Berry College House of Dreams Part 2: Mountain Goat Trail

This is a much longer trek up to the House of Dreams. If you have time, this hike takes about five hours or more, and is worth the scenic views. The best way to attempt this hike is with more than one person and to park two cars: One at the Old Mill and one at Frost Chapel (noted on the map as the circled trail heads).

Distance from Trail Head: 9 Miles
Rating: Moderate (incline and distance)
Berry College Trail Map

Preparing for the Hike

You have a few options on this hike, and they are all relatively long. I would suggest bringing a snack and plenty of water. If you choose to hike all the way to the House of Dreams, I will suggest a trekking pole coming down the back side of the mountain.

Where to Begin

Where to begin is up to you. You can begin at the House of Dreams Trail Head or the Old Mill Trail Head. I will suggest the House of Dreams Trail Head if you want a trip with fewer inclines. Once you are at the top of the mountain, the trail is mostly flat or downhill.

The House of Dreams Choice

One mile into your hike to the House of Dreams, there is a trail to the left. This is the Mountain Goat Trail. You may choose to go on to the House of Dreams, and the hike will be nine miles. If you take the trail to the left, your hike will be closer to seven miles.

Short Hike

At the one mile point, take the trail to the left. This trail is a bit less strenuous on the joints as it levels out and follows the trail on the side of Lavender Mountain.

This trail has a nice, sandy feel. It's very easy on the joints, and relieves some of the pressure from the uncomfortable gravel trail up the mountain.

This side of the trail is very peaceful. It does not see a lot of foot or bike traffic.

You will experience a few inclines, but not many. The path is soft, and it's easy on your joints. The path is also relatively shady and breezy in the spring and summer.

This hike will take you by the reservoir.

You will end the hike at The Old Mill (where, hopefully, you parked the other car).

 Long Hike

On this hike, you will go all the way to the top of the mountain to the House of Dreams. Stop and take a break, because the hike will be tough for about a mile and a half.

Once you are at the House of Dreams, walk behind the house and walk towards the green barn. Go behind the barn and follow the narrow bike path. This is notated on the map as the thin, light grey line. I felt a bit odd walking behind the sheds, but there was, indeed, a trail there.

This is where you will need the trekking poles. This trail is quite steep and has several washed out places. This bike trail will intersect the Mountain Goat Trail.

This trail is also quite shady with views of Texas Valley. There is quite a bit of sweet shrub on this side of the mountain, and the smells can become intoxicating.

The path is very soft back here, and the next few miles will be easy. You will maintain a level path. Soon, you will begin seeing the reservoir.

From the dam, it's about a mile to The Old Mill. The trail is a bit rough through here, but wide. You will be able to clearly see what is ahead. It is mostly downhill, but there are a few inclines near the chestnut tree grove. If you've made it that far, you've gone nine miles!!! Hive yourself a hand!!!

 

This is my favorite hike. It gives me the opportunity to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian foothills of northwest Georgia. Although I'm usually tired by the end, I feel accomplished and revived.