Hike from soaring views to a cascading waterfall on this tour of Fort Mountain State Park. With constant elevation changes, the 8 mile Gahuti Backcountry Trail really feels it's length. Well maintained and marked with plenty of blazes, enjoy a half day outing at this north Georgia park.

The trail begins at the 10 car capacity Cool Springs trailhead. You can hike this trail in either direction but the park staff recommended hiking clockwise to get the most difficult section out of the way first, with the waterfall and a couple views near the end. Reviewing the elevation graph I'd say it's a wash.

Heading clockwise, the trail makes several short steep climbs. Hike past a campsite and over a couple creek crossings before coming to the first road crossing. This is the only one where the trail isn't obvious on the other side. Look to the left and walk down the road toward the park exit to reconnect with the trail heading down into the woods on the other side.

The trail is easiest between this and the next road crossing just after 4 miles. Throughout the hike you'll intersect with bike paths and other shorter trails. Most have signs and the few that don't are well blazed to keep you on the right path.

The second road crossing marks the half way point. The last half of this hike is more of the same up and down but with a few views through the trees and several cascading waterfalls along Goldmine Creek.

Finish the loop out with a 375 foot climb over a little more than half a mile, the longest constant climb on this hike. You are rewarded with the Cool Springs overlook, unless of course you spoiled yourself by checking it out before you began the hike.

Explore more trails at Fort Mountain State Park.