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Red Top Mountain: State Parks Within 60 Miles of Atlanta
The third park on our list of state parks within 60 miles of Atlanta is Red Top Mountain. This park is about thirty-six miles north of downtown on Lake Allatoona. The 1,776-acre park was established in 1950 to preserve the history of the area and boost Bartow County’s growth and agricultural economy. Named for its rich red soil caused by the high iron content, Red Top Mountain was once a prominent mining area. Ironmaster Jacob Stroup built the Allatoona Iron Furnace on Allatoona Creek in 1844. The furnace had several owners after Stroup’s death in 1846 but continued operation until Union soldiers destroyed it during the Civil War. Red Top…
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Cochran Mill Park Hiking Fail
Early on a Wednesday morning, I decide to start my work early so I can hit up the trails for a late afternoon hike with my pup. Our trip to Cochran Mill Park starts off rocky and ends with disappointment and frustration. Hiroki and I pull into the gravel parking area for the park. I park the car, stuff a few things into my day pack, and step out of the car. After this moment everything goes to shit. I open the backseat passenger door to let Hiroki out but before I could unlatch his seatbelt from his harness, he jumps out of the car. His body jerks back and…
