RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK – Nestled just north of Cartersville, Georgia, and about 35 miles from the bustle of Atlanta, Red Top Mountain State Park offers a welcome retreat for the soul. I recently spent an afternoon at this peaceful haven along the shores of Lake Allatoona, and it reminded me of how often Jesus Himself withdrew to quiet places to pray. In a world that moves so fast, time by the water felt like God’s gentle invitation to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Red Top Mountain gets its name from the iron-rich soil that colors the hills a deep, rusty red. That iron once supported the local mining industry in the 1800s, and remnants of that heritage can still be found in the park. As visitors walk along the forested trails, especially near the historic Vaughn Cabin, they will be struck by how much history and beauty are tucked into this corner of Georgia. Even the soil testifies to the way God uses every detail of creation for both function and beauty.

Lake Allatoona wraps around much of the park, and I spent most of the afternoon of May 4, 2025 there. The water was calm, reflecting a slightly overcast sky above, with towering trees around it. Families gathered on the shore, children splashed in the swim area, and great conversations were had by friends new and old on the beach. Being by the water brought to mind Psalm 23: “He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.”

I took a stroll down the Lakeside Trail – a short, paved path that hugs the shoreline. It’s accessible for all ages and abilities, and it’s a beautiful way to soak in the views without much effort. Further into the park, longer trails like the Homestead Trail and Iron Hill Trail wind through old hardwood forests, past remnants of pioneer homesites and traces of Georgia’s mining past. My walk offered moments for reflection and gratitude, reminding me of how God calls us to walk with Him daily – rarely on easy paths, but always with purpose.

Red Top Mountain is more than just hiking and scenery. The park also offers campsites, lakeside cottages, and even yurts for those who want to stay overnight. There’s a marina for boaters, places to fish, and events throughout the year that celebrate both the natural and historical richness of the land. Though the lodge and restaurant are no longer in operation, the spirit of hospitality lives on through park staff and volunteers who help visitors enjoy the space.

What impressed me most about the day was how naturally this park fosters rest and restoration. In a time when so many people feel overwhelmed or burdened, places like Red Top Mountain serve as living reminders of the rest Christ provides. I thought about how often Jesus invited people to come away with Him, to find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28–30). That’s exactly what I found there: stillness, reflection, and a renewed awareness of God’s presence.

As my time at Lake Allatoona drew to a close, I sat quietly by the shore. The laughter of families, the chirping of birds, the rustling of wind through the trees – it all felt like a gentle chorus of praise. I left that afternoon feeling lighter, grateful, and reminded that even in our busy lives, God provides places of peace if we’re willing to follow Him there.

Gallery • 10 Photos

References

• Georgia State Parks. Red Top Mountain State Park. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, https://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain. Accessed 8 June 2025.
• BibleHub. Psalm 46:10, Psalm 23, Matthew 11:28–30 (Multiple Translations). https://biblehub.com. Accessed 8 June 2025.
• Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is a project of Bible Hub. Used with permission. The Berean Standard Bible has been released into the public domain.