Stone Tower + West Overlook Trails

The Stone Tower and West Overlook trails at Fort Mountain State Park sit high on the western edge of Georgia's Appalachian mountians and overlook the flat lands below. Begin from the parking area and follow signs for the stone tower along the yellow blazed trail. Although only a 1-mile loop, the trail climbs a good 200 feet to the tower, and then another 200 feet from the overlook back to the parking area. Halfway to the tower, ruins of an ancient stone wall are found snaking off in both directions. The mystery surrounding the wall concerns its builders -- there are several guesses, and it is dated to within a specific period, but it's origins are still unknown. Continuing up the large rock steps from the wall, the stone tower sits at the top of the mountian. It was erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers a phenomenal view of the surrounding mountains and flat lands. Be sure to check the open hours for the tower -- it is locked up when park staff are not present. To the west, the trail descends down more rock and wood stairs to a large overlook platform on the edge of the mountain. Chatsworth and epic sunset views lay to the west. Grassy mountian is to the north, and the fire tower on top is just barely visible on a clear day. Returning from the overlook deck, follow the blazes back to the parking lot.