in his honor.
In 1829, gold was found in Georgia, starting America's first gold rush. There are also old gold mines in the ridges of Sawnee Mountain. These mines are downstream from the main gold discovery along the Chattahoochee River.
Today, Sawnee Mountain is used as a nature preserve park. It also has a radio station, WWEV-FM 91.5, which broadcasts from a tower at the top. The Sawnee Mountain Visitor Center is located at 4075 Spot Road. It is also one of the starting points for the mountain trails.
