Skip to content

Bob Callan Trail

ModerateGeorgia · United States

GPX
Distance
4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Elevation gain
112 m (367 ft)
Typical time
1 hr 11 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
277 m (909 ft)

About Bob Callan Trail

Bob Callan Trail is a 4.9 km hiking route in Georgia, United States. It climbs roughly 112 m (367 ft) along the way, topping out at 277 m (909 ft). Most people take around 1 hr 11 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Smyrna, about 5.3 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Bob Callan Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate4.9 km112 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+112 m
Descent
118 m
High
277 m (909 ft)
Low
232 m (761 ft)
227 m241 m255 m268 m282 m0.0 km1.2 km2.4 km3.6 km4.8 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 24 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • 4.9 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
45/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
17/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
14/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
73/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
40/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed Bob Callan Trail yet. Be the first.

Sign in to review

Trails near Bob Callan Trail

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Marietta Square
Easy

Georgia · United States

Distance
1.9 km
/ 1.2 mi
Elevation gain
7 m
Typical duration
25 min
  • River
  • Mountain
Emory University School of Medicine at Night
Easy

Georgia · United States

Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
22 m
Typical duration
10 min
Emory University School of Medicine at Night
Easy

Georgia · United States

Distance
0.9 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
39 m
Typical duration
15 min
Emory University School of Medicine at Night
Easy

Georgia · United States

Distance
0.7 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
30 m
Typical duration
12 min
  • Mountain
Emory University School of Medicine at Night
Easy

Georgia · United States

Distance
0.9 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
24 m
Typical duration
13 min
Giganotosaurus skull_2122
Moderate

Georgia · United States

Distance
1.4 km
/ 0.9 mi
Elevation gain
46 m
Typical duration
22 min
  • Forest

Keep exploring