Monday Morning on the Homestead Trail

Let's venture up to Red Top Mountain for our Monday morning hike.  Most schools are having teacher workdays, so the local trails might be pretty crowded with parking possibly problematic.  Hopefully, the state park will be less busy.

The Homestead Trail has abundant views of Lake Allatoona, and with all the leaves down, the lake will be visible for much of the hike.

There are no steep hills, but the trails aren't flat.  We'll keep a moderate pace, so if you're in D2 shape, you shouldn't have difficulty with the  terrain.  We will be parking in the large lot at the Visitor Center-- - NOT the small lot by the Trading Post.  Our location is off Lodge Road . . .  so you have to turn onto Park Marina Road and then turn onto Lodge Road. Please follow the directions!  

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leash at all times.  Please bring your own doggie bags, as they are not provided by the park.

State Park passes are required for parking.  The fee is $5 per day unless you purchase an annual park pass. Annual Park Pass discounts of 50% are available for seniors 62 and older, and 25% for active military and veterans. Discounted passes must be purchased in person.  If you need to purchase a park pass, you must can purchase it at the Visitor Center or at the Trading Post. The address for the Trrading Post  is 659 Red Top Mountain Rd. Allow an extra 15 minutes to buy your pass if you don't already have an annual pass.

After the hike, for those who can stay, we'll find a scenic bench near the lake on which to have lunch!  Please pack a lunch and perhaps being something to share with the others.  It will be a nice way to catch up with each other. 

PLEASE NOTE ONCE MORE:  We are NOT meeting at the TRADING POST!  You must drive to 50 Lodge Road SE for the VISITOR CENTER parking location.

50 Lodge Rd SE, Cartersville, GA 30121

• Take exit 285 from I-75 North.
• Go east on Red Top Mountain Road. Proceed approximately .5 miles and go over bridge.
• Go approximately another .5 miles and left onto Park Marina Road.
• Approximately .5 miles and right onto Lodge Road (this one is easy to miss)

 The GPS Coordinates for the VISITOR CENTER:

34.15457, -84.70266

THIS IS NOT THE TRADING POST !!

Trail Map:  https://gastateparks.org/sites/default/files/parks/pdf/trailmaps/RedTopMountain_TrailMap.pdf

Parking fee required!  $5 daily pass;  $50 annual pass;  $25 seniors over 62. Passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center before the hike. Bathrooms are also available in the Visitor Center.

Pack a lunch to eat after the hike if you have the time to stay for a while!