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Sawnee Mt. Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,835 Google reviews · Running trail in Cumming, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sawnee Mt. Preserve'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.
A 963-acre park known for Indian Seats rock formation, with hiking trails & a visitor center.
What runners say about Sawnee Mt. Preserve
“There are long and short trails, and are well maintained, with wonderful views.”
“The Indian Seats Trail round-trip hike was about 4 miles, with beautiful woods and a stunning view at the summit that was definitely worth the hike.”
Shawnee mountain offers 0.75 one way ( 1.5 mile) hike with Bettis gap trail that could be good for kids and those who want to do easy homes. It also offer another hike that's 2 miles each. The trail take you to the top of mountain with beautiful view of blue Ridge range and trail of tears etc.
Excellent natural park with well directed hiking trails. It will take a good couple of hours or more to complete the trail depending on which route you take. Moderately steep hike in certain areas.
Strongly recommend good shoes for this shaded trail with gradual incline to the top of the mountain. Pretty decent and easy for general public. Great views, all one sees is lush green tree table top from the top of the mountain with one or two minor buildings exposed. Attracts local daily walkers, joggers etc.
It was a decent hike overall. I went up to Indian Seats twice to help out a lost group. 5.1 miles total. Lots of rocks and tree roots. Wear boots. There is not much scenery except the fairy houses and the Indian Seats viewing deck. I got stung by a bee around the fairy houses. Lots of spider webs.
Trail conditions & character
“The Indian Seats Trail round-trip hike was about 4 miles, with beautiful woods and a stunning view at the summit that was definitely worth the hike.”
“Note that for a shorter hike, you can start at the Sawnee Mtn Preserve parking lot off Bettis Tribble Gap Rd, hike to the top, and come back the same way.”
“Some people actually go here for peace, so please keep that in mind 😌 Also wanted to mention, NO Dogs Allowed!”
“One hour from Atlanta you can get lost on a windy 5 Mile loop and enjoy views from the top of this mountain.”
“The 4-mile loop trail is reasonably easy, but not very interesting (at least in mid March), until you get to the top.”
“Strongly recommend good shoes for this shaded trail with gradual incline to the top of the mountain.”
“There are restrooms, some of them are not open on Sundays.”
“Trail is rocky and rough and you will roll your ankle multiple times even if you are careful.”
“The rest rooms are clean and there are water fountains next to rest rooms.”
Plan your run at Sawnee Mt. Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.forsythco.com
- Phone+1 770-781-2217
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
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 Mountainside Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Park featuring multiple trail options for hiking, as well as a playground and a tree house.
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.