Pine Log Creek Trail System Bartow County Parks and Recreation, GA
miles
LENGTH 4.7 MILES
DIFFICULTY 5.9 Easy
Medium
DURATION 2-3 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
880
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Trail
System
Pine Log Creek Trail System

A hidden treasure, the Pine Log Creek Trail provides almost 5 miles of beautiful trails along scenic creeks and a few winter views as well as the remote CCC Quarry Pond. These trails are never boring and provide enough challenge to keep them interesting. Bring the dog and the family.

The parking lot is large as the trail is popular on weekends but still on most days doesn't completely fill up. The hike begins at the start of the lot at the two information signs. No restrooms are available. The trail system is made up of two loops joined by a short connector trail and accessed from the trailhead by a half-mile approach trail to the West Loop. The elevation map is based on taking both loops clockwise.

Head out along the yellow-blazed approach trail. These mile-marker blazes are few but the old blue painted blazes are still present on the trees. There are several short bridges but the longest one is right at the beginning as you cross over Pine Log Creek with side trails that beg you to explore.

The first intersection is with the West Loop. Continue straight or turn right crossing the bridge. On the other side of the bridge you'll see the trail split again to the right and left. Either direction here is fine as they reconnect shortly afterward. Going right is the easier route. Going around the loop clockwise will take you up the steepest section first and provide some winter views, but not much view in summer. The only other intersection along the West Loop is with the connector to the East Loop, marked by a sign.

The East Loop quickly splits from the connector trail without any sign. With more rolling elevation changes, this loop provides it's own challenge but nothing as long as the north half of the West Loop. The only other intersection is with the CCC Quarry Pond trail. This intersection used to have a sign but no longer does. When you get to the intersection, the trail leading downhill and across a short bridge will take you to the pond.

Surrounded by steep hills, the CCC Quarry pond feels very remote. The pond is teaming with fish. Continue along the trail as it heads around the pond. The trail becomes more rugged and overgrown as it leads around to the large triangular rock that juts out over the water. This can be challenging to climb up on but the rock is rough and provides good grip. You'll have to go over a ledge but on the left side there is a smaller ledge that makes a perfect foothold to easily get over and back up. Always be careful when climbing rocks and take extra caution or avoid when wet.

When you're ready to head back, continue around the East Loop back to the short connector then around the other half of the West Loop back to the first intersection. Return along the Approach Trail back to the trailhead.

Read More

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
1 mi
95 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.7 mi
247 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.5 mi
314 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.1 mi
110 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.1 mi
152 ft
Elevation Loss
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Loss
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.8 mi
124 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.6 mi
233 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.5 mi
309 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.2 mi
179 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
297 ft
75 ft
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length4.7 miles
difficulty5.9 Easy-Medium
duration2 - 3 hours
trail typeTrail System
blazeBlue (old blazes), Yellow (Approach Trail), Red (West Loop), Blue (East Loop)
elevation gain880 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestBartow County Parks and Recreation
visitor infoParks and Recreation Department
31 Beavers Drive
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5149
hoursDaylight - Dusk
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.348414, -84.664818 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°20.9, W 84°39.89 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°20'54'', N 34°20'54'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.348414, -84.664818 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°20.9, W 84°39.89 most GPS units use this one
N 34°20'54'', N 34°20'54'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
Look for the sign to turn. If using Google Maps it may tell you to turn incorrectly on a mapped road nearby.
Parking Capacity
40+ vehicles.
Notes
Bring your fishing pole.
Climbing on rocks and boulders present a certain level of skill and common sense. Watch children closely.
Rocks under the water are not always visible if jumping in the water.
Nearby Hikes
Similar Hikes
Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (3)
hikethesouth-3 years ago
Updated Review
Still a great trail that's not too crowded. The approach trail is where you'll pass most other people, but much of the rest of the hike people will be few and far between. A few of the signs are no longer at some intersections, but it's still not too hard to navigate if you know the layout ahead of time. Well maintained trails. A few steep hills to get you're blood flowing but overall not too difficult. I saw lots of fish in the quarry pond.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Summer 2020
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Quiet and Beautiful
Beautiful trails especially in Spring. There some challenges but nothing too major. Babbling streams. Picturesque quarry pond. If you live in north Atlanta, don't miss this one.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Spring 2013
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