The Adventurer's Guide to Cartersville

A short drive from metro Atlanta, Cartersville, Georgia, is your destination for adventure ushered in by longer spring days.

No matter if you prefer to leisurely play a round of disc golf, fly over the water while wakeboarding, or spend your time somewhere in between, Cartersville has all of the details nailed down for adventure your way.

Traverse Some Turf with Disc Golf

If your idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon is being serenaded by discs hitting the chain, there are multiple disc golf courses waiting for your throw. For beginners, Joe Cowen Park in Euharlee has an 18-hole course with a mixture of shorter holes as well as more difficult shots, set on a public, dog-friendly park. To experience an 18-hole, state ranked course (#11 out of #120 Disc Golf Courses in Georgia!) set among scenic, mountainous landscapes, check out Etowah Disc Golf at Riverside Park in Cartersville. You may even see a PDGA tournament in action during your visit! For a longer course that is a little less strenuous thanks to its flat terrain, Deerfield Park Disc Golf in Cartersville offers a 20-hole, shaded course suitable for all skill levels. You’ll also find an additional 20-hole disc golf course at Gatewood Park. Did we mention these courses have DISCatcher Pro targets?

Find Your Wow on the Water

Have you ever heard of a wake park? Simply put, it’s all your favorite watersports in one place—without being towed by a boat. Terminus Wake Park boasts state-of-the art cables and features to keep your endorphins flowing – whether you’re a cautious kneeboarder or thrill-seeking wakeboarder. They have everything (gear included) to get you up and out on the water in no time. After you catch some air, be sure to visit Aqua Park – a giant inflatable water playground ideal for a family-friendly finale. To be taken back to the peak of the good ole days while tubing or paddling, Euharlee Creek Outfitters, nestled in the quaint village of its namesake, offers a variety of excursions to choose your own journey. Paddling trips via kayak or canoe that are perfect for beginners range from 4 to 10 miles. Tubing trips venture around the Etowah River, with some suitable for young children. After all, few things are more delightful than moving with the motion of the ocean (or river) with family or friends on a spring day!

Be Amphibious at Red Top Mountain State Park

Once an important mining area, Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona is now the area’s outdoor headquarters. From swimming on the sandy beach to fishing and water skiing, Red Top Mountain State Park has you covered waterside. If you are looking to stay on land, no worries – there are more than 15 miles of trails to hike and bike. Pro tip, especially if you have a mix of hikers and bikers in the fam: hop on Iron Hill Trail, a gravelly 4-mile path offering pristine views of shoreline (which is quite vast, considering the lake covers 12,000 acres!). The park even has six yurts available to rent for glamping lakeside if you have more trails to discover beyond daylight.

Mix in Some Education with The Fresh Air

The Pettit Preserve mixes education with the outdoors in all the best ways. Not only does the facility offer prime spots to hike, trail run, picnic, fish, or just bask in the sunshine, but The Petit Preserve also offers a host of proprietary educational programs for individuals and families. After all, you are never too old to learn something new and Mother Earth is the best teacher! Perhaps their most popular event is their second Saturday of the month hikes, where hikes set out from 9 AM to 4 PM. Beyond the special events and monthly free hikes, you do need a membership to access Pettit Preserve on your own. You can also make group reservations to experience the preserve in advance of when you visit. Click here for membership details and trip planning info.

Keep Adventuring After the Sun Sets

All that adventuring may leave you craving some time to breathe, and Pine Acres Retreat is the perfect place to do just that. Pine Acres Retreat is a 210-acre haven on Lake Allatoona for adventurers who desire to become one with nature while still experiencing the comforts of home. While traditional campsites are also available, cottages equipped with modern comforts like HVAC, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi – in addition to the quaintest porches and fire pits – will make you feel brand-new with each sunrise. Hiking trails, a swimming dock and pool and canoe/kayak rentals are also available on-site, so you can start your adventure before you even crank your car for the day. You must have a cabin or camping reservations to access this gated retreat.

Just a few steps down from Pine Acres, you’ll find George Washington Carver Park’s beach, a lovely location for pristine views and outdoor fun. This beach is available to the public without reservations from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day weekend. Here, you’ll find recreational facilities and a playground for littles to run out their energy along with an on-site indoor pavilion available with advanced reservations.

Plan Your Adventure to Cartersville

No matter how you define adventure, Cartersville has getaway options ranging from relaxing to all-out exhilaration. So, dust off your favorite outdoor gear from a long winter and plan your trip to carpe some diem in the great outdoors of Cartersville. Explore all our outdoor escape offerings by clicking here today.