RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
This popular park on 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent from Park Marine. Twelve miles of hiking trails wind through the park, providing opportunities for exercise and to explore a reconstructed 1860s log cabin (open and staffed on Saturdays). The park?s lodge, restaurant and meeting facilities make Red Top a great getaway for family reunions and business groups. A 3/4-mile paved trail behind the restaurant is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. 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.
Before its establishment as a park, the land was used by Native Americans and later for iron mining operations. The area around Lake Allatoona has historical significance due to various artifacts and remnants of early industry. Established in 1950, it initially covered only 1,776 acres but expanded over time.
The Homestead Trail showcases original homesteader structures from the European settlers who farmed this region before industrialization took hold. During the Civil War era, nearby Etowah River became strategic for Confederate forces; evidence remains today through earthworks and historic sites.
Post-war development saw increased recreational use leading up to its designation as a state park aimed at preserving natural resources while providing public leisure activities. Over decades since opening to visitors, facilities have been added including cottages, campgrounds, hiking trails-enhancing access without compromising ecological integrity.
Environmental conservation efforts continue with habitat restoration projects ensuring native species protection within diverse ecosystems present across rolling hillsides surrounding lake shores-a balance between human enjoyment and nature preservation is maintained throughout ongoing changes.
1. Campsites: 92 tent, trailer, and RV sites with electric hookups.
2. Yurts: 1 yurt available for a unique camping experience.
3. Cottages: 18 cottages with various amenities near the lake shore.
4. Pioneer Camping: Primitive campsite ideal for groups; reservations required.
5. Walk-In Tent Sites: Secluded campsites that require a short walk from parking area to site.
1. Red Top Mountain State Park offers a large sand swimming beach on Lake Allatoona for visitors.
2. The park does not have any indoor or outdoor pools available.
3. Swimming is allowed in designated areas only, marked by buoys and signs around the lake's edge.
4. Lifeguards are typically not present at the swimming area; swim at your own risk policy applies here.
5. Visitors can also enjoy boating activities as an alternative to traditional swimming experiences in this Georgia state park.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It has a large marina with 92 boat slips, and boats can be launched from the ramp in Webb's Creek area. Rental facilities are also available offering pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards during warmer months. Fishing is allowed on Lake Allatoona where one might catch bass or catfish among others.
Located in Georgia, the park offers fishing opportunities on Lake Allatoona. Anglers can catch bass, catfish and crappie here. Fishing from a boat or shoreline is allowed with proper permits.
The lake's marina provides boating supplies for those who prefer to fish offshore. There are also several docks available for use.
Fishing tournaments often take place throughout the year as well which adds an exciting competitive element to your trip.
Red Top Mountain State Park is located near Acworth, Adairsville and Atlanta
1. Red Top Mountain State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views.
2. Picnic shelters are available for rent, accommodating large groups.
3. Many tables and grills can be found throughout the park for picnicking convenience.
4. Enjoy a lakeside picnic at one of many sites along Lake Allatoona's shoreline.
5. The park provides trash cans to maintain cleanliness during your outdoor meal experience.
IRON HILL BIKE TRAIL
3.9 mile loop. Rated moderate.
The parking lot for this trail is located off Red Top Mountain Road, on the right a half mile past the campground. It is a graveled trail that is accessible to both hikers and bicycles. From the parking lot, follow the directional signs to the trailhead. This scenic trail is a loop that winds along the banks of the lake through a historic area that was once home to an active iron mining community in the mid 1800?s. Along the way you will have the opportunity to observe both native wildlife and a profusion of native plants.
WHITE TAIL TRAIL
0.5 mile, one way. Rated moderate.
This trail begins at the Lodge parking area and shares a trailhead with the Sweet Gum Trail Loop. The Whitetail 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.
HOMESTEAD TRAIL
5.5 mile loop. Rated moderate.
This trail begins at the front porch of the park Visitor Center, turns north for one mile, crosses Lodge Road and then makes a 3.5 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. Trail is blazed yellow and is not accessible to bicycles.
VISITOR CENTER LOOP TRAIL
0.75 mile loop. Rated moderate.
This beautiful trail begins one hundred yards down the beginning of the Sweet Gum Trail from the Visitor Center parking area. The Sweet Gum Trail will bear sharp left and the Visitor Center Loop will bear sharp right. Shaded hardwood forest, a small spring fed stream, and two viewing/relaxation platforms can be enjoyed. Trail is blazed red and is not accessible to bicycles.
LAKESIDE TRAIL
0.75 mile loop. Rated easy.
This short paved trail starts at the Lodge parking lot and makes a loop behind the lodge on the shore of Lake Allatoona. It is ADA Accessible for the entire length. A focal point is the 1869 Vaughn cabin located right along the trail. Visitors enjoy special programs held at the cabin as well as relaxing on the benches along the trail and shoreline. Trail is not blazed and no bicycles are allowed.
SWEETGUM LODGE LOOP TRAIL
3.5 mile loop. Rated moderate.
This trail begins at the Visitor Center parking area and also follows a route north. After 0.5 mile the trail then makes a loop through the Lodge area of the park and then back to the 0.5 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. There are sections of the trail where Homestead and Sweet Gum share the same pathway. These sections are marked with yellow and red blazes. Trail is not accessible to bicycles.
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 15 miles of trails, though some are challenging with steep climbs and rocky terrain.
The Iron Hill Trail is a popular choice for bikers; it's an easy-to-moderate trail that loops around the lake.
For those seeking more adventure, try the Homestead Loop - but be prepared for strenuous uphill sections and technical descents.
Remember to wear helmets at all times as safety should always come first when biking in these areas.
Please note: mountain bikes aren't allowed on every trail so check signage or ask park staff before setting off.
Also keep in mind that shared-use paths require respect towards hikers and other users too.
During weekends or holidays, expect increased foot traffic which may slow down your ride pace significantly.
Lastly, ensure you carry plenty of water especially during summer months due to high temperatures & humidity levels here.
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species spotted, including waterfowl and raptors. Birdwatchers can explore several trails or visit the wildlife observation platform for optimal viewing. The Iron Hill Trail is a designated part of Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail due to its rich avian diversity.
Located 45 minutes north of Atlanta near Cartersville, 1.5 miles east of I-75 exit #285.