GARLAND MOUNTAIN HISTORY

The Beginning

In the Fall of 1995, Hurricane Opal devastated the forest that would later become Garland Mountain Trails.

In January 2007, the Cherokee County Saddle Club (CCSC) discovered an article in the Cherokee Ledger about Commissioner Harry Johnston announcing a land acquisition.

On October 7, 2007, the Cherokee County Commission unanimously approved the public horse and hiker park.

Key People

• Harry Johnston — Cherokee County Commissioner
• Jerry Cooper — County Manager
• Larry Wheat — Lead Trail Director, Trail Design and Construction
• Ellen Stara — Parking Lot Design and Assistant Trail Design
• Dr. Ken Humber — Trail Master, System Signage and Trail Maintenance
• Cindy Young — Assistant Trails

The Trails

The trail system grew from 13 miles to over 25 miles. Cherokee County installed parking, a pavilion, picnic tables, an ADA mounting block, bathrooms, an information kiosk, and trail equipment.

The Cherokee County Saddle Club evolved into Friends of Garland Mountain Trails (FGMT).