Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area

Closed — Closed for the season. The day-use area operates seasonally and is currently closed during winter months. Reservations for picnic shelters available through Recreation.gov when open.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Red Flag Warning issued December 30 at 1:16AM EST until December 30 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Peachtree City GA

1:16 AM — 7:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM EST this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * Affected Area... North and central Georgia * Timing... This afternoon into early evening. * Winds... NW at 10-15 mph; with gusts as high as 25 mph. * Relative Humidity... Falling below 25% by early afternoon. * Temperatures... 30s to 40s. * Impacts... With elevated winds and low relative humidities, extremely dangerous fire weather conditions are possible.

About

Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area is situated on the north bank of the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River, directly downstream of the dam that impounds Allatoona Lake. This day-use area is home to the historic Cooper's Iron Works cold-blast furnace, a National Historic Register site and the only remaining structure from the 1830s town of Etowah. The iron works, run by Mark A. Cooper as part of Georgia's Iron Empire until Sherman destroyed it in 1864 during the Civil War, stands as a striking pyramid of stacked stone along the riverbanks. The day-use area features two picnic shelters that each accommodate 60 visitors, a playground, and access to hiking trails that wind through dense hardwood forests of oak, maple, dogwood, magnolia, and hickory. The trails offer views of both the Allatoona Dam and the peaceful Etowah River. The river provides excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in a serene environment. Wildlife including white-tailed deer, fox, raccoons, and various bird species inhabit the forested surroundings, with occasional black bear sightings.

Directions

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 to Highway 41. Turn right onto Highway 41 and travel 2 miles, crossing over the Etowah River. Turn right immediately after crossing the bridge. Road will curve right and come to a stop sign. Turn left onto Old River Road and travel 2.5 miles to the park entrance at 1052 Old River Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30121.