Group programs can now be scheduled

A new adventure is coming to Sawnee Mountain Preserve. A climbing tower is scheduled to open in April and will be used for camps, group programs, birthday parties and individual climbing passes.

The tower allows for top-rope climbing, lead climbing and rappelling. There are multiple routes ranging in heights from 32 to 38 feet, and it offers areas for climbing and rappelling. The tower has 2,208 square feet of climbing area and can accommodate up to 10 climbers and two rappel participants at one time. Beginning on Saturdays in August, the tower will play host to belay clinics and climbing programs.

“We are very excited to offer this amenity to Forsyth County residents,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “This new climbing tower adds more fun and adventure to an already robust assortment of activities available at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, and we can’t wait to hear what people think.”

The new climbing tower was made possible by a $60,000 donation from the Sawnee Mountain Foundation. The total cost of the project, including construction and staff training, was $59,998.

The tower, built by Challenge Design Innovation from Pineola, N.C., is located at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, 4075 Spot Road in Cumming. For more information, visit the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center or call (770) 781-2217. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.