Fort Mountain: Highway 52

GA 52, GA 2, Chatsworth Highway · Chatsworth → Ellijay

Twisty23 mi40 min3,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,900 ftOne way

Scan to drive it in CarvePoint a phone's camera here. It opens ready to drive.

Drive it in Carve, free

Opens this route in the app, or where to get it.

The drive

Georgia 52 runs east from Chatsworth on US 411 over Fort Mountain to the west side of Ellijay, 22.7 miles in about 40 minutes. From Chatsworth the road rises from about 745 feet to 2,850 feet in roughly seven miles, a twisting climb with curve after curve, then settles into winding ridge country along the southern edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Georgia 52 and Georgia 2 share the road from Chatsworth to Ellijay.

Fort Mountain State Park is on the way, with a stone wall 855 feet long on the mountain's highest point, thought to have been built by early Native peoples as a fortification or for ceremonies, and a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Rider Magazine notes roadside pullouts with views of the valleys and the distant Appalachians, and says fall color is especially striking.

Chatsworth is the last reliable place to refuel before services thin out.

Along the way

Chatsworth (US 411)
Fort Mountain State Park
Ellijay (west side)

Elevation

3,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,900 ft

ChatsworthEllijay

Curves

Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches

mi 2–7mi 9–14

ChatsworthEllijay

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Fort Mountain State Park charges a parking fee. The park is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chatsworth is the last reliable place to refuel and take a break before services thin out.
A storm has washed out part of Highway 52 at Hancock Drive in Ellijay before; check 511GA for its status before heading for the Ellijay end.
Stay focused on the curves; use the pullouts for the views.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check 511GA: Georgia road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Georgia 52 over Fort Mountain take?

From Chatsworth to the west side of Ellijay is 22.7 miles and takes about 40 minutes.

How twisty is Highway 52 over Fort Mountain?

Twisty, with two twisty stretches around miles 2 to 7 and 9 to 14, starting with the climb out of Chatsworth.

Is there a fee to visit Fort Mountain State Park?

Yes. Georgia State Parks requires a parking fee, and annual passes are available.

What is the stone wall at Fort Mountain?

An 855-foot wall on the mountain's highest point, thought to have been built by early Native peoples as a fortification or for ceremonies.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.

Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.

Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.

Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.

Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.

Record your drivesAPEXRecord a drive and turn it into a route to drive again or share.

Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.

Download on theApp Store Early access onGoogle Play

More drives near here

All 16 drives in Georgia ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

+ Plan a new route