story conclusion....

As we exit the back door of the Blue Ridge Mountains and look back, we see the great blue wall of the western mountain ranges of southern highlands. Following the official route of the Southern Highroads Trail we continue on US 64 west, for about 5 miles, or until we reach the junction of US 64 and US 411. With fond memories we leave US 64 behind and exit onto US 411 south. To the east the Blue Ridge Mountains rise against the horizon like a fortress wall, protecting a strange forbidden land. To the west of US 411 is an inviting land of rolling hills and farmlands with occasional low ridges running parallel to the highway.

Approximately 30 miles west, across the "Great Tennessee Valley" are the Cumberland Mountains, a southwestern section of the greater Appalachian Mountains. We soon arrive at the state line of Tennessee and Georgia. Traveling south into North Georgia's Murray County we enter the land of the Chieftain's Trail.

Murray County, like Polk County is a land of high and low country. The low lands are rich in the history of both the early white settlers and Native Americans. The higher regions of Murray County are in the rugged mountainous back country of the Cohutta Wilderness in the western Blue Ridge Mountains.

As we arrive in a small valley town on US 411 south, you can choose to take a short side trip east on State Highway 286 and drive into an enormous cove surrounded by the high mountain ridges of the Cohutta Wilderness. Here you can view some beautiful meadow lands and the tranquil waterways that irrigate this fertile land. This sparsely populated area at the foot of the mountains, maintains a sense of what this region was like during a less progressive time. You can also catch a view of a natural wood finished church, built to fit the nature of this mountain community.

Traveling further south on US 411, you'll find yourself under the shadows of the eastern sun. Below the high peaks of Fort Mountain State Park, is the town of Chatsworth. The Murray County Courthouse, located in Chatsworth is one of the most impressive courthouses on our journey. The old court house is an immense red brick structure with a huge silver toned dome. It sits on a large square grassy knoll, covering a full city block. When viewed from the upper reaches of Fort Mountain, the courthouse dome shines like a beacon in the valley below. The town of Chatsworth's early city designers were keen on continuity. The town's design of brown stone structures some dating back over a hundred years, creates a charming flow for folks strolling the downtown shopping district. In Chatsworth and surrounding Murray County you'll find shops, dining, and a variety of lodging.

If you would like to take a short side trip, near the Murray County Courthouse, you'll find directional signs to the Vann House. Take Hwy 52 west, a few miles, (no more than a few minutes driving) to the community of Spring Place. There, you will find a unique house for its time. The house was built by Cherokee Chief James Vann in 1804. It was called the "Showplace of the Cherokee Nation."

From the Courthouse, we now exit US 411 and go east on US 76/State 52. This is our last mountain to climb on our 364 mile tour of the Southern Highroads Trail. Winding up the steep slopes of Fort Mountain, in the Chattahoochee National Forest of North Georgia we pass several overlooks with views of Chatsworth and the expanse of "Great Valley" below. The mountains to the north lie in the Cohutta Wilderness and Wildlife Management, a region of rugged back country and unpaved forestry roads. To the south of Fort Mountain, below the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the shores of Carters' Lake, a recreational lake ideal for boating, fishing and other water sports.

Reaching the mountain top, we soon find ourselves at the entrance of Fort Mountain State Park. The main feature here as well as the park's namesake, is an ancient stone wall, 855 feet in length with no known origin. Archeologist date the wall at 500 A.D. Local Native American history has no explanation for the structure. Located within Fort Mountain State Park's 3,268 acres, are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, streams, an old gold mine and a waterfall cascading 400 feet down the cliffs.

Leaving the park and traveling southeast on US 76/State 52, we continue across the top of the mountain ridge until we reenter Gilmer County. A few miles along the road you'll come to a overlook that's hidden from view of the road, but well marked with road signs. Enter the overlook parking and follow the very short path up to the top. The viewing platform is a large circular stone structure with short stone circular walls, a type of open air cathedral. I'm not sure, but the structure might be a 20th century concept derived from the stone wall at Fort Mountain State Park. The observation platform offers what seems like, an endless view of the Cohutta Mountains, these mountain are a part of the greater Unaka Mountain Range that you'll find throughout most of the southern highlands of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Leaving the overlook and back on US 76/State 52, we travel further on the Southern Highroads Trail as we begin the down slope along the ridge of Tatum Mountain. Cruising into the remote foothills of Gilmer County, you'll cross waterways and pass through the sleepy backwoods community rightfully named Mountaintown, before we once again enter the town square of Ellijay. We have now completed the entire loop around the scenic Southern Highroads Trail.

The Southern Highroads Trail is a ribbon of asphalt that holds the southern highlands' experience together, but it is only the ribbon. A wealth of history and natural beauty lie within the Trail, too many stories to be told at this time. You will enjoy your first trip on the Southern Highroads Trail, although once is not enough to reveal all of its many secret wonders, so plan to come back again.

The southern highlands of the Blue Ridge Mountains offer dramatic visual beauty, abundant wildlife, many natural wonders, plenty of recreation, and a flora display beyond compare. The land is old beyond comprehension, the faces of its people are warm and friendly. It's a hard land that some have attempted to tame, as well as a fragile land longing to be left alone. A changing world has put focus on this land whose innocence captured the imaginations of all that experience it.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a geographical marvel with natural wonders that took eons to create. Carelessness can devastate these wonders so quickly, never to return to their original state, it's essential we obey the rules of the National Forest, Parklands and Waterways, not only for ourselves, for future generations to enjoy as well.

Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the beauty of God's creation merged with man's ingenuity. The Blue Ridge Mountains are as precious as a rare stone, a great blue sapphire of priceless value. So while you are visiting, please respect the forest and the heritage of its people who are diligently working to preserve their fading culture.

I hope you enjoyed our trip, we will be adding many new scenic driving tours, check out the other ones we have on line now.

the Highlander

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