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Sawnee Mountain Preserve offers a variety of activities to the public, school groups and private parties. |
CLICK ON AN ACTIVITY |
Explore the Visitor Center
| The brand new Visitor Center located at 4075 Spot Road in Cumming opened on March 15, 2008. Hours of operation will be Monday - Friday, 8:30a - 5:00p, Saturday 10:00a - 5:00p and Sunday 1:00p-5:00p. Admission is free of charge. The Center features interactive exhibits on the natural and cultural histories of Sawnee Mountain and a resource library/lounge for visitors to relax and read. | )
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Hike the Trails
| There are over 3 miles of interconnected natural surface trails on Sawnee Mountain. Currently there are two trail heads with parking; one at 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Road and one at the new Visitor Center located at 4075 Spot Road. Gates to the parking areas are open from 8:00a - dark. See above for our trail map. Hikers can choose the gentler Yucca Trail, the panoramic Indian Seats Trail or the challenging Laurel Trail. Trails are for foot traffic only! Dogs and horses are not allowed. Please help keep the scenic beauty of these trails by packing-out what you pack-in and picking up your trash when you leave. Leave only footprints, take only pictures and kill only time. | )
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Environmental Education
| IWe offer school and group classes year round as well as public programs. Classes may range from plant identification, art or gardening to wildlife studies, geology or local history. Programs have both indoor and outdoor components and take advantage of the resources in our classroom/laboratory and resource library. Public Programs Nature hikes, workshops and parent-tot classes are just some examples of our public programs. Browse our Calendar of Events page for current offerings. School & Home School Programs We are happy to offer low cost field trips for your class. All programs are aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards, and our staff will work with you on accommodating specific needs of your group. The cost will be lowered to $5/student starting in 2009. Learn more about School and Home School programs here. Scout Programs Bring your Den or Troop to Sawnee Mountain to satisfy some of the science and outdoor badge requirements ($5/scout), or arrange for a group tree climb or canopy walk class ($20/participant). Learn more about our Boy and Girl Scout programs here. |
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Adventure Recreation Programs
| Land and water based outdoor recreation programs are also available year round. Activities include rock climbing, tree climbing, canoeing, kayaking, caving and mountain biking. Some programs take place at Sawnee Mountain Preserve and some take place at other parks in Forsyth County and the surrounding area depending on the activity. Browse our Calendar of Events page for current offerings. | )
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Sightseeing
| The view from the Indian Seats is one of the most spectacular in the state. From here, you can make out most of the southern ridgeline of the Appalachian mountain chain. While walking the hiking trails you may view over 80 species of trees and plant life. There are also several natural quartzite rock formations and two old abandoned gold mines along the trail. | )
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Picnicking
| There are 2 picnic pavilions available for public use at the Bettis Tribble Gap Road entrance. The pavilions are available on a first come first served basis, unless a reservation is posted. For more information on reserving a pavilion, please call 770-781-2217 between the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday - Friday. Due to the risk of forest fires, fires, including grills and/or campfires are not allowed anywhere on the mountain. | )
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Rock Climbing & Rappelling
| A climbing area is accessible at Sawnee Mountain. Climbing and rappelling is prohibited without a permit. Ten-day permits are available at the Visitor Center. Please call 770-781-2217 between the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday - Friday for more information. Fines for climbing without a permit may exceed $200. | )
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Birding
| Atlanta is a direct flight pattern for migratory birds and Sawnee Mountain's contiguous forest habitat provides a haven for songbirds and birds of prey. Bird walks led by local naturalists are provided throughout the year. Click here to download a check list of the Birds of Sawnee Mountain. | )
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Exploration Backpacks
Looking for a fun way to enhance your visit? Rent one of our Exploration Backpacks! For $3 per child (or adult ñ they are THAT much fun), participants borrow a backpack full of activities and equipment to use while hiking and exploring the mountain. The cost includes some take home items and ideas for more exploration at home. The following themes are available:
| • | Nature Art |
| • | Birds & Beyond |
| • | Bugs |
| • | Mammals & Tracks |
| • | Plants |
| • | Rocks & Minerals |
Exploration Backpacks are available at the Visitor Center during operating hours.
Special Events
| Concerts, storytelling, dramatic performances and pumpkin carving are just some of the special events at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Please see our Calendar of Events page for current announcements. | )
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Birthday Parties
Sawnee Mountain Preserve is happy to offer several birthday party options. Parties include a one-hour naturalist led nature program of your choice and use of the classroom or a picnic pavilion for one hour following the program.
Programs include:
| • | Buggy Birthday Bash - Use nets and bug boxes to take a close look at the critters that live at Sawnee Mountain. |
| • | Animal Encounter - Create a creature to hide along the trail, look for camouflaged amimals and learn what itís like to be a predator! Participants will meet our live animals. |
| • | Planting Party - Explore the forest and discover how plants provide for themselves and other organisms. Each guest will get to test their green thumbs by decorating a pot and planting a seed to take home. |
Tree climbing birthday parties are also available for ages 8 and up and last three hours. Climbers will be given instructions and guidance while climbing. All equipment is provided and climbers remain secured to the rope the entire time they are off the ground. Please note that this program does not include a party room. Click here for additional details on parties.
There
are a number of family friendly activities available to the general
public. |