Rocktown Trail on Pigeon Mountain in Georgia

Located in the Appalachian Plateau Region of Georgia

Last February, Jesse and I headed north to the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Walker County, Georgia. Located at the top of Pigeon Mountain is a trail unlike any other: Rocktown. No, not Rock City. Rocktown. Not to sound dramatic, but this trail is the strangest trail I have ever seen, but in the best way.

Rocktown is located in the Appalachian Plateau region of Georgia. This region is in the very northwest corner of Georgia and is the smallest of the state’s five geological regions. Even though this region is small, it is home to wild rocky landscapes, plateaus, and mountains. This region is also home to Cloudland Canyon.

The drive up to Pigeon Mountain is beautiful!

Rocktown trail is located on the top of Pigeon Mountain. To access this area, you will have to drive through the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA. I highly suggest putting the address into your GPS well before you are close to the WMA. While we were there, we had no service on the trail or surrounding areas. Once you get to the WMA, you will pass a check station/DNR Law Enforcement/Ranger office. You will also pass a campground. Not far past the campground the road takes a sharp turn and becomes a gravel mountain road. The drive up to Pigeon Mountain is beautiful! We went while the trees were still bare, so we could see long distances. The road is gravel and dirt for the rest of the way. I recommend a 4WD/AWD vehicle to get there.

Once you park at the trail head, there is a map. If you don’t have a picture of it already from online, go ahead and take a picture now! Maybe twenty minutes or so down the trail, you will come across a plaque on a rock that says “Walker Rocks.” This is for Walker County tourism, but it is also a marker for when the truly interesting part of Rocktown begins. A large sandstone boulder is to the right of the trail. Keep walking downhill on the trail (walk in between the boulder and the tourism sign) and this will lead you into the den of giant boulders.

You Feel Like You’re Going Into Old Castle Ruins

This part of the trail meanders around large 30-40 foot boulders. Trees grow in between these giant rocks. Moss and lichens are also everywhere, giving the rocks green splashes of color. Walking around these rocks, you feel like you are going into old castle ruins. We easily explored this area for 45 minutes or so.

Going on this Trail During the Winter Gave it a More Ghostly Feel

You can continue to walk through the boulders and meet the original trail, or you can go back uphill to the Walker Rocks sign and get on the trail there. We did the second option. Definitely get back on the trail, because you get a great view of the first group of boulders. As you move further away from the first group of boulders, you will come up to a second group. Some of these boulders are taller than the last group. They are more steep and definitely not as easy to climb. It is such an odd but awesome experience. I think going on this trail during the winter gave it a more ghostly feel.

This Trails Gives Hikers the Opportunity to See the Wonders of the Appalachian Plateau

There is an option to do a lollipop loop on the trail, but we did not complete it. The top of the mountain was extremely cold and windy, so we only stayed out there for an hour and 45 minutes. However, that was more than enough time to explore the wonderful Rocktown Trail! This trail is not difficult. If you ever have the chance to visit, please do. This is such an unusual trail and gives hikers an easier opportunity to see the wonders of the Appalachian Plateau.

Happy Trails,
Katie and Jesse

Tips for Your Trip to Rocktown Trail

There is no service in this area. Be prepared!
Walker County is a hot spot for rock climbers. Rocktown was full of them when we were there! It is interesting to see if you are not a part of that community.
This trail is dog friendly! Just be cautious around some of the rocks.
The trail is at the end of a gravel mountain road. Drive the right car!
On the road up to Rocktown, there is a sign labeled “Rocky Lane” and “South Brow Road.” A split is in the road. On the way back down from your hike, head towards Hood Overlook. It is only .2 miles down the road and is a great view! Definitely worth the detour.
In some areas of the rocks, it is easy to get turned around. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings.
Unfortunately, there was not a brewery close to this trail. On our way home, we drove through the little town of Summerville. There is a cute little cafe there called DIRT Pour Coffee and Smoothie Bar. That is a great place for a lil post hike treat!

Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Address: 365 Rocky Lane Road, Lafayette, GA 30728 (Google Map)
Fees & Passes: Land Access requires a Georgia Hunting License, Fishing License, or Lands Pass
GPS Coordinates: N 34.67622, W -85.3804