Red Top Mountain State Park
Red Top Mountain State Park is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks—a scenic peninsula jutting into the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona just 30 minutes north of Atlanta. Named for the rich red soil from historic iron ore mining, this lakeside retreat offers a sandy swim beach, over 15 miles of trails, diverse camping, and fascinating Civil War history.
Whether you’re swimming at the beach, fishing the lake, hiking the Iron Hill Trail, or exploring Civil War earthworks, Red Top Mountain delivers an epic outdoor experience right at Atlanta’s doorstep.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Cartersville, Georgia (30min from Atlanta) |
| 🌊 Lake | 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 15+ miles |
| ⛺ Campsites | 142+ sites |
| 🏠 Cottages | 18-20 rentals |
| 📞 Phone | (770) 975-0055 |
Lake Allatoona
The park sits on a peninsula in the massive 12,000-acre lake!
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Swimming | Sandy beach in protected cove (seasonal) |
| ⛵ Boating | Bring your own or rent from nearby marinas |
| 🎿 Water Skiing | Permitted on the lake |
| 🎣 Fishing | Bass, catfish, crappie, stripers |
| 🛶 Kayaking/Canoeing | Explore lake coves |
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🚴 Iron Hill Trail | 4 mi | Gravel-topped, hikers & bikers, lake views |
| ♿ Homestead Trail | Short | Paved, ADA-accessible, 1860s homestead |
| 🥾 Lakeside Trail | Varies | Scenic lake shoreline views |
| 📏 Total Trails | 15+ mi | Hiking, biking, nature walks |
Camping & Lodging
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Tent/RV Sites | 90 sites (electric available) |
| 🚶 Walk-In Sites | 52 sites |
| 🏕️ Pioneer Camp | Rustic group camping |
| 🏠 Cottages | 18-20 rentals (some dog-friendly!) |
| 🛖 Yurts | Lakeside glamping |
History: Why “Red Top”?
The park’s name comes from the rich red color of the soil—evidence of high iron ore content that made this area an important mining region in the 19th century.
- ⛏️ Historic iron mining operations
- 🔥 “Iron Pour” programs demonstrate heritage
- 🏛️ 1860s homestead (reconstructed, accessible trail)
Allatoona Pass Civil War Battlefield
The park encompasses the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a significant site from the 1864 Atlanta Campaign!
- ⚔️ Scene of fierce Civil War battle
- 🏛️ Well-preserved trenches and earthworks
- 📜 Part of Sherman’s March to the Sea history
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Red Top Mountain SP — 1,776 acres on Allatoona Lake (12,010 acres) — named for the iron-rich red soil. The park’s lake, Piedmont forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass provide fishing. White-tailed deer are abundant.
Nearby Attractions
Cartersville — adjacent. Etowah Indian Mounds SHS — 5 miles west. Booth Western Art Museum — 5 miles west. Kennesaw Mountain NBP — 15 miles south.
Why is it called Red Top Mountain?
The park is named for its rich red soil, caused by high iron ore content. This area was an important iron mining region in the 19th century. The park occasionally hosts “Iron Pour” programs to demonstrate this heritage.
Is there a beach at Red Top Mountain?
Yes! The park has a sandy swimming beach located in a protected cove on Lake Allatoona. It’s open seasonally during warmer months.
Can I bring my own boat?
Yes! You can bring your own boat to Lake Allatoona. The 12,000-acre lake allows motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, and water skiing. Boat rentals are also available from nearby marinas.
Are dogs allowed in the cottages?
Some cottages are dog-friendly! Check availability when booking. The park offers 18-20 rental cottages plus lakeside yurts for glamping.
What Civil War history is at the park?
The park encompasses the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a significant site from Sherman’s 1864 Atlanta Campaign. You can see well-preserved trenches and earthworks from this Civil War battle.
How far is Red Top Mountain from Atlanta?
Red Top Mountain State Park is just 30 minutes north of Atlanta, easily accessible from Interstate 75. It’s one of Georgia’s most popular state parks due to its proximity to the metro area.
⛰️ Atlanta’s Lakeside Escape
Swim at the sandy beach, hike 15+ miles of trails, camp or cottage-stay on beautiful Lake Allatoona—all just 30 minutes from Atlanta!
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Red Top Mountain State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Georgia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
