LOCATION: 50 Lodge Rd SE Cartersville, GA 30121 PH: 770-975-4226 LENGTH: 15 miles TYPE: Loop RANKING: Easy to moderate hiking ACCESS: 7 am - 10 pm USAGE: Moderate FEES: $5 per-vehicle or purchase an annual ParkPass MAPS: At visitor center SURFACE: Packed soil FEATURES: Lake, Restrooms COMMENTS: Visitor center for supplies and restrooms PET FRIENDLY: Yes
Red Top Mountain is a beautiful Georgia State Park on Lake Allatoona.The high iron ore content of the soil on the mountain is the reason for the Red Top name. There is something here for everyone and it's a short drive from Atlanta.
We hiked the Heritage Trail in June, 2011 We began in front of the Visitor Center. It was a great hike but no big hills or creeks to cross. After hiking 2.5 miles, we only had occassional views of Lake Allatoona but it was easy to get to the water and explore.
There are 15 miles of trails that offer several different kinds of hikes or bike ride. The gravel 4 mile Iron Hill Bike Trail is a favorite with mountain bikers. There is also a paved 3/4 mile loop trail that is ADA accessible.
There is a lodge, cottages and great camping for tents and RVs.
DIRECTIONS FROM ATLANTA: I-75 N to exit 285 (Red Top Mountain Road). Turn right at the end of the ramp Travel 1.8 miles to the visitor center