Enjoy a shorter version of the Red Top Mountain Homestead Trail by starting at the Visitor Center and hiking around just the loop. Hike around this twisty loop for a view of Allatoona Lake along wide, well maintained trails. You can also add the .9-mile White Tail spur trail for even better views of the lake.

The Homestead Trail can be accessed at the Trading Post along Red Top Mountain Road, but limited parking means you may have to begin at the Visitor Center. You can still do the whole trail or make a double loop with the Sweet Gum Trail, but if you want something a little shorter, this hike may be for you.

At the Visitor Center (the top blue marker on the map), begin at the red-blazed Sweet Gum trailhead just to the left of the entrance to the parking lot. Take this quarter-mile trail to the intersection with the Homestead Trail near the road crossing. Along here, you can also add the White Tail Trail that goes out to excellent views of Allatoona Lake and adds less than a mile to your hike. At the intersection, instead of crossing the road, turn right and you'll immediately hit the split in the Homestead Trail to form it's loop.

You can take the trail in either direction but the elevation map below shows hiking clockwise around the loop. While a large section of the trail follows the lake closely, you won't get much view in the summer due to the trees. There is one place with a bench that has a couple areas where you can get out closer to the water for good lake views. Finish the loop then retrace your steps along the Sweet Gum Trail back to the parking lot.