There are many ways you can explore the trails at Red Top Mountain State Park. This loop describes hiking the Sweet Gum Trail, the southern half of the Homestead Trail and taking the White Tail Trail out to views of Allatoona Lake. An easy 3-mile hike great for kids and dogs.

The red-blazed Sweet Gum Trail is mostly a connecting trail, joining with the Homestead Trail twice, crossing through the Visitor Center parking lot and stretching to the Trading Post. This page will describe beginning at the Trading Post, heading up to the Visitor Center, taking the White Tail trail, and looping back down the Homestead Trail. You can park at either location but the Visitor Center has significantly more parking. Both have restrooms and maps available.

From the Trading Post, look for the trailhead in the corner of the parking lot near the tennis court. Follow the red-blazed Sweet Gum Trail north, connecting with the yellow-blazed Homestead Trail for a short while before leaving and coming to a split. Left reconnects with the Homestead and right heads up to the Visitor Center so hang right.

Walk through the Visitor Center parking lot to the continuation of the Sweet Gum trail on the other side. Almost immediately the white-blazed White Tail Trail branches off to the right. Follow this for less than half a mile for some excellent views of Allatoona Lake. Backtrack to the Sweet Gum Trail and continue to the next intersection with the Homestead Trail next to the road crossing.

Certainly if you want to make a larger loop you could continue north and add the 3.3 mile Homestead Loop but for this route, turn left, crossing the road. You can just continue to follow the red blazes, but you've hiked all but a short section already so to keep it fresh, follow the yellow blazes at the next few intersections to end in front of the Trading Post, completing your hike.