Easily accessible from I-75 or I-575 but just far enough out of the way to be overlooked, Pine Log Creek Trail near Rydal, GA, offers easy-to-moderate loop hiking trails through a protected forest. We made our second visit here near the end of January. We again had the trails mostly to ourselves on a mid-week visit.
Our previous visit was in late fall when many leaves already were off the trees, but some late-season colors clung to branches in the canopy. Rays of sunshine penetrated to the ground, with bright columns reaching the forest floor to highlight colors of fallen leaves. Some warmer, wet weather also coaxed mushrooms from the decaying trunks of fallen trees and alongside the well-beaten paths. Looking carefully deep into the trailside vistas, we stopped frequently to capture photos of the mushrooms and toadstools.
Unplanned Adventures
That first visit proved to be a bit of an adventure, too. We carelessly forgot to take a picture of the trail map and had not downloaded one from All-Trails. Finding the small, abandoned quarry had been our reason for visiting. But we got confused on the East Loop and backtracked a bit before stumbling our way to the quarry. After visiting, we returned to the main trail, then missed the sharp turn on an uphill switchback. Instead, we followed a descending false trail to an unmarked dead-end, then backtracked uphill to find the main route again.
On our January return visit, we had none of those issues. We paused at the entrance map to consider our route, then took a picture of the map. After navigating the approach trail over Pine Log Creek, we joined the West Loop trail in a counterclockwise direction. We found the connector, then similarly took the counterclockwise route on the East Loop to the quarry.
Streamside Serenity
Aside from the joy of walking on uncrowded trails on a sunny day, the highlights of our visits were the quiet strolls along Pine Log Creek and taking pictures near the quarry. The serene creek side is picturesque at its widest spots, and smaller streams trickle in with a musical sound. Several jagged jutting rocks rise from the quarry, framed by towering trees that cling to the upward slopes. Unlike other area trails like Cooper’s Furnace and Pine Mountain in Cartersville or Amicalola Falls, there is no high promontory point to gaze at the surrounding areas.
Although Pine Log Creek trail is near a wildlife management area, our only wild animal sightings were small birds, soaring hawks, and a few small fish in the quarry pond. On our first visit, we encountered several unleashed large dogs running far ahead of their slower-moving human partners. Long after their pets had startled and sniffed us, the unconcerned owners walked up to offer semi-apologies. We’re not dog people, and we have an experienced-based history that contributes to a healthy fear. If you are a dog person, please follow the rules posted on the highly visible signs at the trail entrance so we can ALL enjoy our walks.
Statistics and Gear
All of our technology was in working order on our return visit. My Garmin Fenix 5 watch recorded our hike at 2 hours, 31 minutes over 4.93 miles, with a total of 968 feet of vertical gain. Our actual “moving” time was two hours, and we averaged a comfortable 2.5 miles-per-hour while walking. Most of our 30 minutes of stopped time was for creek-side and quarry-side photography. You can find more statistics from my Garmin watch and the Hike2+ app at the end of this post.
The temperature was a cool 37F degrees when we started, rising to the mid-40s by the time we finished near noon. Wearing a cotton Land’s End turtleneck, an Eddie Bauer fleece and a light Columbia windbreaker, I was comfortable on the trail. But I did break a sweat along the half-mile climb up the nearly 400-foot ridge to the summit of the West Loop. My hiking partner and wife’s outfit kept her warm while keeping her looking cool.
Trail Notes and Pro Tips
This hike can be shorter and less challenging if you’re not in the mood or condition for climbs. Simply make it an out-and-back route. Go RIGHT on the West Loop, then LEFT on the East Loop to the quarry. Return on the same route, taking most of the elevation gains out of the walk. For clarity, check out the map below where we’ve highlighted this easier route with a pink highlighter.
There are no restrooms at Pine Log Creek trail, not even portable ones. We always make it a point to stop on the way in for a restroom break, either as we leave I-75 or in the small town of Rydal.
Similarly, there also is no running water, so be certain to carry a filled water bottle with you before setting out.
We often finish this hike around noon, then set out in search of a post-hike lunch. Based on our home destination, we most often stop for food in nearby Cartersville. On our most recent trip, we stumbled upon the Allatoona Dam Food Truck Park and Beer Garden. It’s located just west of I-75 at exit 290. We browsed the selection of sushi, grilled cheese, cheese steak, taco, pizza and coffee trucks during our visit, though the line-up changes daily.
Nearby Activities and Attractions
Here are some of our other nearby favorites:
Tellus Science Museum. Our blog lists all the reasons we love exploring the regional treasure.
Panoramic Pine Mountain. Lookout to a 180-degree view to Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta and more.
Cool Views at Cooper’s Furnace. Civil war history and a dam story all in one place.
Winding Walks at Red Top Mountain. Lakeside views, hidden historical homesites and a nice walk in the woods.
