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Master Plan
The highest
point of the Sawnee Mountain Preserve stands at 2,000 feet above sea level
and boasts some of the most scenic views of the North Georgia. From the
top of Sawnee Mountain hikers can take in a panoramic view of the North
Georgia Mountains, Lake Lanier and the Atlanta Skyline.
The development
and preservation of Sawnee Mountain is being done in three phases. Phase
I was completed and opened to the public in June of 2005.
PHASE I and II - Now Open!
Phase I of the Sawnee Mountain Preserve opened in June 2005. It includes 3.5 miles of natural hiking trails around the mountain, two picnic pavilions, a playground, restroom facility, 120 seat outdoor amphitheater and 46-space parking lot.
The Preserve and its facilities were designed to preserve the natural feel of the park and protect the existing tree canopy, while providing a passive area for people to come and enjoy the outdoors.
click on a picture above to enlarge |
Phase II of the Preserve opened in March 2008. Among the new amenities is the 5,600 square foot Visitor Center located at 4075 Spot Road. The Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits, a resource library and lounge, classroom, laboratory and rocking chair porch. The building has sustainable features such as water and energy efficient fixtures, rain barrel cisterns and green design. The grounds include a new water feature, native plant garden, canopy walk learning platform and tree house. The Visitor Center connects to the existing trail system and provides an additional 60 parking spots for the Preserve.
click on a picture above to enlarge |
PHASE III - Currently in Planning
Phase III is the final stage of development for the mountain. In 2003 the county purchased the unique landmark Barker House atop the peak of Sawnee Mountain. Funds for the acreage came from Greenspace funds awarded in 2001. The Barker House sits on Sawnee Mountain at its highest point and looks like a flying saucer perched in the trees. Currently the Park and Recreation Department and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners are studying how to best utilize the facility for programming. In the next year a decision is expected on its future.
In addition, Please III plans to add another 10 miles of hiking trails on the southwest side of the mountain that will allow visitors to enjoy almost every vantage point the Mountain has to offer.
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Phase II opened to the public in March 2008. |
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