Cooper Furnace Trail

A short (0.1 mi) connector trail joins the southeast portion of the Pine Mt East Loop with the Cooper Furnace Trail. There is a small parking lot located here. Beyond the parking lot, the trail extends for about 3/4 mi until it reaches a T. To the east is another small parking area and kiosk. To the west, the trail splits. One path takes you up a small mountain heading towards the visitor center. This trail is more difficult than the surrounding trails (intermediate/difficult). It does include a nice observation deck that is perched over a small gorge. There is also a well-constructed wood bridge. This portion of the trail terminates at a kiosk and joins the fire road that runs between Cooper's Furnace and the visitor center. The join is closer to the visitor center, which is located up the hill. The other trail continues along the top of a small ravine along a wooden fence. It eventually crosses a small stream and begins to look more like a doubletrack path. It eventually meets up with the fire road mentioned above that connects Cooper's Furnace to the visitor center. The join is closer to Cooper's Furnace, which is located downhill along the stream. At one end of the fire road is Cooper's Furnace and the Cooper's Furnace day use area. The furnace is large and features signs discussing its history. The trail does continue past the furnace in a loop that runs along the entrance road and the Etowah River. This loop trail is blazed and appears to be used less frequently.