About COOPER BRANCH No 2 DAY USE AREA (GA)
Overview Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area is situated on Allatoona Lake on a portion of the Etowah River, which is a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer visitors a relaxing getaway from the nearby city of Atlanta, just 35 miles south. Visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including water sports, picnicking, hiking, hunting and viewing wildlife.Recreation Various water sports, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are popular activities on the 11-mile long Allatoona Lake. The 270 miles of shoreline provides great opportunities for picnicking, hiking, hunting and relaxing.Facilities Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area has an open shelter with six picnic tables under the shelter providing a maximum seating capacity of 50 people. There are also electrical outlets inside the shelter. A large covered grill area is located adjacent to the shelter. A horseshoe pit is located 25 feet from the shelter; however, shelter users must provide horseshoes. A restoom is located 75 yards from the shelter.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 spot black bears roaming the area. Nearby Attractions The downtown Catersville's Historic District and Booth Western Art Museum is approximately 8 miles; Etowah Indian Mounds is approximately 10 miles; and Tellus Science Museum and Lakepoint Sport Complex are approximately 11 miles from Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area.Charges & Cancellations Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reserva
How to Get There
From I-75 take Exit 290 (GA Hwy 20 / Canton / Rome). Northbound traffic: right off exit onto GA Hwy 20. Southbound traffic: left off exit onto GA Hwy 20. Travel 0.3 mile and turn right at traffic light (by Wendy's) onto GA Hwy Spur 20. Travel 3.5 miles and the entrance to Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area is on the left. Physical address: Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area, 1101 GA Highway Spur 20, Cartersville, GA 30121
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 BRANCH No 2 DAY USE AREA (GA)
Heading to COOPER BRANCH No 2 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 BRANCH No 2 DAY USE AREA (GA)?
No central reservation system listed for COOPER BRANCH No 2 DAY USE AREA (GA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251870) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COOPER BRANCH No 2 DAY USE AREA (GA)?
From I-75 take Exit 290 (GA Hwy 20 / Canton / Rome). Northbound traffic: right off exit onto GA Hwy 20. Southbound traffic: left off exit onto GA Hwy 20. Travel 0.3 mile and turn right at traffic light (by Wendy's) onto GA Hwy Spur 20. Travel 3.5 miles and the entrance to Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area is on the left. Physical address: Cooper Branch #2 Day Use Area, 1101 GA Highway Spur 20, Carters…
How do I contact COOPER BRANCH No 2 DAY USE AREA (GA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 678-721-6700.
References & Official Resources
