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Idlewilde Interior

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Idlewilde Event Center

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Welcome to Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park

Conveniently located near I-75 in middle Georgia, Indian Springs is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park is available for reservations. The name is derived from the majestic house on the property that serves as the park office and visitor center; and is on the National Historic Register. With another nod to past, the individual rooms in the center are even named after the historic hotels that once thrived in the village of Indian Springs. Idlewilde has 20,000 square feet of event space including a massive lake side porch with beautiful views of the water. With a capacity of 500 people, Idlewilde can accommodate a variety of events, from birthday parties and family reunions, to weddings and corporate retreats. Additional features include a catering kitchen and audio visual capabilities in every room.

For inquiries or to join the Idlewilde Event Center waiting list, please contact us on 470-707-8071.

  • Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
  • Available event hours: 8:00AM – 10:00PM
  • Total footprint 19,557 square feet
  • Opened September 2018

 

Trails at Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain

Big Rock Nature Trail

0.75-Mile Loop | 1 Hour Moderate Hike

The Big Rock Nature Trail travels from the ridgeline near the lake down into a mountain hollow, then crosses a dividing ridge and returns up Gold Mine Creek. It passes several small cascades and waterfalls. Wildflowers are abundant in spring.

Gahuti Trail and Cool Springs OverlookOverlook

8.7 Mile Loop | 5 Hour Moderate Hike

The Gahuti Trail travels around the edge of the park, passing just below the summits of both Cohutta and Fort mountains. Ever changing, the trail is both beautiful and challenging in all seasons, so hikers should always be aware of changing weather. Four backcountry campsites are available for use by permit only. The trail ends at the scenic Cool Springs Overlook with views of the Holly Creek Valley and Cohutta Mountains.

Lake Loop

1.2-Mile Loop | 1 Hour

Open to both bikes and foot traffic, this trail loops around Fort Mountain’s lake and can be accessed from the campgrounds, cottage areas, picnic area and picnic shelter #5, and the Big Rock Trail parking area. The trail is most accessible traveled clockwise. In this manner, users descend the 75 lineal feet 20% grade.

CCC Fire Tower Combination: West Overlook & CCC Fire Tower TrailsRestored Fire Tower

1-Mile Loop | 1 Hour

The Stone Tower Loop is hiked by traveling uphill on the West Overlook Trail and returning on the CCC Stone Tower Trail. Enjoy year-round vistas from West Overlook. Hike includes some natural rock gardens and CCC-built steps.

Upper Cabin Combination: Upper Cabin Access, Lake, Goldmine Creek & Gahuti Trails

1.6-Mile Loop | 1.25 Hours Moderate Hike

The Upper Cabin Loop is hiked by using the Upper Cabin Access Trail to the Lake Loop, proceeding to the Goldmine Creek Trail and returning on the Gahuti Trail to the upper cottage area. This combination of trails offers excellent vistas from the ridgeline and wonderful views of the lake and Goldmine Creek. The creek was named for early gold mining, with some of the old mining pits visible along the trail.

301 Mountain Bike Trail

14.6-Mile Loop | 4 Hours/Bike

The East-West Bike Loop is rated by many as one of the most beautiful and challenging mountain bike trails in the Southeast. It is open to both mountain bikers and hikers. Users travel from mountain ridge top to valley floor, through pine and scrub laurel thickets, upland hardwood and cove forests, by old mines, then waterfalls and rhododendrons along Hassler’s Mill Creek before returning up the mountain.