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This trail follows old logging roads from the dam that forms Lake Conasauga to the top of Grassy Mountain in the Cohutta wilderness. At the high point of the ridge the Grassy Mountain Tower allows for excellent views of both the Cohutta (Georgia) and Big Frog (Tennessee) Wilderness areas. On our last trip to the hike the trail lost its definition at 1.3 miles and we could not find the tower. Our round trip distance is based on the hike as described and not on the "official" measurement.

Starting at tiny (17 acres) Lake Conasauga in the Cohhutta wilderness, this trail almost immediately joins its companion hike, the Songbird Trail, and almost immediately bears slightly to the right. Past a beaver dam on the left the trail continues on an uphill path to the top of Grassy Mountain. The trail, which is well worn by the campers, features abundant wildlife and a good spring flower show in late May.

Conasauga is a Cherokee word which according to some sources means "grassy," although the grassier areas are on the section shared with the Songbird Trail. Leaving this trail the path climbs through a hardwood forest. For a short time it runs next to a Forest Service Road, returning to the woods. At the top of Grassy Mountain is a fire tower. Normally, the gate to the stairs is left open, permitting access to the first floor.

The spectacular view from the fire tower

This land was originally part of the Cherokee National Forest. When the U.S. government formed the Georgia National Forest they combined purchases made throughout the North Georgia Mountains with portions of the Cherokee. Renamed in 1937 to Chattahoochee National Forest the area is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi.

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Grassy Mountain Tower Trail
Grassy Mountain Tower Trail maps and directions
Trail reports for Grassy Mountain Tower Trail
Historic reports for Grassy Mountain Tower Trail