Chatsworth, GA
Fort Mountain State Park actually does lie on Fort Mountain, a part of the Cohutta mountain range and which is particularly known for a long rock wall created by prehistoric natives that runs along the mountain ridge. This rock wall and a CCC era fire tower can all be found along the upper trails of the park along with some grand overlooks. The park nearly doubled in size in the 1990s making it the fourth largest in the state. It is famous for challenging bike trails and a backcountry hike area called Gahuti Trail. In the park near the camping sites are also a small lake with beach area, minigolf, and more.
Kayaking on Fort Mountain Lake (17 acres)
The lake at Fort Mountain is fairly small so despite the threat of storms rolling in on my first visit, I figured I could make a circuit around it fairly quickly before they arrived. While I did end up in some drizzle as I was going, the misty fog that rolled in over the treetops was itself kind of beautiful. You also pass by the park beach, picnic pavilion, playground, and a popular trail since all have direct access to the lake.
On my second trip around the lake, it was much sunnier and clear. I took advantage of the beach swimming area to cool off after a bit of hiking and then explored a few back corners of the small lake (including having a big fish glide past right under my kayak) and then back around for a nice view of the mountain range from the lake.
