Red Top Mountain State Park
A Rewarding Hike at Red Top Mountain State Park: Diverse Landscapes and Scenic Lake Views
Looking for a scenic hike close to Atlanta? Look no further than Red Top Mountain State Park in Bartow County, Georgia. While it has an Acworth address, the park itself is nestled closer to the Emerson and Cartersville areas. Sitting on a peninsula jutting into Lake Allatoona, Red Top offers a diverse landscape perfect for a day of exploration.
On a crisp January day, we opted for a local adventure and headed to Red Top. With six trails winding through the park, we chose the Homestead Trail, a 5.5-mile loop known for its historical significance and stunning lake vistas. As the name suggests, the trail meanders through the remnants of homesteads that once dotted the area. Keep an eye out for a lone chimney, a silent testament to the region’s past.
There are two options for starting your Homestead Trail adventure. If you’re up for the full 5.5-mile trek, parking at the trading post offers a more traditional beginning point. However, if you’d like to shave off a mile, the visitor center provides a convenient alternative starting point.
The beauty of the Homestead Trail at Red Top Mountain truly unfolds as you delve deeper. For roughly three-quarters of the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Allatoona.
The beauty of the Homestead Trail truly unfolds as you delve deeper. For a significant portion, roughly three-quarters of the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Allatoona. The trail weaves along the shoreline, offering several spots where you can easily access the water’s edge. We’ve even encountered fellow hikers casting fishing lines in these idyllic coves, making the most of the park’s natural bounty.
Be prepared for a moderately challenging hike. The trail is clearly marked with yellow blazes, guiding you through the twists and turns. One defining characteristic of northwest Georgia’s terrain becomes readily apparent – frequent elevation changes. The trail winds up and down, offering moments where you can literally look down 50 feet to where you were just moments ago. While some sections are steeper, the inclines are never insurmountable.
Thankfully, the trail is well-maintained, with minimal obstacles like exposed roots or loose rocks. This allows for a smooth and enjoyable hike, letting you focus on the scenery and the company you’re with. Our journey took us approximately 2.5 hours to complete, a comfortable pace that allowed us to soak in the sights and sounds of the park.
Beyond the lake views, the Homestead Trail offers a variety of landscapes. You’ll traverse sections of lush forest teeming with vibrant flora, transitioning into open fields bathed in sunlight. Keep an eye out for local wildlife – we spotted several squirrels scampering through the trees and even a majestic hawk soaring overhead.
The historical significance adds another layer of intrigue to the hike. As you pass the remnants of the old homestead, ponder the lives once lived here. Imagine the families who called this land home and the stories etched into the very soil you walk upon.
Red Top Mountain State Park offers more than just the Homestead Trail. With five other trails catering to various difficulty levels, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, Red Top provides a scenic escape perfect for a day trip.
Tips for the Trip:
- Red Top Mountain State Park has an ADA accessible paved trail – the Lakeside Trail.
- This park is dog friendly.
- Cut off a mile by parking at the visitor center for the start of your Homestead Trail hike.
- Iron Hill Trail is shared by hikers and mountain bikers. This trail also has lake views and is graveled for most of the trail.
- Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a break at one of the designated picnic areas along the trail. Have lunch while taking in the panoramic views of the lake – a perfect way to refuel and create lasting memories.
Red Top Mountain State Park
50 Lodge Road SE
Acworth, GA 30102
Bartow County
Red Top Mountain State Park Trail Map (PDF)
GPS Coordinates
N 34.142950, W -084.706700
Editor’s Note:
Red Top State Park is based around Lake Allatoona. This is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Etowah River in northwestern part of the State of Georgia. During the winter months, the lake level is extremely low due to water rights. Red Top Mountain State Park is a great state park year-round, even with the low lake levels.
After the hike, we visited the Red Top Brewhouse in Acworth, Georgia
