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The history and nature of Sawnee Mountain come to life in the new Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center which opened in March. The 5,600-square foot facility includes an exhibit hall highlighting the natural and cultural histories of the mountain, a laboratory and classroom, a resource library and a native plant garden with a waterfall feature.

Visitors can also access Sawnee Mountain’s hiking trails from the new center. A variety of classes will be available at the center for both the public and for school groups. Additionally, instructional courses for rock climbing, rappelling, birding, botany and more will be offered.

The facility also serves as the administrative home to the Parks and Recreation Department’s Outdoor Programs Division. “We are thrilled to open this new center,” said Outdoor Programs Manager Matthew Pate. “The educational and recreational opportunities it will provide to residents and visitors are very exciting.

The center provides a great resource for those wanting to learn more about our area and Sawnee Mountain in particular. Officials gathered Friday, March 14 to cut the ribbon for the new facility just before the unveiling of the new statue of Sawnee, the local Cherokee Native American for which the mountain was named, which stands approximately 13 feet tall in front of the center. “Sawnee Mountain is an integral part of our county,” said Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Laughinghouse during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Sharing its history, treasures and offerings with the community is vitally important.”

A grand opening event was held March 15 during which guests enjoyed tree climbing, an exciting birds of prey show and a theatrical performance in the preserve’s amphitheater. The Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center is located at 4075 Spot Rd. Hours of operation for the Visitor Center are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

To receive more information, call 770.781.2217.