| Taylor Ridge | |
|---|---|
 Taylor Ridge viewed fromJames H. Floyd State Park | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,665 ft (507 m) |
| Prominence | 585 ft (178 m) |
| Coordinates | 34°26′49″N85°18′57″W / 34.44694°N 85.31583°W /34.44694; -85.31583 |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Location | Summerville,Georgia, U.S. |
| Parent range | Ridge and Valley |
Taylor Ridge is the most northwesternridge in the state ofGeorgia within theRidge and Valley physiographic region and is approximately 40 miles (64 km) in length.[1] To the west the ridge is bordered by theCumberland Plateau region and to the north Taylor Ridge becomesWhite Oak Mountain at Ringgold Gap although technically part of the same ridge.[2] The western foothills of Taylor Ridge are also the western border of theChattahoochee National Forest.[3] Taylor Ridge is part of theArmuchee Ridges which also consist of Little Sand Mountain, Dicks Ridge, Johns Ridge, Horn Mountain and Rocky Face.[3] Taylor Ridge runs south to north throughChattooga,Walker,Whitfield, andCatoosa counties[4] along the towns ofSummerville,Trion,LaFayette andRinggold. The highpoint of the ridge is 1,665 feet (507 m) where the ridge buckles with Dicks Ridge. An area labeled high point is 1,432 feet (436 m) at the ridges southern terminus along GA highway 100.[5]
Taylor Ridge is often mistakenly referred to as "Taylor's Ridge", however this has grown to be accepted in local contexts, including in official news.[6]
The ridge was named in honor of Richard Taylor, aCherokee Indian chieftain.[7]
A Civil War skirmish occurred at Taylor Ridge on November 7, 1863.[8]
There are several hiking opportunities along the ridge mostly accessible via thePinhoti Trail.[9] The Taylor Ridge Trail is a brief view of the ridge available fromGA 136 directly west ofVillanow, Georgia.[10] The most historical view of the ridge may be withinJames H. Floyd State Park to the Marble Mine.
The ridge and valley area is unique in the fact that either sides of the ridge vary greatly. On Taylor Ridge the western face is sandstone, while the east facing cliffs are hard chert, a noncrystalline quartz.[1] Because of this difference in soils types and sunlight either side of the ridge boast a diversity in flora and fauna as well. Other aragonites may be found along this portion.[11]
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