It has been some time since my last post. With a new business starting (shameless plug - see www.biztechstore.com), bad weather, and repeat hikes, I have not really taken the time. Today, with good weather forecast (which sadly did not materialize until I was just about done), and a new trail to try, I was off.
The trail I selected was the Vineyard Mountain Trail, and Eagle Scout-maintained trail on the South side of the Etowah river outside of Cartersville. The trail began with a moderate climb. Although I was alone in the middle of the woods, I was close enough to I-75 to hear significant traffic noise. Civilization would continue to encroach for the balance of the hike.
Not long after I started, I detoured to the red-blazed trail. I discovered in the process that scouts have a strange sense of humor. On this trail, they did not bother with switchbacks or other conveniences. It just went straight up the mountain. I had finally gotten away from the traffic noise, but when I hit the top, I discovered a large cell phone tower instead of a view.
I resumed the yellow trail, but went off the trail as I approached the river to discover a great view of the Allatoona Dam. I had been driving over Lake Allatoona for years, but never even had an idea where the dam was. The trail eventually led to a disused road which I followed toward the dam. It seems that this dam was open to the public years ago, because the road ended at a very old concrete parking lot. I was able to hike around it to get a better view of the dam. As I approached the dam, I caught a glimpse of the Blue Heron that has alluded me during many a hike. I was able to get a shot of him using the maximum zoom on my camera, but as I moved quietly closer, he heard me and flew off. He would continue to haunt me for the balance of the hike.
I backtracked, and followed the road the opposite direction. I short detour took my to a rocky beach along the lake. It was not much different than being at the beach. The water was lapping the short, and there were numerous shells among the rocks (I assume from fresh water muscles).
The trail continued to parallel the shoreline of the lake, going up and down numerous ridges until my legs felt like they were going to fall off. I passed through one area with million dollar houses being built up on the ridge.
The trail ended at an alternate parking lot at the entrance to Red Top Mountain State Park. I took a break and walked out onto a point in the middle of the lake, and then began the long trip back.
