Just an hour north of Atlanta and a short drive from neighboring Red Top Mountain State Park, the Allatoona Pass trail offers several easy miles of history and nature. A small network of trails and tons of historical markers make this a great quick getaway for a family hike and a boon for history buffs who want to stretch their legs.

From the end of the small parking lot, your eyes will be drawn to the impressive 175 foot deep cut into the mountain side of Allatoona Pass. Immediately to your right before the pass will be Memorial field, recognizing both the Union and Confederate troops that fought at the Battle of Allatoona Pass on October 5th, 1864. This side trail continues up the hill along the old Tennessee Wagon route and will intersect with other trails in the park. Continue on through the pass, enjoying the shade and cooler air in between the moss strewn rock walls while walking along the original route of the Western and Atlantic railroad.

At the opposite end of the pass are side trails on either side. Head up the steps on the left to visit the site of Star Fort along a quarter mile trail. This is the steepest section of the park, but still is very manageable. Once you have returned to the main trail, hike up the trail to the right starting at the small footbridge. Travelling past several information markers, this trail crosses the Tennessee Wagon route that terminates at Memorial Field. Continue straight through this four way intersection to visit the Eastern Redoubt. This trail eventually loops back around at the Crow’s Nest, a signal platform atop a 60 foot pine tree. During the battle, information was sent from here to General Sherman by way of a signal station on Kennesaw Mountain 18 miles away.

Explore this area and the many information signs before retracing your steps back to the pass. Continue along the wide, flat trail until it ends at a gate in another .7 miles. Along here will be the Grave of an Unknown Hero on the left as well as several views of Lake Allatoona on the right. If you want to get a little more mileage and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the lake, from the parking lot, continue along the top of the hill toward the marina. This will add just under a mile and is a great way to end this enjoyable park.