Allatoona Pass
Join GeorgiaTrails or login to add comments about this trail. This trail follows the original railroad grade of the Western and Atlantic Railroad into Allatoona Pass and proceeds to a scenic stroll along Lake Allatoona in Northwest Georgia. Civil War entrenchments can be visited at the top of both ridges adjacent to the pass. The trail through the pass is flat, ending with a single turn so gradual that it may not be noticed. The climb to the interpreted trail on the mountains on either side of the pass is moderate.
 One of the earliest roads in the northwestern portion of the state was named Sandtown Road. It ran from a town at Montgomery's Ferry on the Chattahoochee River to the southern end these Allatoona Mountains. Here the Alabama Road follows the top of the ridge to the west while a second thoroughfare bears left to Tennessee. While little visible evidence remains of the Alabama Road, the road to Tennessee is plainly visible.
Beginning at a small parking lot, the trail bears to the left shortly after the gated entrance to the park. Take a minute to walk out on the berm that forms Lake Allatoona for some long-range scenic views of the lake, then visit the state monuments a few feet further on the trail. Return to the Tennessee Wagon Road and turn right, climbing the hill. At the top the wagon road continues straight ahead to Lake Allatoona, but the start of the interpreted trail is to the right.
Follow the trail to the Crow's Nest. Here, a tree tall enough to be seen at Kennesaw Mountain served as a communication center for the fort. In constant contact with General William Tecumseh Sherman's stronghold through a complex flag signaling system, the defenders received the following unsigned message: "Tell Allatoona hold on. General Sherman is working for you," but no men left the fortification at Kennesaw Mountain. They were concerned that the attack at Allatoona Pass was a ruse.
Return to the start of the loop trail visiting the eastern redoubt and the artillery stables, then continue straight ahead at the four-way intersection to the Regimental Headquarters of the 4th Minnesota. Regimental commander John Tourtellotte was in charge of the fort until relieved of command by John Corse, who arrived from Rome, Georgia. Continue on the path to the first view of "Deep Cut" (Allatoona Pass).
More than 170 feet high, and 95 feet long, this immense scar in the earth was dug through the rugged Allatoona Mountains to permit trains on the Western and Atlantic Railroad to get to Chattanooga. It was an engineering marvel of its time. Only the tunnel at Tunnel Hill was more difficult to build.
William Tecumseh Sherman was so impressed with Allatoona Pass when he rode through it in 1844 that he avoided it during The Atlanta Campaign 20 years later. On October 5, 1864 Rebels under the command of Major General Samuel French attacked Federal forces under the command of Brig. General John Corse during The Battle of Allatoona Pass. It was actually the third engagement in the area, although the two other fights were little more than cavalry skirmishes.
 At the pass the treadway turns right and begins a steady descent. Just beofre reaching the pass the drop sharpens and turns left, crossing a stone and dirt bridge. You are now in Allatoona Pass. Turn right and continue along the now level trail. Our trail now runs along the lake for a little over half a mile. It offers many scenic views and some good shore fishing, plus a view of the site of the Unknown Hero, grave of a Rebel killed during the battle. The path continues along the lakeshore, offering a number of typical lakeshore views. One major sidetrail took us out on a peninsula where an eagle had built a nest on the top of a stand provided by the Corps of Engineers.
On the return trip to the parking lot, walk up the set of stairs to the star fort. Although it is not visible, a ridge runs from the road to the fort. It was along this ridge that Samuel French decided to attack, overrunning a western redoubt and trapping 700 men within the confines of the star fort. It was here that General Corse successfully defended Allatoona Pass from the Confederate onslaught. A foot bridge connected the tops of the ridges during wartime, and when Corse ran out of ammunition he sent men across the bridge to get more.
For a quick day hike this trail is great. Its near I-75, only 45 minutes from Atlanta. Its easy, even with the hike to the top of the ridge, and wide trails make it a good family hike.
Overview of the events of October, 1864
Battle of Allatoona Pass
For more information on the State of Georgia during the Civil War, visit the Blue and Gray Trail Join GeorgiaTrails or login to add comments about this trail.
Allatoona Pass
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