If you're looking for a shorter version of the Vineyard Mountain Eagle Scout Trails but still want a challenge, this steep double loop is for you. Starting at the northern trailhead in Riverside Day Use Area along the Etowah River, this challenging short hike is a great winter option, but makes for a good workout anytime of the year.

Riverside Day Use Area has more than trails. Disc golf, soccer goals, pavilions, and playground all along the river make this a great family destination. For this hike, park in the last lot along the road. Laminated maps are available at the trail info board.

From the trailhead, the Yellow and Blue trails split almost immediately. I hiked this counter-clockwise along the Yellow Trail first, but taking either is fine. They reconnect at a blue-blazed bench. The Blue Trail is a bit steeper, but neither are difficult compared to the Red Trail, so if you're having trouble at this point you may want to skip it.

At the blue-blazed bench, continue on the Yellow Trail a few steps to the Red Trail on the right. It reconnects with the Yellow at a small communication tower a quarter-mile further. The Red Trail is quite steep, heading up the the large communication tower at the summit of Vineyard Mountain at a rate of 1500 ft/mile. And there's not a whole lot of reason to hike it other than to get the exercise. A few views through the trees in winter and that's it.

Walk along the fence at the top, turning left at the end to head back downhill just as steeply as you hiked up. Intersecting back with the Yellow Trail at the smaller comm tower, turn right on the Yellow for a few feet to the other side of the tower and look for a side trail near the fence to a view of Allatoona Dam. Turn around and take the Yellow Trail back to the intersection with the Red and Blue, continuing back to the trailhead. If you want to explore the full Yellow Trail, I suggest starting from the Bethany Bridge trailhead for the entire Vineyard Mountain Eagle Scouts Trail System.