Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Great hiking for locals and visitors to the area. We live in town but had not yet been to the preserve. There is a wonderful playground at one of the stops. We hiked up towards the visitors center but chose to take the left trail when there was a choice to continue up or not that was shorter. We will go to the top next time. It was a nice nature hike and our 7 year old had no problem with the distance which was about a mile total up and down. The terrain is very uneven as you would expect in nature (with lots of rocks, roots and different ground levels in the trail way) so wear good hiking shoes. We did see a runner but I would not recommend it for running with all of the natural debri on the trails. I would expect sprained ankles if one did try to run it. We will return. Enjoyed hiking it so much we decided to add it as a weekly treat in the great outdoors.

Came here for a quick hike. The hike is definitely doable and definitely rewarding once you get to the Indian Seats. The view was beautiful! There are lots of seating around the park and in addition I also saw two separate playgrounds. So it definitely is kid friendly as well. The visitor center has a few things to look at including some tanks with snakes, frogs, and turtles. My favorite however was the observation hive. You can see the eggs, larvae, and nectar and all the bees busy at work. The lady at the visitor center desk was extremely nice and informative about the observation hive and the park trails.

Visited: 03/​19/​2016
This preserve is more of a fun hike, as an amateur hiker, this wasn’t even difficult for me at all. It was literally a nice walk through a park where you reach a nice scenic view at the top: D We all enjoyed the short hike and thought the terrain was quite easy and very well manicured :)

The visitor center has informative instructional areas, bathrooms are neat and clean (even after a school group came through!), and the hiking trails are well maintained. The employee at the front desk was very friendly and explained the trail map and talked about the Preserve.
Once I reached the end of the Indian Seats trail, I would have liked to see a display showing the mountains that were in the distance. There was a sign there, but it had been defaced. It was an overcast cloudy day, and rain was on the way, so the mountains were not visible.
Overall I had an excellent but tiring hike. I took the Indian Seats trail all the way around, which is listed as 3.5 miles. It was fun!

Nice, short hike. Pretty easy most of the time and had beautiful views of the forest. Summit is one of my favorites because you get to dangle your legs off huge rocks as you look down on the town. Definitely would recommend if you need to get out of town for a nice half day trip.

Went on a day hike at the Indian Seats trail on Valentine’s Day. We began on the Spot Rd. entrance and made our way to the trail. It was a bit chilly that day and the visitors center was closed (they are closed every Sunday). The trail was still open and we were on our way. There is a short trail from the parking lot to the actual Indian Seats trail, so it is a little longer than mapped, but very minimally. The trail itself is very well marked, which always makes me happy on hikes. The terrain is moderately difficult, mostly because of the number of rocks and roots in the path. Nonetheless, the trail is clear of debris and trash. The view from the top where the actual Indian seats are is breathtaking. You can see for miles and there is even an observation deck for those who are not willing to take the risk of sitting in the carved out rock seats. All the other hikers on the trail were friendly as well, maybe because it was Valentine’s Day. The reason that this is not a 5 star hike is because there were no sights to see along the trail until you reach the top, and then on the way down there are no sights again, making for a standard hike.

Sawnee Mountain is good place to do a quick, easy hike, if you are tired of Stone Mountain and Kennesaw, but do not have the time to venture into the northern mountains.
It is roughly the same height as other two, but since the starting elevation (in the visitor’s parking lot) is higher, the ascent is flatter and easier. It is perfect if you have kids or have an elderly person joining you.
From the top, you have a clear view of the north, and a posted sign will point out some of the well-​known spots to the north (Amicalola Falls, Brasstown Bald, etc). At an easy, steady pace, it’ll take you roughly 30 minutes to make the walk up.
Although there are trail-​runners present, the terrain seems a bit rough in many places, so if you plan on running, be careful not to twist your ankle on the rocks (there are plenty).
The Visitor Center is roughly 5 – 7 minutes from 400, and in the northern, less developed part of Cumming.

If you’re looking for a easy, rewarding, and not-​too-​far hike: this is the place. Despite, the suggestions of staying on the path. I went off the trail and literally got to the top in 15 minutes. Probably 30 mins if I stayed on the trail. You get to the top and the view is amazing. Showing you all the mountain ranges: amicola. Anna Ruby, mt yonah, etc.

SAWNEE MOUNTAIN PRESERVE-​FORSYTH COUNTY
The Sawnee Mountain Preserve is 963 acres. If you have any questions about where to go and what to do, you can start with the visitors’ center which is open Monday — Saturday, 8:30AM — 5:00PM and charges no admission. It offers interactive exhibits and has a nice resource library for visitors. The Preserve offers recreational and educational opportunities to the public. It is obvious when you enter the visitor’s center that it is a «teaching environment». This is also evidenced by the set up outside of the building which resembles an outdoor classroom. Instructional classes in adventure recreation (such as rock climbing, rappelling), as well as environmental education programs, (birding) are offered. There are great programs for kids who need to find some summer activities.
The area is also beautiful for hiking and you only need to travel a short distance on the natural trails to see beautiful views of the mountains in the distance. No dogs are allowed in the preserve.
We did not climb very high on the trail because we were looking to explore areas on the ground level but realized that the area is under renovation as an additional 6.5 miles of trails are being added to include a playground, pavilion, pedestrian walking trail or other amenities.
I know this work will only enhance the preserve’s beauty and I look forward to returning to the site later in the year.

