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Sawnee Mountainside Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 94 Google reviews · Running trail in Cumming, Georgia · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sawnee Mountainside Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring multiple trail options for hiking, as well as a playground and a tree house.
What runners say about Sawnee Mountainside Trail
“Seems well maintained and marked and no possibility of losing your way.”
“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.”
“If you really enjoy hiking, or like to have quiet time for yourself, you will love it.”
I always love comin here to unwind on the Sawnee Mountainside Trail. It’s not a very hard hike at all and the views from the top are amazing! If you haven’t been you’re missin out.
Clean, moderate trail. Took us about 1h30m to hike on a breezy, quiet Sunday afternoon.
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.
Great 6.5 mile hike! Or 3 miles if you take the short loop. It will definitely keep you in shape with a chance to enjoy nature. I've spotted deer, wild turkeys, turtles, frogs, and what looked like a coyote. There are picnic pavilions and a playground for children at the back of the parking lot as well.
Trail conditions & character
“Dogs are NOT allowed on any of the trails at Sawnee, even if leashed.”
“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.”
“The Mountainside trail system includes three main options; a 3ish mile loop, a 5ish mile loop, and a 6.”
“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.”
“If you really enjoy hiking, or like to have quiet time for yourself, you will love it.”
“Make sure to not go with thin soles though since the trail is pretty rocky and also has a lot of tree roots criss-crossing.”
“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.”
“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.”
Plan your run at Sawnee Mountainside Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Cumming
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Indian Seats At Sawnee
4.7 ★★★★★ 765 reviews
Trails to a 1,740-ft. summit with a viewing deck for expansive valley views.
Sawnee Mt. Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,835 reviews
A 963-acre park known for Indian Seats rock formation, with hiking trails & a visitor center.
Central Park, Cumming GA
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,070 reviews
Disc golf, a recreation center, sports facilities & a playground in a sizable green space.
Coal Mountain Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 344 reviews
Community park with several athletic fields, tennis courts, 2 covered picnic areas & a playground.