Known as the most difficult short trail in Georgia, the Buzzard's Roost, or the George W. Disney trail in Dalton, GA is no joke.

Hikers will be greeted by their first major challenge before they even hit the trail with the parking. The parking lot is located in the far back lot of the Church of the Nazarene immediately off Highway 41. the trail is barely marked by much more than a small bulletin board and a wooden sign commemorating the trailhead. 

once you find the trail, hikers will be lulled into a false sense of security as after the first couple hundred yards, the trail becomes extremely steep and rocky. after about a third of a mile in, you will encounter a small rock face as the trail appears to continue past it. IT DOES NOT, you will have no option but to scale the approximately 6-10 foot rock face in order to continue. this brings you to the first of many good overlooks with a panoramic view of north Georgia all the way to Chattanooga and the southern end of the Smokies. The trail continues at a steep, but relatively tame angle until the grave of George Disney and the Buzzard's roost overlook shortly after. You'll know that you've reached the overlook when you come to a small outdoor chapel/classroom space followed by a panoramic view of nearby Johns mountain to the southwest, Lookout mountain to the north, and Big Frog mountain to the northeast on a clear day.

The George W. Disney trail is not for beginners and a reasonable amount of caution and discretion should be used when hiking/climbing this trail, but it is SO worth it.

Happy hiking, 

Joe.