Crockford
Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area - Armuchee, GA
 
 
Rating
Overview
Pigeon Mountain is a beautiful plateau just
west of the city of La Fayette, Georgia. The mountain is part of the Cumberland Plateau,
which stretches from Alabama through Georgia and into Tennessee. The area is under the
supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. The
name "Pigeon" comes from the passenger pigeon which once nested here in great
numbers and is now extinct. The name "Crockford" is from the former Director of
the Wildlife Resources Division, James Crockford. The mountain is known for its many caves
and limestone rock formations. The best known cave is Ellison Cave. The area is not
heavily visited, so it is a great place to get away from it all.
Activities
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All Terrain Vehicles |
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Biking |
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Pioneer Tent Camping |
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Hiking Trails |
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Fishing |
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Rock Climbing |
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Firearms Permitted |
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Hunting |
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Horseback Riding Trails |
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Caving/Spelunking |
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Off Road Vehicles |
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Wildlife Viewing Area |
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| Hiking |
Pigeon Mountain has miles of trails ranging
from easy to difficult. Most trails allow horseback riding and biking. There are many
unmarked trails which I hope to map them soon. For now the marked trails are on the map.
Look on map for trail locations. |
| Trail |
Difficulty Level |
Description |
| Orange Blaze |
Moderate-Difficult |
The northern part of this trail is about 3
miles long and rather difficult. The southern part of the trail is about 7 miles long and
mostly moderate. It runs along the east side of the mountain and end at the top. The total
marked part of the trail is about 10 miles. |
| Blue Blaze |
Moderate |
This loop trail is known as the Pocket trail.
Located at the end of Pocket Road, which is off of Hogjowl Rd, just past the church. The
trail begins at 920 feet and reaches the highest point of 2330 feet at "High
Point". There is a waterfall along with wild flowers, wildlife, a wide range of
geological formations, and an excellent birding area with great scenery. |
| White Blaze |
Easy - Moderate |
This trail is the longest in the area, with
over 11 miles of mostly flat wooded areas. Like the Pocket trail, it also has some
geological formations and reached "High Point". |
| Green Blaze |
Easy |
This short trail connects the white blaze
trail at "Bluebird Gap" with the Orange Blaze trail. |
| Pink Blaze |
Easy |
This is known as the "Rocktown"
trail. Located at the end of Rocktown road, off of Rocky Lane. The trail begins at a small
gravel parking area and finishes at "Rocktown". |
| Hunting and Fishing |
Deer hunting season is in November and
December for several days each month. Turkey season is from March 20 to May 15. Check with
the ranger station to register. There are only a few small creeks and ponds in the area
which do not favor much fishing. |
| Hang Gliding |
At Hood Overlook there is an excellent
location to launch off.. |
| Caving |
There are many caves in the area. The best
known cave is Ellison Cave. |
| Biking |
Biking is allowed on all trails except
Rocktown trial. The trails are great for mountain biking, street bikes are not recommended
due to most roads being gravel or dirt. |
| Horseback Riding |
Horseback riding is permitted in all trails
except Rocktown trail. Best trail is White Blaze or just use the gravel and closed roads. |
| Rock Climbing |
There are many great towering geological
limestone formations which are great for expert and beginners. I've seen many climbers at
Rocktown. |
| Camping |
Camping is permitted in the area except for
Rocktown, although I've seen many people camping there. No showers, bathrooms, or
water/electric facilities are available, it is strictly a primitive camping area. |
| Birding/Wildlife |
Most trails provide excellent opportunities
for viewing wildlife. Many deer, turkey, black bears, and rabbits. |
| 4 wheel drive |
There are many unmarked roads on the plateau
excellent for 4 wheel'n. Any of the roads are used during hunting season and may be closed
in the off seasons. |
Areas of Interest
Rocktown
Rocktown is located at the end of Rocktown
Road, just off of Rocky Lane. The trail begins at a small gravel parking area. The trail
is about 1 mile one way and rather flat and very easy. The trail ends at Rocktown, which
is an awesome place for rock climbing or just investigating. I guess its named that
because the geological formations in the area make it seem like a small town made of
towering rocks. There are many interesting mazes and corridors all through the rocks. In
some areas you can climb to the top and actually be on top of the surrounding tree line.
Its a great place to wonder and explore or just have a picnic.
Park Times and Information
Contact Regional Supervisor, Department of
Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, 2592 Floyd Springs Road, Armuchee, GA
30105; (706)295-6041. Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, 2070
U.S. 278, S.E., Social Circle, GA 30279; (404)918-6416 or (706)557-3035.
Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept. |
