Allatoona Pass Battlefield

Take a hike through history on the easy 1.7-mile Allatoona Pass Trail located near Cartersville, Georgia and on the western shores of Lake Allatoona.

Just an hour north of Atlanta and a stone’s throw from Red Top Mountain State Park, Allatoona Pass Trail offers a relaxed adventure perfect for families. The easy terrain and numerous historical markers make it ideal for a casual hike, whether you’re a history buff or simply want to stretch your legs and soak up some local heritage. Much of the historic site remains virtually untouched, offering a glimpse into the Civil War era. Allatoona Pass Battlefield is a Georgia State Historic Site. This well-maintained site is managed by Red Top Mountain State Park of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Historic Sites Division. 

Take a hike through history on the easy 1.7-mile Allatoona Pass Trail located near Cartersville, Georgia and on the western shores of Lake Allatoona. Perfect for a family outing or a solo escape, this popular out-and-back trail takes about 45 -60  minutes to complete. While you might encounter fellow hikers, the trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in the past. Enjoy the fresh air between February and July, the prime time to visit, and bring your furry friend along – just keep them on a leash!

While hiking along the trail, you’ll encounter numerous types of plants, trees, and fauna. Christmas ferns grow almost everywhere along the trail. There are vernal ponds on one side of the trail, and the lake shore is on the other. Off the main trail is a quarter-mile path that begins with a steep staircase and leads to the Star Fort. The main trail is on a railroad bed, which is the original route of the Western and Atlantic railroad.

Allatoona Pass is a historically significant location due to its role in two major incidents during the American Civil War.

Steeped in Civil War history, Allatoona Pass witnessed two pivotal events. In 1862, it saw the daring raid by Andrews’ raiders aboard the “General” locomotive, immortalized as the Great Locomotive Chase. Then, on October 5, 1864, following Atlanta’s fall, a brutal battle erupted here – one of the war’s bloodiest. Over 30% of the 5,000 engaged soldiers became casualties. Today, the preserved earthworks, trenches, interpretive panels, and soldier monuments stand as silent testaments to this fight.

Just beyond the trailhead is the Memorial Field. This fascinating memorial is dedicated to those who fought in the battle of Allatoona Pass. The field has eleven carved stone memorial markers that represent the regiments, batteries, and battalions from both the United States Army and the Confederate States Army. A large sign at the field reads as follows:

This battlefield, along with its memorial ground, is dedicated to the Union and Confederate forces that fought here on October 5, 1864. During the battle, units representing five Union states and six Confederate states were present. Most of the Confederate dead from this battle lie in unmarked graves as do many of the Union fallen, now buried at the Marietta National Cemetery.

More photos and resources about the Memorial Field and the battle that took place are available here.

Step back in time at Allatoona Pass Battlefield. A historic antebellum plantation house and the grave of an unknown hero add further depth to the experience. Open year-round, Allatoona Pass Battlefield welcomes visitors to explore its rich history. Free parking is available and there is no charge for admission. After our hike, we returned to Red Top Brewhouse in nearby Acworth for a cold brew!

To get to the Allatoona Pass Trail, take Exit 283 (Emerson Allatoona Road) off of I-75 towards the East and follow the signs:

Allatoona Pass Battlefield
Old Allatoona Rd.
Cartersville GA 30120
gastateparks.org/AllatoonaPassBattlefield

GPS Coordinates: N 34.113578 | W -84.714792