LOCATION: 2500 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road Cumming, GA 40040 LENGTH: 3 miles TYPE: Loop RANKING: Moderate to difficult ACCESS: 8 AM to Dark USAGE: Moderate FEES: Free MAPS: At kiosk SURFACE: Packed soil and some tree roots FEATURES: Playground, Restroom and Visitor Center COMMENTS: Foot traffic only; Indian Seats at top of mountain and Gold Mine entrances PET FRIENDLY: NO pets are allowed in the preserve or on the trails.
NOTE:Climbing and Rappelling is prohibited without a permit. Permits must be obtained at the Visitor Center. Please call Matthew Pate at 770-781-2217 Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00 for more information. Fines for climbing w/o permit could exceed $200.
The Sawnee Mountain Preserve is a wonderful hike and we enjoy hiking to the top to see the "Indian Seats." The Indian Seats are carved out of stone and said to have been used by council members to view the land below.
On the way to the top we always stop to see the old gold mine entrances. The entrances to both shafts are caged and located on the Yucca Trail and the Lower Laurel Trail.
The final trek to the top is rather difficult but well worth the beautiful view. From the observation deck the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is gorgeous. The view spans Pine Log Mountain to Brasstown Bald.
There is a second entrance at 4075 Spot Road, Cumming, GA.
DIRECTIONS FROM ATLANTA:
Take GA 400 N to exit 14 (Buford Hwy/Ga 20) toward Cumming. Buford Hwy/GA20W becomes Veterans Memorial Blvd then changes to Dahlonega Hwy/GA 9. Turn Left onto Dr Dunn Road Turn Right onto Bettis-Tribble Gap Road Travel 1/2 mile and see entrance.
