Fort Mountain Lookout Tower: A Stone Sentinel
Discover history and breathtaking views at this beautifully restored CCC fire tower in Fort Mountain State Park, near Chatsworth, Georgia.
Perched atop Fort Mountain, the Lookout Tower provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression, the stone tower served as a crucial fire detection post until the early 1960s. The CCC, as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “New Deal”, provided work for young men, who constructed parks and infrastructure across the US. The tower's construction is also a love story. A local stone mason named Arnold Bailey, who led the construction, carved a heart-shaped stone into the tower for his sweetheart, Margaret Reece. The couple was married for 59 years, and the heart remains as a symbol of their love. The tower was restored in 2014-2015 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, after being damaged by fire in 1971. Today, visitors can explore the tower and enjoy the views that once helped protect the forests. The tower is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, weather permitting. Nearby, the ancient rock wall adds to the area's mystique, its origins still debated among archaeologists and historians.
Local tips
- Visit on a clear day to maximize the panoramic views from the tower and overlook.
- Check the tower's opening hours (Saturday and Sunday afternoons) if you wish to climb to the top.
- Explore the nearby ancient rock wall and learn about the theories surrounding its origin.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at the Old Fort Picnic Area near the trailhead.
A brief summary to Fort Mountain Lookout Tower
- Chatsworth, Georgia, 30705, US
Getting There
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Driving
From Chatsworth, take Highway 52 East toward Fort Mountain State Park. After entering the park, follow the main road and take the left fork at the split. Continue until you see signs for the Overlook/Stone Wall Fire Tower and the parking lot. Park in the Old Fort Picnic Area parking lot. Note that there is a $5 daily parking fee per vehicle.
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Walking
From the Old Fort Picnic Area parking lot, the trailhead for the West Overlook Trail and CCC Stone Tower Trail is easily accessible. Follow the signs for either trail to begin your ascent to the Lookout Tower. The trails are well-marked and offer a moderate hike to the summit. The short loop to the tower is approximately 1.5 miles.
