Hike Turtle Creek Loop/Spur/and Beyond - The Adventure Continues

We had our first AOC hike at this location on February 20, 2013, and thoroughly enjoyed the variety of scenery and trails here.  We hiked the Turtle Creek Spur and Loop and crossed the street to the Allatoona Creek Trail area to coontinue what we thought would be the remaining trails.  Only too late did we discover that we completely missed the 5 mile Mason Bridge Trail,  so this time, we're going to finish what we started and do the entire trail system - - at least 12 miles, I think.  (Since we never made it to the Mason Bridge Trail, that segment is still considered an exporatory part.)

The Turtle Creek Loop and Spur section of the trail is  a narrow, secluded bike trail with rolling hills, a few roots and rocks, but nothing dangerous or terribly steep. There are few riders using the trails during the daytime, so we should have the few bikes to contend with during our hike.  Since I haven't seen the 5 mile Mason Bridge Trail, I can't speak reliably to what this area will be like.  But you love adventure, don't you?  

We'll begin the hike at the Pitner Dog Park - - the nicest dog facility I've seen!  There are two large, enclosed areas in which pets are free to romp and play.  Plus, there's a nice little playground for children to use while their dogs socialize. A bathroom facility and ample gravel parking makes this trail-head a perfect place to begin a hike.  After doing half of this loop, we'll go along a connector path to the Allatoona Creek trailhead to hike that elusive Mason Bridge Trail that we missed on the first hike.  (There is another restroom facility at this location!)   We'll then recross the street and finish the Turtle Creek loop, returning to the dog park and our cars.  (Information is below, if you would like to drive to lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant.)

Bring a snack or small lunch to eat on this hike.  We'll stop for a brief rest about half way through the hike at the second section - - the Allatoona Creek Trailhead - - off Old Stilesboro Road.  

We'll allow dogs on this hike, but with reservations. Please consider that the trails are very narrow!  We'll be walking single-file on the trails, and if a biker comes, we'll have to step off the trail to allow him/her to pass.  Dogs could be a risk to both our participants and to the bikers. There are strict leash laws posted for this trail, so if you have any doubts about your dog's behavior, please leave him at home.  LIMIT of 3 DOGS!!  If you see three already listed, you may not add a fourth.

************************************

LATE LUNCH POSSIBILITY:

Janet G., who first introduced me to this trail, recommended a really good Chinese restaurant nearby that we can stop at on our way home.  It's only a few miles from Pitner Dog Park, our trailhead.  For those who can join us, let's plan to stop there for a late lunch/early dinner.  Here's the information for the restaurant:

N 34.01665  W -84.72577

Go North on U.S. 41/Cobb Pkwy NE about 11 miles north of the Marietta Loop

Make a sharp Left onto Mars Mill Road NW - - and go 1.5 miles

Slight right onto County Line Rd/Old Stilesboro Rd NW; Continue to follow County Line Rd for about 2.1 miles

Turn right onto Pitner Rd NW - - Destination will be on the right in about 1.1 miles

2450 Pitner Road, Acworth, GA 30101

 Map:  http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/PitnerRoadPark.htm

These trails are not good for hiking when they're wet.  We'll cancel for rain.