Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Visitor Center with Parking and Trailhead
4075 Spot Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
Visitor Center Hours: (subject to change)
Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Triple Gap Parking and Trailhead
2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd.
Cumming, GA
Trail and Parking Hours:
April-October: Open Daily 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
November-March: Open Daily 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(For schedule updates, call 770-781-2217)
Free admission
Free parking at both the Visitor Center and Preserve
No Pets
Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Sawnee Mountain visibly links to the summit of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, as well as the rich history of the woodland culture of North Georgia’s Native American inhabitants. Now, after having survived the passage of time, natural disasters, searches for gold, timber clearing, and urban development, Sawnee Mountain is the landmark host to The Sawnee Mountain Preserve & Visitor Center.
The Sawnee Mountain Preserve, named for a local Cherokee Native American, Sawnee, was awarded “Most Outstanding Green Space Plan” for 2005, by the Georgia Urban Forestry Council, balancing the local history and natural resources of Forsyth County—one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.
The Visitor Center
With its projected annual visitation of 30,000 to 35,000 guests, The Visitor Center is a 5,600-square foot “sustainably green” facility with a rocking chair porch that houses, a laboratory, a classroom, a resource library/lounge and an exhibit hall featuring the mountain’s natural and cultural history, in addition to a native plant garden and waterfall. The Visitor Center also houses the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department’s Outdoor Programs Division, which offers a variety of public and group workshops, camps and courses in rock climbing, backpacking, rappelling, birding, botany etc. throughout the year.
- Tree House
- Tree Canopy Walk & Classroom
- Hiking Trials
- Interpretive Exhibits
- Parking Lot
- Restroom Facilities
- The Preserve, comprised of 963 acres, offers numerous educational, recreational activities, and special events.
- Parking Lot—located at 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd.
- Indian Seats—a natural rock formation at the top of the trail system offering scenic views of the North Georgia Mountains
- Picnic Pavilions—two pavilions are available for public use or by reservation (770-781-2217) NO GRILLING and or CAMPFIRES
- Playground—a small playground is located next to picnic pavilions
- Amphitheater—a 140-seat facility located at the Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. entrance, is used for seasonally scheduled concerts, storytelling events, and theater performances. This venue is also available for rental for small group gatherings, lectures, and outdoor classroom use. Call 770-781-2217.
- Restroom Facilities
Activities include . . .
- Hiking—on 3.5 Miles of three interconnected trails (Yucca Trail—gentle) (Laurel Trail—challenging) (Indian Seats—panoramic)
- Rock Climbing & Rappelling—Ten-day permits ($3 processing fee) are available at the Visitor Center.
- Climbing without a permit will be fined in amounts exceeding $200.
- Birding—local naturalist provide guided walks throughout the year
Special Events . . .
- Seasonally scheduled throughout the year—spring nature walks, educational lectures, pumpkin festival etc.
- Small group rentals—pavilions, amphitheater, classroom etc.
- Themed Birthday Parties—offer several birthday party options available for classroom or picnic pavilion use for a one-hour naturalist led nature programs, i.e. The Buggy Bash, Animal Encounter, Planting Party or the three hour Tree Climbing Party (for ages 8 and up) which includes safety equipment, instructions and guidance while climbing.
The Sawnee Mountain Foundation—a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in conjunction with the Forsyth County Park and Recreation Department, plays a vital role in the funding, planning, designing, and maintenance of the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Future Phases of the Sawnee Mountain Preserve will add new amenities, including additional connecting trails and trailhead facilities, a possible renovation of the old Round House and a wilderness training area.
For more information regarding events, activities and rentals call 770.781.2217. In addition, be advised of all of The Sawnee Mountain Preserves rules and regulations
Park Rules and Regulations:
1. Speed Limit is 10 mph.
2. No parking in Driveways. Parking only in designated areas.
3. No pets allowed in park.
4. Loud Music is prohibited.
5. 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.
6. Trails are for foot traffic only.
7. No alcoholic beverages are allowed anywhere on the property.
8. No firearms, bow and arrow or any other weapons
9. No hunting is allowed.
10. Fires, including grills and/or campfires are not allowed anywhere on the mountain.
11. No Littering – please carry out everything you carry on the trail system.
12. No Soliciting.
13. Camping is not permitted anywhere on the Mountain.
14. Removal or damage to trees, shrubs, or plants is prohibited.
15. An adult must accompany all minors under 18.
16. Pavilions are on a first come first served basis unless reservation is posted. For more information, please call 770.781.2217, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Directions: Located 40 miles North of Atlanta in Cumming, Georgia. Take GA-400 North to exit 15 (Bald Ridge Marina Rd.) Turn left, toward downtown Cumming. Then turn right at third traffic light and then another right on Bettis Tribble Gap Road. The west entrance to Sawnee Mountain Preserve is three miles down on the right. The Visitor Center is located another mile further along on Bettis Tribble Gap Rd—turn right at the next traffic light onto Spot Road.