Whether you have a couple of hours or all day, Sawnee Mountain is a great place to go. The trail leading to the «Indian seats» is manageable for the entire family with pretty views and a place to rest at the top. There are pavilions, a playground, nature/​visitor center, and amphitheater. They also offer tree climbing birthday parties as well as adventure activities for various ages. Fyi, no pets are allowed.

The Indian Seats hike was beautiful! We went during December though, so the trees were pretty bare. I would recommend a fall hike. Only downside was no dogs allowed. :(

Tip o’ the hat to Kristin B for pointing out this jewel.
Well-​defined trails — the autumn leaves actually appeared to have been blown from the trail when I was here, making the footing surer. Not that it needed it. Much of the trail length is quite wide — wide enough for easy passing or side-​by-​side walking, if that’s your thing.
Well-​marked trails — the map is accurate; the trail intersections are obvious and well-​posted. You can’t get lost here. You just can’t.
Accessible for most — heading up from the trailhead at the visitor center involves a moderate amount of effort, but from the other parking lot it’s a bit easier. If you’re reasonably abled, you should have no problems.
Hiking in the morning around sunrise is nothing short of gorgeous. Along with an utter lack of people, the light coming over the hills and through the trees makes for a very enjoyable, serene experience. There was no one there when I arrived at just past 7 AM and I encountered only one person (a power walker who passed me, not to be seen again) all the way up to the Indian Seat observation deck. A few people were on the trail while I was coming down the other side.
I now have five local hiking spots: this one, Kennesaw Mtn, Arabia Mtn, Sweetwater Ck and Chattahoochee NRA. Six if I include Mason Mill park, which I should.

Great hike with a great view
–Great bathrooms usually clean
–Great hiking hard and easy trails
–Beautiful views
–Great observation deck
–Beautiful lilies in the fall
–Has a really nice amphitheater

Hidden gem indeed! I was looking for a moderate hike somewhere between Atlanta and Gainesville, and Sawnee Mountain popped up. I’m so glad that I decided upon this Forsyth County Parks Department trail!
The Indian Seats and observation platform are what you want to see here. I found the maps and reviews confusing, but basically, if you want a shorter hike (about a mile each way, two miles roundtrip) of easy to moderate difficulty, park at 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. If you want a longer, more strenuous hike (about four miles R/​T) park at the Visitors Center at 4075 Spot Road. Though the Visitors Center is only open Monday through Saturday, there are restrooms at both parking areas that are open seven days a week, and beautiful covered pavilions with picnic tables at each as well. Parking is free, but does fill up mid-​day, but because the trails are long, you never feel like they’re overcrowded.
The paths are a little rocky, but well marked and well maintained. And once you get to the Indian Seats themselves, it’s hard to imagine that you’re in Cumming at all. The views are spectacular, and the fall color this time of year really takes it to the next level. You really feel like you’re hiking in the mountains, but in reality, you’re just three miles off of GA400 and less than 45 minutes from Midtown. Sawnee Mountain Preserve is being added to my list of favorite convenient weekend hikes.

Enjoyed the hike up to the Indian Seats Overlook. About 3 – 4 miles total. Going up to the mountain there is a slight incline – not too as if you are in decent shape. You can park at the visitors center which is a good place to put in the GPS to find this place. Several people were here but it was not overly crowded. Often times we were the only ones on the trail. Great hike and nice people working the visitors center. Check out the snakes and other animals they have at the visitors center if you have time!

short, easy hike with a gorgeous view at the top. no dogs are allowed on the preserve.

Very much a fan of this hike. It is moderate and about 4 miles long. I love how convenient it is from Buford, Cumming, even Alpharetta or Suwanee. Can’t beat a 30 minute drive to hike up a mountain. Great exercise, pretty views. Make sure to wear proper attire as some spots on the trail are very rocky, and potentially slippery! Great little 2 – 3 hour adventure :) I can’t wait to go back when spring has sprung… it will definitely be pretty! 4 miles round trip!

I have always heard of the this place, and the Indian Seats, but I have never been.
I went for the first time this past weekend, and I was completely blown away. Considering that there are not many practical locations to hike in the Cumming area, I found this to be a really great option. The entire preserve is maintained really well, and it offers many different attractions to connect people of all ages to nature.
My family and I hiked the trail to the Indian Seats. I am unsure about the length, I believe the website said 1.6 miles total while the sign said 2.6 miles, but either way, the trail itself wasn’t too strenuous. It goes at a steady incline and offers spectacular views of forest areas at different points. We went on a rainy day, and it was still very beautiful. I am sure that the view is much more jaw-​dropping on a clear day, but even on a rainy, overcast day the view took my breath away.
The actual Indian Seats are mysterious, located on the edge of the mountain. The brave may go and sit in them and marvel at the other natural landmarks in the distance. There is also a overlook point a little higher up.
The whole experience was incredibly positive, though as someone mentioned, pets are not allowed. I think our dogs would have enjoyed it.

My bf and I wanted to go on a local trail and he took me here to get some fresh air. It was goooorgeous! When we hiked all the way to the top, the view was spectacular.

There are two entrances to the park, both lead to the top of the mountain. The lower entrance on Spot Rd is a longer walk to the top than the entrance on Bettis Tribble Gap. Both paths will lead to the Indian seats at the top. The view is amazing and a nice spot for a picnic. The only downside is that pets are not allowed, total bummer!