Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA




Rating

Overview
Named for the soil’s rich red color caused by high iron-ore content, Red Top Mountain was once an important mining area for iron. The park is located on Lake Allatoona and is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Special features include hiking trails, abundant wildlife and a reconstructed 1860s homestead. The park’s 33-room lodge, restaurant and meeting facilities make this park a great getaway for individuals and groups.
This park is a great place to have a picnic near the shores of Lake Allatoona.

Activities & Amenities

	Hiking Trails		Picnicking		Pioneer, Tent & RV Camping
	Playground		Telephones		Restrooms
	Visitor Center		Miniature Golf		Boat Ramps
	Canoeing		Cottages		Fishing
	Lodge		Marina		Tennis
	Sail Boating		Deer Viewing		Water Skiing
	Swimming -  Lake Beach		Pets on Leash		Boat Rentals

Hiking
Homestead Trail:
This trail begins at the front porch of the Visitor Center, turns north for one mile, crosses Lodge Road and then makes a 3 1/2 mile loop through some of the most beautiful areas of the park. The loop portion follows the lakeshore for approximately half its length. Completion of the loop brings the hiker back to the same one mile route to the front porch. This trail is named after one of several homesteads which were once located in the loop portion.
Length: 5 1/2 miles, Color: Yellow, Difficulty: moderate

Sweet Gum Trail:
This trail begins at the Visitor Center parking area and also follows a route north. After 1/2 mile the trail then makes a loop through the Lodge area of the park and then back to the 1/2 mile section for a return to the Visitor Center. The Sweet Gum Trail also travels south from the Visitor Center to the campground, allowing campers to access the park trail without driving.
Length: 3 1/2 miles, Color: Red, Difficulty:moderate

White Tail Trail:
This trail begins near the Lodge parking area and shares a trailhead with the Sweet Gum Trail loop. The White Tail Trail then turns off the Sweet Gum Trail loop and runs north to the end of a scenic point at the edge of Lake Allatoona.
Length: 1 mile, Color: White, difficulty:moderate

Lakeside Trail:
This short paved trail starts at the Lodge parking lot and males a loop behind the lodge on the shore of Lake Allatoona. This trail is ADA Accessible for the entire length. A focal point is the 1869 Vaughn log cabin located along the trail. Visitors enjoy special programs held at the cabin as well as relaxing in the benches along the trail and shoreline.
Length: 3/4 mile, Color:none, difficulty:easy

Visitor Center Loop:
This beautiful trail begins one hundred yards down the beginning of the Sweet Gum Trail from the Visitor Center parking lot. The Sweet Gum Trail will bear left and the Visitor Center Loop will bear right. Shaded hardwood forest, a small spring fed stream, and two viewing platforms can be enjoyed.
Length: 3/4 mile, Color: Red. difficulty:moderate

Camping
The park provides 92 Tent, Trailer, RV Sites and also Pioneer Camping.

Boating and Watersports
Red Top Mountain offers many kinds of boating and water related activities. The park is surrounded by Lake Allatoona, one of the largest lakes in Georgia. The park has several boat ramps, a park marina, boat rentals and a beach. There are no motor restrictions. The large lake provides excellent sailing opportunities.

Cottages and the Lodge
The park has 18, two and three bedroom cottages located on a small wooded peninsula. The cottages provide a secluded and romantic getaway.

Wildlife Viewing
During our visit we spotted dozens of deer roaming near the roads within the park. The deer seemed to be accustomed to visitors, since they come extremely close to you. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, but I saw several visitors doing so. So if you want to see deer close up without even leaving your car, this is the place.

Recreational Sports
The park offers tennis courts and a miniature golf area.

Annual Events
Pioneer History Weekend
Memorial Day Celebration
Labor Day Extravaganza
October Hayrides
Homestead Christmas Celebration


Nearby Attractions
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
Weinman Mineral Museum
Chieftains Trail
New Echota State Historic Site (Cherokee capital)

Park Times and Information
Park Hours: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Lodge Hours: 24-Hour Service

Red Top Mountain State Park
781 Red Top Mountain Road
Cartersville, GA 30120
770/975-4226 (park)
800/573-9658 (reservations)


Park Fee Information
A $2 daily or $25 annual parking fee is required.  The ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited that day, and Wednesdays are free days.   Annual ParkPasses are sold at park offices (senior discounts available) or by calling (404) 657-9851.

Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept.