Cooper'S Furnace Day Use Area (ga)

Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River, downstream of the dam which impounds Allatoona Lake. The river and peaceful surroundings offer a relaxing getaway from the nearby city of Atlanta, just 35 miles south. Visitors enjoy various water sports, hiking, hunting and viewing wildlife, and fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities along the Etowah River. The area has two open shelters, both with a seating capacity of 60 people maximum. Shelter B is the first one on the right when entering the park, and Shelter A is the second. A restroom is within walking distance from both shelters, and a horseshoe pit and volleyball court are adjacent to both; horseshoes and volleyball can be loaned out by the onsite Park Hosts. A playground is located between the two shelters. An iron furnace from the 1800s is also within the park, and a system of hiking trails can be accessed from the day use area. The rolling hills around Allatoona Lake are thickly forested with lush oak, maple, blackgum, dogwood, magnolia, hickory and the occasional pine tree, and ferns and honeysuckle bushes make up the understory. The dense hardwood forests are home to raccoons, opossum, bobcats, red and gray fox, white tail deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. From time to time, visitors even spot black bears roaming the area. The City of Cartersville is nearby, offering the Tellus Science Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, and Booth Western Art Museum. The City of Emerson is home to the Lakepoint Sports Complex. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is located in Kennesaw, White Water Park is in Marietta, and the Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta.