Pine Mountain Loop
Cartersville, Georgia
Details
Distance
2.11 miles
Elevation Gain
597 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Nick Tort
Pine Mountain Loop is a great workout and takes in stunning views of Allatoona Lake from the summit of Pine Mountain.
The Pine Mountain Trail winds and climbs its way to awesome summit views, along massive granite outcrops and serene forest. Hike over wooden bridges, across sparkling streams, past misty waterfalls & rock outcroppings, varied forest, scenic overlooks, & leaping deer. This local gem is tucked away near Cartersville (under 40 miles from midtown Atlanta).
Take the West Spur Trail out of the Pine Mountain Trail west trailhead, then turn right onto West Loop Trail at 0.2 mile. You will climb up a series of switchbacks before turning right onto East Pass Trail at one mile, followed by another right onto Summit Overlook Trail.
Enjoy views of Allatoona Lake and Atlanta from the summit. Pack a lunch and have a picnic or find some trees to sling a hammock – this trail is rated as one of the top place sin GA to enjoy from the sweet saddle of a hammock.
When you're ready to descend, stay on Summit Overlook Trail, then turn right onto East Pass Trail, which will lead you to another lookout point along the way. At 1.45 miles, turn right onto East Loop Trail, taking you across Cooper Branch Creek. You will gain some elevation again, providing more views of the lake, then intersect with East Pass Trail. Turn right here, and continue on to West Loop Trail, where you take another right. Finally, at 4.35 miles you will turn right onto West Spur Trail to return to the trailhead.
Many locals use this area for trail running, family outings and dog-walking.
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Pine Mountain Loop Reviews
This a great hike, and if you’re into climbing there are a few pretty fun boulders, nothing too crazy though
5.0
Great view of Kennesaw mountain and on a clear day, Stone Mountain
5.0
This trail is all about the view. It's a winding uphill hike and you earn every bit of the view by the time you reach the top.
5.0
If you are looking for a great trail with some elevation gain that is not too far from Atlanta, this is it. This trail is a good distance and has enough climb to make it a good workout, but is still short enough that you can pretty much do it on a whim in 1-2hrs. However, my GPS measured the hike at 2.85 miles and the map at the trailhead has the trail at about 2.5 miles. I calculated these distances only from the trailhead to the David Archer Summit Overlook, along the West Loop. With that said, I am not sure what the exact distance is, but it might be shorter than suggested here. The forest leading up to the overlook is very scenic. My only drawback from this part of the hike is that you can still hear the traffic noise from 75 until you get pretty deep into the trail. I am sure that is dependent on wind direction though. There are a good number of switchbacks that comprise a good climb up the forest. The trail is fairly well marked, but just follow the teal blazes on the way up to the overlook, and then the red blazes on the way down.
4.0
Definitely pace yourself because this hike can see pretty steep for beginner hikers, but otherwise it can be a quick hike with a wonderful view!
4.0
The hike from the parking lot was a steady uphill climb that wasn't too strenuous with good places to pause for a picture. The path was wide enough for 2-3 people. The view at the top was amazing and well worth the climb! It's a nice loop and perfect for an afternoon workout
5.0
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Nearby
Hike and Swim at Red Top Mountain
Camp at Red Top Mountain State Park
Etowah Indian Mounds Interpretive and River Walk Trails
Paddle the Lower Etowah (Euharlee Road to 411)
Rope Mill Loop
Kayak to Lake Allatoona Waterfall
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