Fairy houses are magical, especially when they are hidden deep in the woods. There is an ah-maz-ing Fairy Trail in Cumming, Georgia (north of Atlanta – Exit 17 – on your way to the Dawsonville outlet mall). My girls and I went today and we had a blast! We were inspired to create Wooden Fairies and our own Fairy Village after visiting.
Nestled in Sawnee Mountain Preserve you will find the Fairy Trail, which was a project of Girl Scout Troop 13730.
The fairy trail is a little walk from the Visitor Center, but not terrible. You will find the Fairy Trail after the ginormous “tree house.” I hestitate to call it a tree house, but that’s what the lady in the Visitor Center called it….so….I will stick with popular terminology. I would consider it a giant wooden fort, but I digress. Once you are standing at the tree house look up the trail to the right and you will see a sign directing you on your way.
I have to admit, I was a little worried as we were walking down the trail and there were stepping stones with sparkles on them and two fairy houses made out of popsicle sticks. Surely that wasn’t it? I built this trip up for the girls, and I didn’t want to let them down.
My worries abated when we saw another sign directing us and then we noticed real fairy houses tucked along the side of the road. To the family expecting glitter and gold you will be disappointed. Most of the fairy houses at the fairy trail are made of materials from nature. Twigs and broken wood layered together, sticks held together with grass, rocks, moss, and more. Some fairy houses are barely distinguishably from the landscape.
There are several signs directing you to make your own fairy creations. So we did! A little bit of exploring and a lot of creativity led to some really fun fairy houses.
When we go again, because we WILL go again, I think I will take some gold glitter with me and when the girls aren’t looking I will sprinkle it in a few of the fairy houses. I am sure they will love that….as will the kids who come along after us.
Inside the Visitor Center there is a library and some hands on exhibits for kids to learn/play at. Outside the Visitor Center there is a sand box that has some really cool toys with it. We didn’t make it much further up the trail than the “tree house.” The trail was wide. I am going to go on a limb and say that you could take a rugged stoller with you, but it may be tight and bumpy in a few places.
Tips When Visiting the Fairy Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
- Sawnee Mountain Preserve is FREE and parking is FREE.
- No dogs are allowed.
- There is a bathroom for use in the Visitor’s Center. There is a water fountain outside the bathroom.
- The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. On Sunday the restrooms only are open from 8:00 am until dark.
- Pack water, bug repellant, and maybe some glitter of your own.
- Bring a snack or lunch and eat at a picnic table, or pack a blanket and have a woodsy picnic.
- Wear pants and tennis shoes.
Most importantly…..have a FAIRY good time.
You know a post this long about fairies and having a good time had to have a silly pun in it somewhere!
If there is not a fairy trail near you…..I recommend starting one yourself. Do you have a favorite outdoor attraction near you? We would love to hear all about it in a comment.
There are many fun things to do in Atlanta. Check out our recent posts about Activities in Atlanta for more suggestions and ideas.
Leandrea is a married mom of two girls, ages 13 and 12, living in Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about helping people save money one coupon at a time. Read more
Fairy Houses are so fun! Love this park too – we’ve yet to make it to the Indian Seats at the top because there is so much to do at the base!
Thank you, I did not know this existed. My granddaughters will love this.
I hope you enjoy your day out with her!