WRITTEN AND PHOTOS BY L I SA MOWRY
Museums,
mountains,
With its prime location halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Cartersville is a charming
small-town city with a few surprises. Yes, there’s a historic town square and Mom-and-Pop businesses, but
would you believe it’s got two Smithsonian museums? The population of Cartersville is only about 20,000
people, yet it thrives in some big-city ways.
Since it’s just o I-75 (about 20 miles from downtown Marietta), Cartersville makes for an easy day trip,
although cabins for rent at Red Top Mountain State Park or a room at Lake Allatoona Inn provide relaxing
places to stay overnight. Many well-known chains have hotels in Cartersville or nearby Emerson, but the
newest one is Tru by Hilton near Red Top Mountain/exit 290.
R E C R E A T I O N
Scenic Red Top Mountain State Park has ways to
enjoy nature that’s for everyone: the Homestead
trail (5.5 mile loop, moderate ability) winds through
wooded hills, while the popular Iron Hill trail (3.9
miles, moderate) oers scenic views of Lake
Allatoona. Check in to the Visitor Center for maps
and restrooms. The nearby Best in Boating
company rents boats for the day to cruise Lake
Allatoona, including wave runners, pontoons and
destination yachts that hold 18 people.
The Etowah Indian Mounds is a fascinating
historic site that shows how Native Americans as
early as 1,000 A.D. prospered in the area. Visitors
can visit earthen mounds and learn how these
people from the Mississippian Culture caught
food, made their own medicine and honored their
priest-chief. A nature trail winds along the Etowah
River.
RIGHT: The natural beauty of Lake Allatoona is a draw for
Georgians everywhere, and oers plenty of opportunities for
hikes and boating. Photo courtesy Cartersville-Bartow CVB/
Robert Hainer
BELOW AND RIGHT: The Etowah
Indian Mounds is a historic
Native American site in
Cartersville.