Learn a bit of history, then check out views of Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River as you explore the Cooper's Furnace trail system. A great option for families with smaller children or those who enjoy reading the many info signs along the way.
I'm not going to give step by step navigation as this is a trail system so choose your own adventure. The elevation and slope data is based on beginning at Cooper's Furnace, taking the Cooper's Furnace Trail loop along the river then back to the main trail north to the Laurel Ridge Trail to loop back to the gravel road, visiting the dam overlook before returning to the trailhead.
The main trailhead is at Cooper's Furnace Day Use area. The larger gravel road behind the metal gate marks the main trail but a connector trail behind the furnace heads up to the furnace overlook. You can also park at the trailhead along GA-20 Spur or at the Management Office. There's another trailhead along the road to the office but you just have to park on the side of the road.
The green-blazed Cooper's Furnace Trail follows the gravel road before splitting to the left to make a loop along the Etowah River. Here side trails take you to the furnace overlook. Back at the gravel road, the trail splits at a beaver pond with the gravel road turning right. The green-blazed trail continues straight. At the north side of the park, the trail connects with the Laurel Ridge Trail and Pine Mountain connector trail before ending at the GA-20 Spur trailhead.
The red-blazed Laurel Ridge Trail is more rugged than the others. A couple of "overlooks" line the trail as well as a lengthy bridge before connecting back to the gravel road. Taking the road uphill, the gravel turns to asphalt as you pass the Management Office. Follow the signs for the overlook of Allatoona Dam. The yellow-blazed Chestnut Trail branches off from here, but just really connects to another parking lot lower down the hill. The gravel road connects back to the Cooper's Furnace Trail at the beaver pond. You can explore this whole system in a couple hours, longer if you enjoy reading the numerous info signs along the way.