Well the wife is out of town and then the boy will play? LOL. When I mean play, I mean get the opportunity to do somethings that I have been meaning to do. I wanted to go back to hiking paths and climbing mountains, like i used to do when I lived in the Adirondack Mountains. Getting here was a bit of a challenge. The GPS was a little off, but following the car in front t of me helps a lot. They looked like a bunch of hikers due to the stickers all over their car... Arrival to the parking lot was all gravel. The trailhead had some signage which was incredibly helpful. I took several pictures of the map and the direction I wanted to go. Seeing on a map and reality are two different things. At least I had some marker points to refer and go by. Down over the bridge you are met with a steady uphill climb some switchbacks and some rocky terrains to go over. The first Awesome fixture was the Fatman Squeeze. A hulking boulder with some tight side paths to go up on both sides end up at the same place. Then venturing on to the gravel path which takes you to the cell towers. Once past that the. Looking for the sign that leads you to the overlook. There it was. Beautiful over look to the mountains in the area.since we were facing the south the real mountains could not be seen. Couple of things to share, need to remind people that the canopy can be stuffy and humid. Be prepared to sweat, a LOT. Isn't that why you came? To overcome this mountain challenge??! Bring water. If your dog is strong enough to climb, other than that this can be challenging for their paws and your back, if you have to carry. Make sure your shoes are tied on tight. There are a lot of roots and loose rocks that can make a day go bad if you are not paying attention. Tightly tied shoes will alleviate the shift in the ground. Most importantly. Take your time, pause, reflect. Love, appreciate. Sweat. Have a good time... read more

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When a friend asked if I wanted to do some hiking at pine mountain, I said sure! I made my way there and after 20 minutes of looking I thought to myself, this place is big! It also didn't help that my friend was waiting at the west loop trail and I was near Allatoona dam. After getting myself situated, parking at the lot located off of komatsu drive se (access komatsu via E. Main Street right off of 75), we made our way up the west loop trail to get to the David G. Archer overlook. Don't get me wrong, there are miles of trails here at pine mountain, but from the parking lot to the overlook is just under 2 miles. It breaks down from the parking lot as follows (taken from the pine mountain Rec area trail system map): West trail head/parking to west loop - 0.18 mi West loop to summit overlook- 1.57 mi Summit overlook to David G. Archer summit - 0.16 mi The view at the top gives you a beautiful look at expansive greenery, with Allatoona lake visible (although more visible in the fall). During clear days you're able to see Atlanta and its skyline in the distance (keep in mind Atlanta is easily less than 50 miles away. From here, we turned around and went back to our cars, although if you want, you can continue on past the summit and hike down to the East trail. Trails are marked very well with blazes so you have to try to get lost (see photos for blaze colors). There's forest, outcrops, easy and huff/puff portions of the trails, but I don't think it's a hard hike by any means. Pet friendly hike that leads to a great view with as much trail as you're interested in challenging. Do yourself a favor and give pine mountain (not to be confused with pine mountain near Columbus, GA) a chance! I know I'll be back! read more

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We came here on a Sunday afternoon and the west trail was not crowded at all. There is a gravel parking lot right off 75 and you can't miss the trailhead. The west trail is a loop that takes you to a shared trail with the east trail to a summit overlook. On the way back, we took the other half of the loop and it was relatively the same. My two kids, age 6 and 8 were able to do this pretty easily although there are some loose rocks. You can either do the switchbacks or take the shortcuts, which are steeper and have those loose rocks I was referring to. The trail is mostly shaded and there are a few bridges The view at the top is good and you can see Lake Allatoona and pretty far out on a clear day. PRO TIP: Bring a hammock to enjoy some time at the top. read more

This hike is a great workout!!! Hiking Pine Mountain was an awesome workout. I died at least 5 times on the way up because while it's a little under one mile one way, the incline is very steep on the trail we took (the blue-ish green colored trail). The scenery leading up to the top isn't very exciting. Tons of erosion so PLEASE only wear hiking boots or hiking tennis shoes to prevent any rocks or branches from falling on you as you walk. Some muddy piles so Chacos would not be ideal for this trail/hike. Once you reach the top the view is a bit limited due to the trees but it's still rewarding to see and take in. One last thing, the entrance is slightly hidden right BEFORE the construction company to the left. So keep a close eye out because the sign isn't very big or noticeable if you're driving fast/inattentively. Enjoy (: read more

