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Coopers Furnace Day Use Area is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. This Day Use Area is 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.
The rolling hills around Allatoona Lake are thickly forested with lush oak, maple, blackgum, dogwood, magnolia, hickory and the occasional pine tree. 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.
Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities along the Etowah River.
Coopers Furnace Day Use Area has two open shelters which both have a seating capacity of 60 people maximum. Shelter B is the first one on the right when entering the park. Shelter A is the second shelter on the right when entering the park. A restroom is within walking distance from both shelters. A horseshoe pit and volleyball court are adjacent to both shelters. A playground is located between the two shelters. Horseshoes and volleyball can be loaned out by the onsite Park Hosts. An iron furnace from the 1800s is also within the park. In addition, a system of hiking trails can be accessed from the Coopers Furnace Day Use Area.
The City of Cartersville is nearby, offering the Tellus Science Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, and Booth Western Art Museum. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is located in Kennesaw; White Water Park is in Marietta, and the Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta.
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 which will come to Hwy 41. Turn right onto Hwy 41. Travel 2 miles crossing over the Etowah River and turn right immediately after crossing over the bridge. Road will curve to right and come to stop sign. Turn left onto Old River Road and travel for 2.5 miles to park entrance.
Physical address: Coopers Furnace Day Use Area, 1052 Old River Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30121
I've been going to Coopers furnace since I was a kid. I absolutely love this place. It's usually nice and quiet here. I enjoy just coming out here and sitting here and listening to the river generating. Reading about the historical history that is here.
Nice little park and historical site along the river. Day use areas available for reservations, but don't seem to be reserved much. Kids play area and picnic sights. You can take the trail up to the Lake Allatoona Visiting Center and Museum, but you cannot drive to it from here. Getting to the Visitation center by car requires an extensive drive.
Clean and picturesque. A nice spot for picnics, family time, walking the dog, kite flying, etc.
We did a bit of walking and let the kids play at the playground. There was a family having a large get together and cooking on the grill. There is a cool iron works located at the entrance but there is a fence stopping you from walking over to it directly.
I took off one star because the place was infested with gnats and the playground equipment was filthy, like it hadn’t been cleaned off since it was built.
A pretty place for a small getaway. The place Is so calm and peaceful. You can come this place for birthday parties at a very nominal cost. Their day use shelters has benches, play area next to it and right next to the river. There are few walking trails around which are very scenic and pretty. There is plenty of parking available. They also have a disk gold nearby
