Monday Morning at Allatoona Pass Battlefield Trail - REVISED

THIS IS A REVISED ITINERARY! Added time and an historical event! If you're not a Civil War history buff, you might want to pass on this hike!  

Michael Hitt, a renown historian and Civil War scholar, is joining us on this event.   Michael has extensive knowledge of the area and some information that may change your thoughts about paranormal events! Unlike most of our Monday morning hikes, we'll be stopping throughout this event to allow Michael to talk about the history of the place and the battles that took place here;  consequently, the time for the event will be a half hour longer than originally posted, ending at 12:30 pm.

If you'd like some information on Michael, check out these websites:

https://dunwoodyrotary.org/story/2062

https://www.amazon.com/Charged-Treason-Military-Operations-1864-1865/dp/0912526556

https://summerseniors.home.blog/2019/07/21/preserving-georgia-history/

http://uxoinfo.com/blogcfc/client/index.cfm/2018/5/29/UXO-Guest-Author--Michael-Hitt

According to the Department of Natural Resources: "Allatoona Pass is one of the most historically significant battlefields in Georgia, and it features a deep railroad cut that was the site of the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. On October 5, 1864, just a few months after the burning of Atlanta, one of the most stubbornly fought battles of the Civil War was waged on its soil. Of the 5,301 men engaged, 30 percent lost their lives during the five-hour battle. Today, the earthworks and trenches are well preserved, and an interpretive sign tell the battle’s story. The site is managed by Red Top Mountain State Park."

Explore Georgia writes, "One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and the inspiration for the song "Hold the Fort," the Battle of Allatoona Pass was fought on October 5, 1864. Two original earthen forts and trench works remain, making it one of the most pristine battlefields in the nation. Monuments commemorate both armies. The forts and most of the outer works are on US Corps of Engineers property, and is now maintained by Red Top Mountain State Park."

This trail is a relatively easy one without much elevation.  We'll have to retrace our route to get in mileage . . .  but it's a place we haven't been to very frequently, and it does have a lot of historical relevance.

There is no parking fee here - - and no restrooms!  Parking is limited, so carpooling would be helpful!

146 Old Allatoona Rd SE, Cartersville, GA 30121

Coordinates:  34.113578,-84.714792

To get to Allatoona Pass, take I-75 exit 283 (Emerson Allatoona Road) toward the east and follow signs.  

Drive on I 75 North to Exit 283, Emerson..At the the bottom of the ramp turn right and proceed 1,5 miles (you will cross railroad tracks after about 0.4 miles). The parking lot will be on your left. Use the second entrance.

Here's a link to some historical information about the trails:  https://gastateparks.org/sites/default/files/parks/pdf/r edtopmountain/AllatoonaPassBattlefield.pdf

https://gastateparks.o rg/AllatoonaPassBattlefield

Take a "Virtual Tour" of the battle at:   http://w ww.civilwarvirtualtours.com/allatoonapass/1020am.html