Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Loop Sawnee Mountain Preserve, GA
miles
LENGTH 2.8 MILES
DIFFICULTY 3.1 Easy
DURATION 1-2 hour
ELEVATION GAIN
470
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Loop

Hiking to sweeping views to the north, the Indian Seats Trail System at Sawnee Mountain Preserve doesn't actually climb the namesake mountain, but rather travel the neighboring mountain. Besides hiking, the park offers tree climbing, rock climbing, rappelling, birding, and other activities, making this an excellent family outing. Just don’t bring the family pet; dogs are not allowed in the park.

Since this data was collected, the trails have been rerouted slightly and the loop is now listed as 3.5 miles.

The trail can be accessed from either the main entrance and visitor’s center area, or the parking area on Bettis Tribble Gap road. This description is starting from the latter. There is a large parking area, clean restrooms, playground, and plenty of picnic areas to enjoy. Walk past these to begin on the Indian Seats Trail.

If heading counter-clockwise, the trail quickly begins to gain the majority of its elevation, making its steepest ascent to the Indian Seats and an observation deck at the top. The Indian Seats consist of three depressions in the rock along the overlook that resemble seats, used by the Cherokee for ceremonial purposes. This is the highest point along the hike and is where you will find open views to the North.

Continuing, the trail makes a long descent down the other side toward the visitor’s center. The trail is well marked, making navigation easy. Stay on the Indian Seats trails to finish the last leg of the loop, passing a couple of blocked off abandoned gold mines.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.9 mi
80 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.5 mi
174 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.2 mi
125 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
455 ft
72 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
179 ft
36 ft
Elevation Loss
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Loss
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.4 mi
69 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.4 mi
142 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.2 mi
137 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
461 ft
75 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
267 ft
66 ft
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length2.8 miles
difficulty3.1 Easy
duration1 - 2 hour
features Summit  Views 
trail typeLoop
blazeNone
elevation gain470 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestSawnee Mountain Preserve
visitor infoVisitor Center
4075 Spot Road
Cumming, GA 30040
770-781-2217
hours6am - 7pm (Nov - Feb)
6am - 9:30pm (Mar - Oct)
8:30am - 5pm (Visitor Center, Closed Sunday)
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.245439, -84.139137 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°14.73, W 84°8.35 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°14'44'', N 34°14'44'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.245439, -84.139137 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°14.73, W 84°8.35 most GPS units use this one
N 34°14'44'', N 34°14'44'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
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Notes
Take the kids. There's a playground, pavilions, and restrooms at the trailhead.
No dogs allowed.
The trails have been rerouted slightly since this information was taken. The loop is listed as 3.5 miles now. The trail is wide and easy to follow.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
4.5 (2)
jonblaze07-6 years ago
Awesome Hike!!!!!!
This hike was great exercise and the views at the top were very memorable. If you want a great sweat and breath of fresh air please check Sawnee Indian Seats Trail.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Summer 2017
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Don't Bring The Dog
Great short loop. Amazing view. Just don't bring the dog.
Easy | Hiked Summer 2012
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