Sutallee Trace/ Boling Park - History Hike

The Sutallee Trace in Cherokee County is full of history that originated in the era when Native Americans lived here, to when settlers in the 1800s and early 1900s occupied the lands of the Trace, before the land was acquired by the Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the formation of nearby Lake Allatoona in the 1950s.  The Trace is a treasure trove of history. 

We will begin at the Boling Park trailhead located behind Cherokee High School and head out utilizing the White Trail.  In less than a mile, we will reach the Frank Stone Memorial Bridge which spans Puckett Creek.  The tall wooden bridge, built some 30 years ago by a local Boy Scout troop, is an icon of the area.  Unfortunately, the bridge has reached the end of it's life and is scheduled to very soon be replaced by a far less interesting aluminum bridge so this may be our last chance to see the old Stone Memorial Bridge before it is gone.  

After crossing Puckett Creek, we will enter the Trace itself.  From there we will hike all or parts of the White, Yellow, Purple and Orange trails.  Some of these trails (notably the White Trail) are relatively wide and flat.  But the Yellow, Purple and Orange trails offer a much more wilderness feel with some steep ups and downs, numerous creek crossings (mostly rock hops) and other challenging footing.  As a result, this is not a beginners hike. 

During our hike, we may pass the remains of former homestead sites, and evidence of whiskey stills when bootleggers utilized the Trace.  We will also pass New Hightower Church and Cemetery, which are purported to be haunted.  You decide.   

Hike Details - This is a 7 mile D-3 hike.  As mentioned, much of what we will be hiking has variable footing and can be difficult in stretches. The climbs, although not long, are steep in places.  You should definitely be comfortable with that before signing up. 

The pace will be moderate.  We will take our time, as I will be sharing historic information about the Trace as we hike.  So if you are looking for a fast, fitness style hike, this hike is probably not for you.    

Poles are highly recommended, especially when the trails are wet.  There are several short wooden bridges to cross, so good tread on your boots can help prevent slipping.

Boling Park  (Google Maps recognizes Boling Park, Canton and will give you good directions)  or use these:

1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114

Get on 575 going North

Near Canton take Exit 16 and merge left onto GA-140/GA-20 W/GA-5 Bus toward GA-5 Bus North.

You are going to come to a stop light at Williamson Brothers Barbeque in about a mile. This is GA-5 (Marietta Highway). Take a right onto GA-5 and go less than a half mile.  Cross over the Etowah River Bridge and take an immediate left into Boling Park. 

Do not pass Cherokee High School. If you do, turn around.

Once you turn into the Boling Park entrance, drive all the way to the back back behind Cherokee High School parking lot. You will drive past some ongoing construction, but proceed to the end of the road where we will meet.