Pine Mountain West Loop Pine Mountain Recreation Area, GA
miles
LENGTH 2.2 MILES
DIFFICULTY 4.7 Easy
DURATION 1-2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
690
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Lollipop
Loop
Pine Mountain West Loop

Climb to an expansive 180-degree view along the Pine Mountain West Loop trail in Cartersville, GA. With views from Lake Allatoona to Plant Bowen, at less than 30 miles outside of Atlanta, this is a worthy short trail for those that like a little challenge as well.

Although the parking lot is fairly large, it's still small for the popularity of this hike, so get there early. The trail leaves the parking lot, passing an unmarked side trail on the left behind a large rock. Cross over a small bridge before arriving at the intersection making up the West Loop.

To the right you'll follow red blazes (officially orange) and to the left blue (officially seafoam green...uhh). Whichever direction you take, the trail begins to climb, switchbacking up the steep hillside. The trail is well maintained, but the 600 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile can wear you out quickly if not in good shape.

Reaching the top of the loop, follow the signs and continue to hike along the connector trail that joins with the East Loop and the .15 mile rock-lined spur trail to the summit. Your hard work will be rewarded with 180-degree views to the south covering Lake Allatoona, the surrounding hills, Cartersville, and Plant Bowen, a coal-fired power plant 7 miles to the west.

From here, you can head back the way you came, descending down the opposite side of the loop or you could continue hiking the East Loop to make this a 4.7 mile double loop.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length2.2 miles
difficulty4.7 Easy
duration1 - 2 hours
features Dog Friendly  Summit  Views 
trail typeLollipop Loop
blazeBlue (north side), Red (south side)
elevation gain690 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestPine Mountain Recreation Area
City of Cartersville Parks And Recreation
ranger districtParks and Recreation Department
100 Pine Grove Road
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5626
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.17524, -84.753626 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°10.51, W 84°45.22 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°10'31'', N 34°10'31'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.17524, -84.753626 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°10.51, W 84°45.22 most GPS units use this one
N 34°10'31'', N 34°10'31'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
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Parking Capacity
60-70 vehicles, depending on how bad people park.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
4 (1)
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Most Popular PIne Mountain Trail
This loop is the most popular way to summit Pine Mountain. Although it can be a little crowded, it is still a worthy and rewarding hike with great views to the south from the summit. Make it longer by adding the East Loop for more challenge.
Easy | Hiked Spring 2013
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