Historic Trace Loop

The Etowah Hiking Trails trail system was conceived at the time of the American Bicentennial, when local authorities expressed an interest in restoring the Trace trail, the road that was integral to linking local communities to one another.  Boy Scout Troop 241 undertook the task of restoring the road as a woodland trail.  The trail proved so popular the Boy Scouts later added other trails, eventually  leading to the trail network that exists today. Boy Scout Troop 241 and the Sutallee Trace Trail Stewards work cooperatively to restore, maintain, and expand the Etowah Hiking Trails.

In this loop we will walk parts of several of the trails in the park.

For a description of the trails please go to www.etowahhikingtrails.org

We will start our hike at the New Hightower Church Trailhead, walking approximately 2 miles clockwise on the the Green Trail until its intersection with the Trace Trail (white blazes), which we will follow approximately 1.5 miles until its end at Jug Creek. The current Trace trail follows the historic SuttaLLee Trace from its start at Boling Park until approximately a mile before its end, where it veers Northeast.  We will cross Jug Creek over a bridge and turn left, following the Historic MT Carmel Rd (which is unpaved) for about a mile until its intersection with the historic Trace, which we will follow back to the New Hightower Church trailhead. 

The trails are well maintained. There are footbridges over all but two significant stream crossings. One can be crossed easily skipping on rocks. The other is very shallow at this time of year and can be jumped over.

The elevation change is approximately 1200 ft.

The address of New Hightower Baptist Church is 3098 Johnson Trail, Canton GA 30114. The road ends at a gate right past the church. There is parking on your right, between the church and the gate. Please do not obstruct the gate. You will see the trailhead from the gate.

Dogs should be on leash