Love the outdoors? Then you will love a trip to Cartersville, Georgia
Those looking for outdoor adventure, whether extreme or extremely-easy, will satisfy their thrills in Cartersville, Georgia.
First, climb to the highest point in the city at Pine Mountain Trailhead. Just off Cartersville’s Main Street Exit on I-75, this challenging hike takes visitors through a stream-filled forest studded with vast granite outcrops. With a summit that’s 1,562 feet above sea level, guests are rewarded with views of Lake Allatoona, Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain.
Next, relax and stay overnight at Red Top Mountain State Park–choose a campsite, cabin, or even a yurt overlooking Lake Allatoona. Among the park’s many amenities are Iron Hill Trail, made for mountain biking and hiking and a featured trail on Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Muddy Spokes Club. The earth, rich with iron ore, gives the park its color, its name and its history. See an open iron mine along with ancient rocks, native plants and wildlife.
Looking for more water pleasures? Enjoy boat rentals for fishing and recreation at one of five marinas on Allatoona Lake, or charter an excellent guide to help you land the big one. Lakeside RV and tent camping is also available at Allatoona Landing Marine Resort. Float away on the Etowah or Euharlee rivers in your own craft or work with great outfitters supplying complete tube and kayak rentals and shuttles.
For a refreshing water challenge that’s fun to conquer, head to Terminus Wake Park, which Atlanta Magazine named “Best of Atlanta” as an Extreme Sport for Beginners. Guests love the thrill of towed watersports without a boat. Choose from wakeboarding, wake skating or kneeboarding–a 32-foot-high running cable is your gentle guide. Step-by-step instruction and equipment rental will get you up and in action. In fact, the oldest local wake boarder wants the skeptical to know his story. Now age 70-plus, Art Wiggins tried the sport to surprise his soon-to-be visiting grandson. Since then he has put in so many laps that the distance would take him to California and back. Art and many others graduate to the advanced full-size lake where skilled riders perform their feats.
Whether diving deep into the waters or climbing high above the city, outdoor adventure awaits in Cartersville, Georgia.