Riverside Park Day Use Area (Ga)

Overview Riverside Park Day Use Area is situated along 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. Natural Features: 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. Recreation: Boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities along the 164-mile Etowah River waterway that rises northwest of Dahlonega, Georgia, north of Atlanta. Facilities: Riverside Park Day Use Area has two open shelters within the park: Shelter "A" is on the left once you enter the park. It is located on the Etowah River and has a maximum seating capacity of 200 people. Horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court and an open playing field are adjacent to Shelter "A". Horseshoes and volleyball can be loaned out by the onsite Park Hosts. Shelter "B" is further in the park in a wooded area along a creek. It is the smaller shelter and is within walking distance of the Etowah River. Shelter "B" has a maximum seating capacity of 50 people. A horseshoe pit is within 20 yards. Horseshoes can be loaned out by the onsite Park Hosts. A restroom is within walking distance of both shelters. There is a boat ramp in the park to access the river. The Vinyard Mountain Hiking Trail can be accessed from inside the Riverside Park Day Use Area. Nearby Attractions: 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.