Back on August 13, 2010 I had some down time so I set out to hike up two adjacent trails located along the Allatoona lakeshore, and the Etowah River. The trails are Laurel Ridge & Cooper's Furnace Trails.
I started my journey at the Cooper's Furnace Trailhead right off H
wy 20 Spur. This is the easiest part of the trail and runs through the forest intersecting Laurel Ridge Trai
l just after the hike begins. On this journey, I continue on Cooper's Furnace Trail for 1 mile until I arrive at the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area. This trail is a great beginner trail for all ages. Small children will need to be closely monitored along the railing and the incline down to the lower part of the trail. There is quite a drop-off overlooking a deep gully and rock wall. Along this railing, the trail gradually slopes downward and will switchback sharply to the left. Monitor small children here as well, and be sure to keep your footing. At the bottom of this switchback, there is some trail signage and a small bridge that goes over a stream. From here on out, the trail is very gently and runs for .5 miles to Cooper's Furnace. This trail will follow along side the stream and even crosses over another. As you continue to hike, the trail will pass a pond to the right. Take advantage of the bench and enjoy the ducks, fish and turtles that inhabit this wetland. You will also note that the trail is intersecting a gravel road. This road is used to by the US Army Corps. of Engineers to access the bottom and tops of Allatoona Dam. As you begin your hike again, stay straight as the road is the trail. The trail will continue to follow alongside the stream and goes straight to the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area.
Once at the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area, take a look to the right to observe the old Cooper's Furnace. If you need a break, there is a restroom and water fountain on the Right at the end of the grassy field. If you walk across the day use area, there are access steps and trails to the Etowah River. Please pay attention to the signage about Water Releases. Just about every weekday, the Corps. will release water from Allatoona Dam. When they do this, the water below the dam is subject to rapid rise, turbulent flows and it is dangerous. In this particular area, the water can rise over six feet in a short time.
After exploring Cooper's Furnace, hop back on the trail but this time, take the road all the way up. Just before the top you will intersect the Laurel Ridge Trailhead on the left, take this route. This trail will take you back into the forest but is very close to the Visitor Center and to the 20 Spur roadway. As the trail travels along the side of the mountain, you will see several vistas of the Etowah River Valley. The trail will cross a high bridge where small children should be monitored closely. After the bridge its back uphill a bit to an observation platform on the right. Take a moment to relax! After the break, its back on the trail and onto the next observation platform. As the trail begins to decline again, look to the right for an observation platform. This one is a bit tricky as the steps are steep and rock. This observation deck is very high and right on the side of the deep gully you passed on the first trail, only higher up. Be sure to monitor small children closely. Enjoy this view and take some pics! As you jump back on the trail its a short hike back to the Cooper's Furnace trail, and then right back up to the trailhead.
Trail Specs:
Time to complete both trails: 2.0Hours (beginner)
How to access the trails:
The trailheads can be accessed from three locations. Two of these locations are right off the Highway 20 Spur (take Interstate 75 North to the Hwy 20 Exit and make a Right, followed by another immediate right onto Hwy 20 Spur). Follow Hwy 20 Spur to the second trailhead on the Right, this is the Cooper's Furnace trailhead. The second trailhead is located at the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area.
