Pine Log Mountain

At 2,338 feet, Pine Log Mountain is the highest peak in Metro Atlanta.  For comparison, Kennesaw is 1,808 feet. 

We start our hike at the north gate of the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, in Bartow County.  From there we go about three miles on a gated forest road, through woods and fields and across a dam. 

At one point the road fords a stream, which we might can rock hop, but may have to ford, depending on flow.  You will need to bring water crossing shoes (i.e. flip flops) or plan to cross barefoot if fording is necessary.

We will leave the road and cross one of the fields. On the other side we will find a hunters trail that will take us up to the spine of the ridge of which Pine Log is the highest point.

The hunters trail follows the ridgetop as it rises toward the Cherokee County line.  We pass various rock formations and some small cliffs with good winter views.

After about three miles on the hunters trail we reach the second highest point on the ridge, Bear Mountain at 2,303 feet.  This is the site of WPXA’s TV tower.

From there we take a gated gravel service road down and back up for about a half mile to reach our destination, Pine Log Mountain.  We can look at the various cell, radio, TV and microwave towers there and find some overlooks for views, such as of Lake Arrowhead in Waleska. 

Then we go back the way we came.

If you are using a GPS, the “address” for the trail head is at or near 443 E Valley Rd NE, Rydal, GA 30171

Or use the coordinates under "Event Location" above.
Go left out of the park and ride to a left on Chastain Rd and then right to get onto I-75 North.

Go North on 75 for 22 miles to Exit 293 for US 411 North for “Chatsworth/White.”

Go North on US 411 for 6.1 miles.

Look for East Valley Road on the right at 6.1 miles and turn right there.

You will pass Landers Road on the left at about 3 miles.

Stay on East Valley Road.

The parking area for the Pine Log WMA is a few hundred yards past Landers Road.

There will first be a gated road to the right with a sign for the WMA. 

Go past that and there will be a small fenced gravel parking area on the right, and a larger dirt parking area on the left.

We will park on the left.