Start an Adventure at Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Outdoor Division invites children and adults to explore and learn  

Explore, learn and start an outdoor adventure at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (SMP). The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation’s Outdoor Division will host a variety of programs for children and adults. Pre-registration is required for all programs. 

Early Release School Day Mountain Hike

Activity 168120-A: January 27, 2 to 4 p.m., $6 for county residents and $7.20 for non-county residents, SMP Visitor Center

Children ages 6 and up will spend an afternoon away from television and video games to explore Sawnee Mountain.

Women’s Fitness Hiking
Activity 161920-B: Tuesdays, February 16 through March 23, 9:30 to 11 a.m., $60 for county residents and $72 for non-county residents  

Hike Sawnee Mountain and keep your New Year’s resolution to stay fit. Each hike will start at the SMP Visitor Center and last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy sneakers or boots. Bring water.  

Preschool Explorers at the SMP Visitor Center
Activity 162320-E: Wednesdays, February 17 through March 24, 10 to 11 a.m.*
Activity 162320-F: Wednesdays, February 17 through March 24, 1 to 2 p.m.*
Activity 162320-G: Thursdays, February 18 through March 25, 10 to 11 a.m.*
Activity 162320-H: Thursdays, February 18 through March 25, 1 to 2 p.m.*
*The cost is $50 for county residents and $60 for non-county residents.  

Children ages 3 to 5, along with a parent or caregiver, will enjoy a unique sharing and learning experience with stories, crafts and exploring at the SMP Visitor Center. Each week will feature a new topic.  

Owl Prowl
Activity 165420-A: Friday, February 5, 5 to 7 p.m., ages 6 and up*
Activity 165420-B: Saturday, February 6, 5 to 7 p.m., ages 6 and up*
*The cost is $10 for county residents and $12 for non-county residents.  

Participants will learn about owls and hike the trails at Sawnee Mountain while listening and looking for them. Each hike will start at the SMP Visitor Center.  

All About Bees
Activity 167920-A: Saturday, February 13, 1 to 2 p.m., $6 for county residents and $7.20 for non-county residents  

Forsyth County Beekeepers Association members will demonstrate the equipment they use to manage hives and illustrate what happens in the observation hive at the SMP Visitor Center.  

Home School Afternoon: Physics of Flight
Activity 168309-A: Thursday, February 18, 3 to 4:30 p.m., ages 5 and up, $6 for county residents and $7.20 for non-county residents  

Trained naturalists will teach this class at the SMP Visitor Center for area home school students.  

Introduction to Tree Climbing
Activity 161520-A: Saturday, February 6, 1 to 4 p.m., ages 8 and up*
Activity 161520-B: Saturday, February 20, 1 to 4 p.m., ages 8 and up*
*The cost is $25 for county residents and $30 for non-county residents.  

Climbing a tree can provide fun and a great workout for the entire family. Climbers will be given instruction and guidance while climbing trees at the SMP Visitor Center. All equipment will be provided.  

Tree Top Canopy Walk
Activity 165820-A: Saturday, February 6, 1 to 4 p.m., ages 10 and up, $25 for county residents and $30 for non-county residents  

Using ropes and harnesses, participants will access the suspension bridge, trolley and platforms of the canopy walk at the SMP Visitor Center.    

The SMP Visitor Center is located at 4075 Spot Road in Cumming. Pre-registration is required for all programs. An activity registration form can be found on the Parks and Recreation Department page at www.forsythco.com. Online registration is also available. To receive additional program information, call the Outdoor Division at 770.781.2217.