Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center — Attraction in Georgia

A very nice hike and nice facility. I was hoping to get some bird photos but the time of day or the season had them napping or off visiting relatives. There was not a bird to be seen on the lower trails. But the patterns, textures and colors of are beautiful.

The climbing area looks like an awesome family outing spot but as expected, it's closed in February.

I did not have time to hike to the top, but the lower trails were well-maintained and an easy walk, even for this near 60-year-old with a bad knee.

I must admit being confused by the "fairy house" area sponsored by a local Girl Scout Troop. We have these in Maine as well, but the focus is always on educating the children in how to take care of our natural resources. Signs are posted educating people to use only natural materials like fallen branches, stones and leaves. I was surprised to see the path littered with plastics, metals, painted wood. It is obvious the children had fun, but it doesn't look like any Eco Badges were earned for this project.

DOGS? Yes or no? There's a sign off the parking lot saying dogs are not allowed but then a sign at the trail entrance saying dogs must be leashed. I came across one dog on a leash.

PEOPLE? I crossed paths with 8-10 hikers/walkers out enjoying the beautiful day. I'm guessing that when Spring hits and warmer temperatures arrive, there's a lot...

This is such a nice place to take a short hike. There is also the option to take a longer excursion. The welcome center is very nice. There are bathrooms at all of the hiking trailheads. The directions on Sawnee Mountain are a little confusing but you'll eventually find the viewing area. I'm greatfull dogs aren't allowed. There are some historical gold mining areas on the mountain which have been preserved. The staff keeps the trails clean. Hammocks are not allowed a certain distance from the trailheads but people ignore that rule. And the last time I was there some younger people had to play their music for all of us to enjoy while they sat in their hammocks near the viewing deck. It's too bad they didn't "get" the idea of being quiet in the woods. Parts of the trails are very rocky other parts smooth. It takes forty minutes to the top from the welcome center and twenty from the other parking area. The back country trail I believe is five miles and it took me about an hour and forty minutes. All the trails can be overcrowded on the weekend. There is a native garden at one of the trailheads and a playground across the street. Water is available at the trailheads. I'm glad the area was saved and opened...

I would recommend. Great quiet and clean place to take a hike. Trees provide plenty of shade. Different areas of terrain; gravel, flat, rough, smooth, steep incline/decline, straight and winding trails, etc. All trails have markers every couple hundred paces or so (give or take). I would recommend for a great workout. Or for a great time in the outdoors. I dont think the trails are good for kids though. There were several times where me and my husband slipped on the gravel areas or tripped on rocks or thick roots. I personally think the hike is for adults only. They do have a very nice playground for kids. Good size covered tables area. Well kept bathrooms. And they have water fountains at the play area. No dogs allowed. We enjoyed the hike very much and had a great time here. We did a 3 mile hike starting on ridgline, cutting through mountainside and going across hilltop. Which took us about an hour and a half. We plan to go back and do the 5 mile loop next time. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and perhaps a light snack. Even though there was plenty of shade you still sweat and get thirsty from hiking through the trails. Great place to hike....