Saturday Morning at Pine Log Creek Trail

I've not been at Pine Log Creek for months, and I miss this beautiful trail. Those of you who have never been to the Pine Log Trail are in for a treat!  This ia one of the prettiest areas I've hiked, with plenty of free parking, lots of elevation changes, beautiful views, and a quarry pond with interesting rock outcroppings to climb on for photos!

The trail features a 4.7 mile path crossing seven rustic footbridges over Pine Log Creek. From two overlooks, hikers can view Pine Log Mountain - one of the highest elevations in Bartow County's Appalachian foothills - and the site of the Pine Log Cherokee Indian Village. The trail system includes two loops east and west and is rated moderate. Although some of the terrain is rugged there is only one significantly long climb, with an elevation gain of about 420 feet. That is not to say it's an easy hike, but we'll be taking hiking this time at a slow/moderate pace, so if you can go the distance on hills, you should be able to handle it. The eastern loop takes hikers by an early CCC quarry pond for picturesque views.  (We'll stop here for photos and water.)

For those who would like to join us, we'll be stopping in Cartersville for lunch on the way home at SWheat Market Deli - - a fabulous little restaurant that features a variety of organic meals (with vegetarian options) that have garnered a 5-start rating from Yelp. Check out the deli menu and location at  http://www.swheatmarket.com/

The carpool will meet at the Chastain/Busbee Park and Ride at 10 am, giving us an hour to drive the 33 miles north to the trailhead.  Those going directly to the trailhead should be there by 10:45 am, so that if the carpool is on time, we can take off a bit early.  Be sure you indicate on your reservation whether or not you'll be joining the carpool!

We will limit the number of people with dogs to 3.  If you see three people already registered with dogs, please do not add yours.  All dogs should be kept on leash for the safety of others on the trail.

From Exit 293 on I 75 turn right onto US 411 North. After about 7.5 miles turn right onto GA 140 East. Continue approximately 3.2 miles to Pine Log Creek Trail System parking area on left.

This trail opened in November 2007 on 275 acres of protected land in Bartow County. The trail is beautifully designed. The treadway is smooth, and has hardly any rocks.

No bathroom facilities are at this location, but there are plenty of trees!

Carpoolers will have to be sure to consider whether or not you will be joining the others for lunch.  

Please share gas expenses with carpool drivers.  Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $26.40 (calculated at total miles (66) * $0.400, effective Sunday, October 16, 2011). This is based on the current gas, maintenance, and other costs of $0.400 per mile as stated by the IRS & Cars.com. This should be divided by the total number of people in the vehicle (incl driver).
For example: With 4 people in the vehicle, the expense per person on this trip would be $6.60. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.