Sawnee Mountainside Trail — Local services in Cumming

This is a great 5-6 mile challenging mountain loop. Restrooms and a playground near the ample parking lot, and Sawnee Preserve is across the street where you can climb to the top for a beautiful view of the North Georgia mountains.

Watch your step. The terrain is rocky and a little steep. I tripped, but I've hiked this many times, so it was bound to happen. Because of the lack of view, there are few people so this is good for...

The trailhead is located near the entrance, not the one near playground, which is the exit. My favorite route is twisted figure 8 to extend the total length to 6.1-6.3 miles. It's mostly a gravel road, elevation is about 780ft, it's not easy but not too difficult either. The road is mostly covered with shade. If you really enjoy hiking, or like to have quiet time for yourself, you will love it. This is also a good practice...

This is a great trail system away from the crowds at Indian Seats trail. It doesn't have any particularly scenic views, but it's a good workout and reminds one of being on the appalachian trail. For an 8 km experience, go clockwise starting near playground and follow the Ridgeline trail to wear it joins the Mountainside trail, then follow it around to where it intersects with the hilltop trail staying on it back to the...