Vineyard Mountain - Twice over the Peak

This is NOT a beginner’s hike.  If you do not have recent D4 or above experience with the club, please expect to be vetted prior to the event.  The moving pace will be close to 3 mph with infrequent breaks.

If you are looking for a solid D4 hike that is close to town, but off the beaten path then this hike is for you.  Vineyard Mountain Trail runs along Lake Allatoona from the dam to Red Top Mountain Rd.  It is located between the more heavily trafficked Red Top Mountain State Park and Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area.  This hike will offer an up close view of the lake side of Allatoona dam.

We will start at the parking area closest to the dam on Allatoona Dam Road.  This is the third parking lot on the left side as you are coming in.  There are restrooms available near the parking area.  From here we will proceed directly up the mountain for a climb of approximately 650 feet in the first ½ mile.  We will regroup at the top and catch our breath.  From here we will go non stop to the far end of the trail at the Red Top Mountain Road trailhead.  Once there we will take a short break and turn back.  On the way back we will take a short detour to view the dam as up close and personal as we can.  Finally, we will hike back over the mountain for good measure where we will regroup again at the top and then head back down to our cars.  The blazes we will be following are Blue-Red-Yellow-Red-Yellow.

One dog will be allowed on the hike, but must be kept on a leash at all times.  

The average pace for this hike will be approximately 2.5 mph.  The total elevation gain will be close to 2100 feet over 6.6 miles.  Most of the elevation will be at the beginning and at the end.  The trail is fairly well maintained by Eagle Scouts.  There are sections that are quite narrow and run along steep grades.  There are a few creek crossings that shouldn’t get our feet wet and one stretch where the trail runs along the creek and we will be stepping rock to rock.  If there has been heavy rain this area might be slippery.  No mountain bikes are allowed on the trail.  

NOTE: There is a $5 parking fee due at the gate unless you have an annual pass.  Here is a list of accepted passes.

Set your GPS to:
513 Allatoona Dam Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121

or:

From Interstate 75:

1. Take exit 285 for Red Top Mountain Rd
2. Turn West
3. Take the first right onto SR3 Conn
4. At the dead end, turn right onto US Hwy 41
5. In appx 1.1 miles, turn right onto Allatoona Dam Rd.
6. The parking area will be in appx 1.4 miles on the left

Read the Itenerary.  Meet in the third parking lot on the left.  Be ready to hike at 2.5 to 3 mph.