About COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA)
Overview Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. This Day Use Area is downstream of the dam which impounds Allatoona Lake. The river and peaceful surroundings offer a relaxing getaway from the nearby city of Atlanta, just 35 miles south. Visitors enjoy various water sports, hiking, hunting and viewing wildlife.Recreation Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities along the Etowah River.Facilities Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area has two open shelters which both have a seating capacity of 60 people maximum. Shelter B is the first one on the right when entering the park. Shelter A is the second shelter on the right when entering the park. A restroom is within walking distance from both shelters. A horseshoe pit and volleyball court are adjacent to both shelters. A playground is located between the two shelters. Horseshoes and volleyball can be loaned out by the onsite Park Hosts. An iron furnace from the 1800s is also within the park. In addition, a system of hiking trails can be accessed from the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area.Natural Features The rolling hills around Allatoona Lake are thickly forested with lush oak, maple, blackgum, dogwood, magnolia, hickory and the occasional pine tree. Ferns and honeysuckle bushes make up the understory. The dense hardwood forests are home to raccoons, opossum, bobcats, red and gray fox, white tail deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. From time to time, visitors even spot black bears roaming the area. Nearby Attractions The City of Cartersville is nearby, offering the Tellus Science Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, and Booth Western Art Museum. The City of Emerson is home to the Lakepoint Sports Complex. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is located in Kennesaw; White Water Park is in Marietta, and the Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta.Charges & Cancellations Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation
How to Get There
From I-75 take Exit 285 (Red Top Mountain Road). Northbound traffic turn left / Southbound traffic turn right onto Red Top Mountain Road. Turn right at the first traffic light onto the connector which will come to Hwy 41. Turn right onto Hwy 41. Travel 2 miles crossing over the Etowah River and turn right immediately after crossing over the bridge. Road will curve to right and come to stop sign. Turn left onto Old River Road and travel for 2.5 miles to park entrance. Physical address: Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area, 1052 Old River Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30121
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA)
Heading to COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA)?
No central reservation system listed for COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251866) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA)?
From I-75 take Exit 285 (Red Top Mountain Road). Northbound traffic turn left / Southbound traffic turn right onto Red Top Mountain Road. Turn right at the first traffic light onto the connector which will come to Hwy 41. Turn right onto Hwy 41. Travel 2 miles crossing over the Etowah River and turn right immediately after crossing over the bridge. Road will curve to right and come to stop sign. T…
How do I contact COOPER'S FURNACE DAY USE AREA (GA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 678-721-6700.
References & Official Resources
