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Iron Hill Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 120 Google reviews · Running trail in Cartersville, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Iron Hill Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy loop trail around a lake that's popular for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
What runners say about Iron Hill Trail Head
“Easy trail, well kept, marked well, ample parking, $5 fee can be paid in cash to leave in envelope or pay online and hang provided parking decal on rear view mirror.”
“I started the trail a little before 7pm, by the time we reached the water view bridge, the sun was setting and it was a gorgeous view.”
“The map gets confusing at some stations but everything is well marked so it’s easy to stay on the path or get back to it.”
“Easy trail, well kept, marked well, ample parking, $5 fee can be paid in cash to leave in envelope or pay online and hang provided parking decal on rear view mirror.”
Not a huge amount of change in elevation throughout the main trail. Lots of little side trails that go down to the water where it can be nice to dip your feet. Several loud boats around though. Still plenty of wildlife to be seen! Perfect for beginners, and very scenic.
Really nice, well-kept park. Entry is $5/car. The trail was very easy, basically flat and the terrain was even. Well marked all the way through. The level of the lake was very low for some reason so it looked weird—I’d go back sometime to see it when the levels are normal.
This is the only trail at Red Top that allows bikes and connects to one of the camp grounds. Beautiful views of the lake.
Wow. I love this trail. It is so beautiful. The trail is a 3.4 flat loop with a handful of gentle slopes located at Red Top Mountain State Park (parking fee required.) The wide, dirt path circles around a part of Lake Allatoona. I walked the trail at a little past dawn on a weekday morning in mid July.
Trail conditions & character
“Fabulous hike (blue trail) mainly shaded with grand views of the lake and many opportunities for lake access for the dog!”
“Easy trail, well kept, marked well, ample parking, $5 fee can be paid in cash to leave in envelope or pay online and hang provided parking decal on rear view mirror.”
“4 flat loop with a handful of gentle slopes located at Red Top Mountain State Park (parking fee required.”
“4 flat loop with a handful of gentle slopes located at Red Top Mountain State Park (parking fee required.”
“It does get quite muddy in certain areas after a rain, but it’s easy to get around.”
“Iron Hill Trail at Red Top Mountain is an easy, loop trail following the lake for most of the trail.”
“Fabulous hike (blue trail) mainly shaded with grand views of the lake and many opportunities for lake access for the dog!”
“Kids friendly and stroller friendly (need hiking stroller).”
“The map gets confusing at some stations but everything is well marked so it’s easy to stay on the path or get back to it.”
Plan your run at Iron Hill Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–7:30 pm |
Running trails near Cartersville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Red Top Mountain State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,446 reviews
Wooded peninsula surrounded by Lake Allatoona features water sports, trails, campsites & cottages.
Allatoona Pass Battlefield
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Battle site with a walking trail, picnicking, and fishing.
Vineyard Mountain trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 413 reviews
Serene, tree-shaded option with historical markers, hiking trails & covered picnic spots.
Riverside Day Use Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 236 reviews
Charming park abutting a 164-mile waterway featuring a playground, walking trails & boating access.