Slow and Steady Hike at Pine Mountain Trail

Pine Mountain Trails are beautiful but somewhat challenging for those who haven't ventured onto mountain trails where the terrain is rough, and the undulating hills accumulate around 2,000 feet of ascent.  If you've wanted to try some of the more difficult hikes, can handle the distance but not the fast pace of some of them, please join Carol and Joyce on this event!  We'll keep the pace moderate and take breaks when necessary.  If you want a fast-paced workout hike, this is NOT the hike for you! By the same token, this is definitely NOT a hike for beginners or for people who have not done any D3 hikes or fitness level D2's. 

We'll start our hike on the West Loop and hike clockwise up the switchback trail to the Overlook, the highest point in Cartesville, where we'll have an excellent view of the countryside (if the air is clear). This will be the a challenging portion of the hike, though the remainder of the hike is not flat!  We'll pause at the top for pictures before continuing our trek onto the East Loop.  We'll then turn onto the Coopers Furnace Connector Trail.  

On the way to Cooper's Furnace, we'll hike up the Laurel Ridge Trail, another ascent, where we'll have an excellent view of the Allatoona Dam.  We'll then access the Cooper's Furnace Trail and take advantage of the pavilions at Cooper's Furnace to eat.  Be sure to pack a lunch!  There is a bathroom here, but if it's closed, be prepared to use one of the many available trees.

After lunch, we'll complete our hike heading back on the Cooper's Furnace Trail to the East Loop of the Pine Mountain Trail.

Dogs are permitted, but they MUST be kept on leash for the entire hike.  Dogs must be non-aggressive  and comfortable around other dogs.  Owners must pick up after their pets!  The reputation of the AOC is at stake when dogs participate on our events.  Limit of 3 dogs on the event;  if you see 3 dogs listed as participants, please do not register yours.

ADDRESS: Komatsu Dr SE, Cartersville, GA 30121

COORDINATES: 34.1753288,  -84.753556

North on I-75 to Exit 288 (about 18 miles north of Chastain Road)

Right onto East Main Street - - until the dead end

Right onto Komatsu

Left into the parking lot

Trail Map

http://www.cityofcartersville.org/DocumentCenter/View/1435