Pine Log Creek Trail System
Pine Log Creek Trail is kind of shaped like a sideways figure 8 or two lollipop trails situated next to each other.
In late March 2025, Jesse and I drove to Rydal, Georgia which is located in northeast Bartow county. This trail system is a part of Bartow Parks and Recreation. This trail head is located in a rural area. Pine Log Creek Trail is kind of shaped like a sideways figure 8 or two lollipop trails situated next to each other.
Of course, the first thing we did after parking our car was take a picture of the trail map. Definitely do this upon arrival! This map is color coded by difficulty (if only more maps were like this!). We tried to stay on the green route (easy) as much as possible. However, once we got to the second smaller loop, we got turned around, and I am not sure if we really stayed on the easier trail option. Honestly, we probably did, we are just out of shape ha-ha!
Anyways, starting down the trail, you walk through the woods and into an area that looks like it used to be wetlands. I’m not really sure if it was, but it was an interesting change of scenery to walk through in the woods. After this area, you come up to a creek and a bridge. Spend some time exploring the creek – we saw some cool bugs and rocks in this area.
As you keep hiking, the trail gains elevation. Before we went on this hike, we read that this trail has some elevation gain. Luckily, there aren’t many spots on the trail that are completely straight up. This trail is also located in the ridge and valley region of Georgia, and so at some of these higher points you are able to see the surrounding mountainous ridges of the area.
What sets this trail apart from other hikes in northwest Georgia? Two things: an old quarry pond and the wildflowers!
First, at the very far end of both loops is an old quarry that has been converted into a pond. We hiked 2.65 miles to get to this point. This is the major point of interest on this trail. This small pond seems out of place in the woods. When we went, the water was clear and emerald green. Redbud trees were blooming all around the pond’s edge, providing a picturesque contrast of green and purple. This is a great spot for a mid-hike picnic as well – there’s even a picnic table located here. If you don’t mind doing the entire round trip of approximately 5 miles, then don’t skip out on the pond!
The second-best part of the hike was the wildflowers. Late March is a perfect time to spot woodland wildflowers. I love finding plants, especially wildflowers, on hikes. On the trail, I found blue phlox, wake robins, trillium, and violets, just to name a few. If you enjoy wildflower hikes, then I recommend coming here during the springtime.
Overall, we enjoyed this hike. The quarry pond was pretty, the trail met up a few times with a creek, there were tons of wildflowers, and the trail was moderately challenging. On this 5-mile hike, there was an 830-foot elevation gain! That’s higher than Lavender Mountain. The elevation gain is surprising because there aren’t that many sections of the trail that are straight uphill. When you are done with this hike though, you will definitely feel like you earned a cold beer!
After hiking Pine Log Creek, we wanted to go to a brewery that was in the direction of our house. We chose the Drowned Valley Outpost (28 miles away). Drowned Valley Brewing Company is a brewery located in downtown Cartersville and is very well known in northwest Georgia. Drowned Valley opened a satellite location in October 2024 in Euharlee.
Tips for your trip to Pine Log Creek Trail:
- Take a picture of the map at the Pine Log Creek Trailhead. Service is spotty in this area and having the map on hand is very helpful.
- If you hike all the way to the quarry pond, make sure you are ready to go on a hike that is at least 5 miles.
Pine Log Creek Trail Information
- Address: 4031 Hwy 140, Rydal, GA 30171 (Google Map)