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My review is on "West Loop" and David Archer Overlook / summit trails. For East Loop, read Robin S's review. Pine Mountain is 1 - 1 1/2 hours from Atlanta and I've hiked the WL trail several times. West Loop trail has 2 colors / blazes that meet up at the spur to David Archer Overlook. *See my picture of West Loop Trail.* *If you are NOT a hiker, this can be a confusing trail - visit Kennesaw Mountain instead or go with someone who knows this trail." If you are a hiker, this is an easy to moderate trail, 2.3 miles round trip and 666ft elevation gain. Hiking only, dogs on leash, NO facilities and NO trash bins - Pack OUT please! ++ Undeveloped trail! It's entirely canopied with Virginia Pines until you reach the rocky summit (1,562 feet). This short hike provides continuous ascent /descent trail running and hiking. As with most undeveloped parks, this trail has many "off trails" so best to follow the blazes. + Summit, David Archer Overlook, provides good views of Allatoona and surrounding areas - Atlanta metro, Alabama and Tennessee. I've been there when there were only 2 others and other times 20 people. On weekends, you'll see some chilling in hammocks. + Once a month, there's a guided moonlight hike to watch a sunset and beautiful full moon-rise. I've only been on one and an interesting mix of folks showed up for this hike that was very slLlooooOow on the descent / egress. Flashlight is required but headlight is better. + Mostly popular with local Cartersville, NW metro crowd and some ATL hiking enthusiasts. - Some people worthy of Darwin Awards have been seen here. People who slide down on their butt off trail scared out of their dimwit minds, tripping on tree roots wearing flip flops but none were quite as offensive as pulling a dog downhill. + Parking gravel, free and plenty. read more

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A moderate to difficult home, depending on whether or not you take the whole switchback trail or cut through. It's beautiful, especially in November when the fall colors really pop out. The trail is wide enough, most of the time, for two people to walk side by side. I was impressed with the views at the top. And it wasn't too crowded at all. There are about 3 different trails to go up pine mountain and are between 1.5 to 2 miles roundtrip. Parking is really easy, as well as the location of the trailhead. It's a dog friendly trail too. This is the best view of lake Alatoona in the Cartersville area. read more

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Pine Mountain Recreation Area has several trails, including an east loop, a west loop and one that goes off towards Allatoona Dam. I hiked the east loop trail plus the short Pine Mountain summit overlook spur. Almost three miles total. Trail is in good shape, easy footing but not 'over-maintained'. Well marked and has a few mileage/elevation signposts. I like this trail. This is a typical north Georgia hike but with maybe more pine trees. You can a get a good workout with the elevation change. It's comparable to the Kennesaw Mtn/Little Kennesaw Mtn trail loop although that one is a bit longer. Throw in the west loop or other trails here and it goes as long or longer. Pine Mountain overlook is nice. Good views of Allatoona Lake and the Georgia countryside to the west. And of Georgia Power's somewhat notorious Plant Bowen. To get here, take I-75 north from Atlanta and get off at exit 290. Head right (east) on Hwy 20 and then take the first right (almost immediately) on Hwy 20 Spur, which is also County Rd 294N. Small dirt parking lot on the right, just past Bartow Beach road. It isn't marked from the road. The west loop trail has a parking lot too or you can jump on at a couple of other points. Check the website map for those. read more

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Beautiful hike, even in the rain. Nine miles just about did me in but there are enough little spots to rest and the incline is gradual. Could have definitely used poles as leaves are super slippery but trees were beautiful and scenery, with limited view, was still worth the trek! Will go again in the sun! read more

Went with my teenage nieces and my husband. It was a pretty inclined hike for those of us that may not be in the best of shape, but not impossible. Once we made it to the top, the view was well worth it. read more

Spectacular views, quieter trails compared to better known hike spots (e.g. Kennesaw Mountain). It was a literal breath of fresh air! read more

Pine Mountain - Parks Near Me - Cartersville, Georgia