Sweet Gum Lodge Trail – Red Top Mountain, Georgia

Length: 3.5 mile loop

Difficulty: Easy to Very Easy – Follow the Red Blaze

The Sweetgum Lodge Loop Trail is a trail that begins at the parking lot near the Red Top Mountain Visitor’s Center, and continues in a loop from the Visitor’s Center to the Red Top Mountain Lodge, camping area, and back to the Visitor’s Center.

The trail takes hikers through the forest of Red Top Mountain with minimal elevation changes. The hike is an extremely easy, but pleasant hike for those short on time, but wanting to take a brisk walk through the woods.The hike also provides a brief walk near the shores of Allatoona Lake, although, its current level of water is somewhat low due to the Georgia drought.

Notes:

There may be some confusion in the area where the trail reaches the lodge. The trail DOES NOT continue to right (that is Lakeside Trail). The trail continues on the other side of the Lodge parking lot.

Cross this parking lot, trail continues on other side

After the parking lot, follow the sign back into the trail, but be sure to notice where the white tail diverges to the right, and the Sweet Gum Continues to the left and then crosses over lodge road. This turn is marked by a double red blaze.

Double Red Blaze where White Tail and Sweet Gum Diverge

Nearby Trails:

Homestead Trail – 5.5 mile loop

Visitor’s Center Loop Trail – 0.75 mile Loop

Iron Hill Bike Trail – 3.9 mile loop

Lake Trail – 0.75 Mile loop

Directions to Red Top Mountain State Park

From Atlanta:

1. Take I-75 North past Allatoona Lake to exit # 285

2. Turn Right and follow the signs into the Park. The visitors center and parking lot is on the main entrance road.