Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area

About

Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area is located on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River, downstream of Allatoona Dam in Bartow County, Georgia. Just 35 miles from Atlanta, this peaceful riverside retreat preserves the ruins of a historic iron furnace dating to the 1800s. The area offers access to hiking trails and excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking along the river. The facility includes two open group shelters, each accommodating up to 60 people and 34 vehicles, available for reservation through Recreation.gov. A playground sits between the shelters, with horseshoe pits and a volleyball court nearby. Restrooms are within walking distance. Note that this is a day-use area only with no overnight camping; shelter checkout is 8:00 PM. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills thickly forested with oak, maple, hickory, dogwood, and pine. Wildlife in the area includes white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and occasionally black bears. Nearby attractions include Tellus Science Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, and Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville.

Directions

From I-75 take Exit 285 (Red Top Mountain Road). Northbound traffic turn left, southbound turn right onto Red Top Mountain Road. Turn right at the first traffic light onto the connector to Hwy 41. Turn right onto Hwy 41 and travel 2 miles, crossing the Etowah River. Turn right immediately after the bridge. Road curves right to a stop sign. Turn left onto Old River Road and travel 2.5 miles to park entrance. Address: 1052 Old River Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30121.