A last-minute decision to head east to toodle along in the annual Dirty Spokes Red Top Roaster was a good idea. Hitting the road for new scenery — in this case, at Red Top Mountain State Park in Georgia — almost always is fun.
The state park is located in Cartersville, about 2,000 acres on Lake Allatoona north of Atlanta. It gets a lot of attention from locals, non-residents and folks in or near Atlanta looking for a getaway. The park has a new visitor’s center that is spacious and lovely. Bathrooms are large enough for changing, should you need to do so. It’s a short walk from there to the trails or shaded areas beside the lake.
Red Top Mountain has lodging and camping sites. Both are limited, so if you’re hoping to stay overnight in the park make your plans early. You still may be disappointed. The times I’ve been for Dirty Spokes runs, I’ve stayed in hotels in Cartersville just a few miles away. Those are convenient to the park, as well as restaurants, but if you’re looking for a quiet park expeirence book early to secure your campsite or cabin.
Dirty Spokes puts on two trail running serieses each year: January to July and July to December. They did January trail runs at Monte Sano State Park from 2016-19 and had good turnout. But after that they’ve stuck with the state parks in Georgia. Tim Schroer and his family, and crew, do a solid job with everything from the site and registration to music (rock ‘n roll!) and cleanup. They also have mountain biking and some speciality events, too.
It’s great to get out of your comfort zone, I think, and see some new terrain. Whether it’s a road race or trail run, or biking, doing the same trails and roads can get boring. Variety is the spice of life.
Red Top Trails
The trails at Red Top Mountain State Park used for the Roaster are fast, mildly hilly and clean as a whistle.
By the latter, I mean that if you’re accustomed to roots, rocks and big hills, you won’t find them here. There is nothing like Cold Springs or Goat Trail, or Warpath Ridge at Monte Sano State Park. The terrain is different. The trails remind me of a dirt greenway. For the folks who run like bulls are chasing them, it’s a solid place for a PR.
There maybe are a couple of mild hills but for top speedgoats, they’re entirely runnable. The top elevation on the Roaster course is 1,041 feet. But it has a gradual, instead of steep, ascent so it’s deceiving. I didn’t know it was that high until I looked at the route.
If you’re looking for a new getaway, check out the Dirty Spokes running and biking lineup to see what’s available. Hit the road, meet some new folks and enjoy some new scenery.
MAIN PHOTO: Runners hit the trail during a Dirty Spokes event in Georgia. (Photo: Dirty Spokes)
