Gatewood Disc Golf

Nice trail even if you don't plan on playing disc golf. Pretty scenery and manicured trails. Never tried or heard of disc golf until that day. Had a blast for 5 dollars. The place seems Dog friendly as well. Check them out!

- Joseph Lambert

The darling of Etowah Disc Golf, Sam Barfield, has designed yet another course and continues his lore and legacy in the local disc golf community. Not to be outdone by his nearby signature course, known simply as "Etowah," Gatewood packs a punch and might even make his sophomore effort, Deerfield, seem puny by comparison. I understand the course was installed and funded by Bartow County and overseen by park superintendent Chris Patterson (now a disc golf enthusiast). Thanks for all your efforts now and in the future, Chris. Shadowed below Redtop Mountain and hugged by the shorelines of Allatoona lake, Gatewood Park and the subsequent disc golf course's scenery really allows you to get away and enjoy nature for a while. The park is in a sprawling area, nearly forty-four acres, with a bouquet of mature trees, rock features, and an all-around gorgeous backdrop. Panoramic vistas and overlooks aren't the only thing you'll find on the course either. The two-mile hike it takes to complete the course will have you walking and playing a virtual roller coaster as you climb up and down over gentle and rolling hills and valleys. You can also expect to play along or over some steeper inclines or natural bluffs. The trees that crowd the shoreline yield a time or two, bringing the lake into play while even asking for a couple of modest water carries. Other times the holes just tip-toe close enough that errant or aggressive shots can send your disc to a watery grave. Meanwhile, friendlier views of the lake are caught where the water's surly bounds are well out of play. This apparent Eden is crawling with serpents as far as challenge, and I mean that in a good way. While these woods do have a calm and relaxing feel, the course can be quite sinister. For starters, the 20-hole design boasts a purported par 66. While it only rings up at 6212' (averaging about 310' per hole), you'll find that the course's keyhole fairways and varied elevations makes it play much longer. You may be used to the softer par 4's at the other Barfield designs, but they are a little more realistic here. The before mentioned hills are well used with a medley of up/down elevations. The fairways are jointed with meandering or dogleg finishes to typically heavily guarded greens. There's lots of challenging holes with varied longer distance shots, including those that ask for strategic placement. Many times, you'll find yourself fighting just to get par. All in all, this is one of the most challenging and exhaustive courses on the north side of Atlanta and is a welcome addition to a growing disc golf community in the area. There is a roomy field for warm up throws and two practice baskets for you to brush up on some pre-round putting (look for the red banded baskets). There is a rustic pavilion (with a water spigot) and nearby bathrooms just off the parking area. From there you will find a trail leading you to the course that ends with a wooden "gantry" of sorts with a hanging "Gatewood Disc Golf Park" sign at hole one. Alongside the area sits a small kiosk with a brightly colored map of the course displayed. Small farm style rails on both sides of the trail narrow as they corral you to the threshold of the first fairway rounding out the farm style motif and setting. It's quite an inviting area that's well done and it's a welcoming way to start your round. The tee areas greet you at each of the other holes with the traditional bells and whistles including benches. Turf tee pads are used here and are in great shape and mostly sufficiently sized. The tee signs are spangled with all the pertinent information you'll need, including distance, par, and map to guide you while even highlighting out-of-bounds areas. For those lucky enough to meet him, Sam will often make appearances at the course and will usually make his presence known. You can't miss him. He's a bombastic fella with an unrefined yet charming personality with a southern drawl that'll make Foghorn Leghorn sound like a Boston native. Be sure to say hello and thank him for his efforts!

- Craig Dickerson

Another gem in Cartersville! Your first time playing you may want to forget the scorecard. Gatewood is a technical wooded course with a great mix of long and short with lots of elevation changes and deceptively treacherous water hazards. Not a course for beginners, but there is definitely more air than trees on every hole. Bring a lot of water, this course will work you out traversing an amazing piece of land that has been set aside for Disc Golf. Bring a swimsuit if you want to hit the beach nearby, and there is camping on site. 5 Stars = great course, great course design

- Troy Burns

Great wooded course playing along the lake. Lots of of up and down hiking with several elevated tees. Really enjoyed playing this course. Gotta stay on the fairways!!

- Ben Davies

One of my top 5 courses in the metro area. Helluva hike though so come prepared. 20 holes, 2 over coves in the lake but really pretty. Camping here too is nice. $5 parking pass.

- MrJ S (MrJS)