Red Top Mountain State Park, nestled on the shores of the expansive Lake Allatoona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a rich tapestry of history rooted in the pioneer days of Cartersville. This Georgia gem invites visitors to delve into the legacy of iron mining in the Etowah Valley while enjoying a plethora of outdoor activities. The park’s name itself, derived from the distinctive red soil rich in iron ore, hints at the area’s formative past and the industrious spirit of early settlers.
The shimmering waters of Lake Allatoona present an idyllic setting for a variety of water-based adventures. Whether you’re inclined towards swimming in the sandy beach cove, exhilarating water skiing, or casting a line for a relaxing fishing experience, the lake serves as a central attraction. For those with boats, the park provides convenient ramps and docks, and nearby marinas offer rental options for those looking to explore the lake at their own pace. Beyond the lake’s edge, Red Top Mountain unfolds as a haven for hikers. Over 15 miles of trails meander through the park’s verdant forests, presenting ample opportunities for exercise, nature observation, and capturing stunning photographs of the landscape. For visitors seeking an accessible option, a paved trail near the park office accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, leading to a meticulously reconstructed 1860s homestead. This homestead provides a tangible glimpse into the lives of those who once called this region home, connecting modern visitors to the pioneer era. The Iron Hill Trail, a four-mile gravel path shared by hikers and bikers, rewards adventurers with picturesque views of the lake’s winding shoreline, further enhancing the park’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
Red Top Mountain’s identity is deeply intertwined with its history as a significant iron mining area. The red soil, a striking feature of the landscape, is a direct result of the high iron-ore content that drew pioneers to this region. To commemorate this heritage, the park occasionally hosts iron pour programs near the Vaughn Cabin, located behind the park office. These programs offer an engaging and educational experience, bringing to life the historical significance of iron production in the area. Furthermore, Red Top Mountain State Park extends its historical offerings to include the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a site of profound importance during the Civil War. The well-preserved trenches and earthworks at the battlefield serve as a powerful reminder of the area’s complex past and offer a compelling point of interest for history buffs.
For visitors planning an extended stay, Red Top Mountain State Park provides diverse lodging options. Guests can choose from cozy rental cottages, spacious campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, or unique lakeside yurts for a memorable overnight experience. The park also features a pioneer campground for a more rustic camping adventure. To accommodate gatherings and events, picnic shelters and group shelters are available for rent, alongside an event room suitable for smaller meetings. Practical amenities such as a sand beach, marina access, boat ramps and docks, and playgrounds further enhance the park’s appeal and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all.
Reservations, Accommodations & Facilities
- 1,776 Acres
- 12,000 Acre Lake Allatoona
- 20 Cottages
- 93 Tent, Trailer & RV Campites
- 6 Yurts
- 1 Pioneer Campground (Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- 7 Picnic Shelters (Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- 2 Group Shelters (seats 100 & 250. Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- Event Room (seats up to 30. Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
- Sand Beach
- Marina
- 2 Boat Ramps
- 2 Boat Docks
- 3 Playgrounds
Things To Do & See
Nearby Attractions
Quota Hunt Safety Zone Map
Safety Zones Map PDF – If you have the Avenza PDF reader app on your phone, you can download the map, open it in that app, and it should be able to give you a location when you are at that site. Geo-Referenced maps are not always 100% accurate. They should be used in conjunction with, and not in place of, other traditional methods of navigation or personal familiarity of an area.
