Fun FREE Things To Do Outdoors in Historic High Country Travel Region
Visit parks, trails, farms, orchards, fishing areas, fish hatcheries, a nature preserve wetlands center, Civil War historic sites and more. They are great for family and groups. Click on blue links below for more info about the listing.
Local Parks - Bike Trails - Wetlands
Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend River Park - Fish, hike, picnic or trout fish on the banks of the Toccoa River. Located just north of McCaysville. Nestled in a wooded setting along a beautiful bend in the Toccoa River, Horseshoe Bend Park is equipped with playground areas, benches along the river, two picnic shelters with grills and electricity for large gatherings, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, grills, hiking areas, fishing, and adequate restroom facilities. The park is designed to accommodate group gatherings, family reunions, church groups, birthday parties, company get-togethers, and much more. Call for reservations. Open: Daily. Free admission and parking. However, there is a fee for the picnic shelter rentals. Call 706-946-1130 for reservations.Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Phone: 706-632-7696 - Address: 1156 River Road, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559
Silver Comet Trail and Riverwalk - The Silver Comet Trail, connecting Atlanta to the Alabama state line, is accessible from downtown Rockmart. Rockmart Trailhead is at mile marker 37.6 on the Silver Comet Trail. Riverwalk Park and The Silver Comet Trail are combined, and travel through downtown Rockmart. Lots of people walk on this curvy section, so please slow down. This trail is located next to Seaborn Jones Park. The park is near downtown, just past the last bridge. There are signs that point the way. Open: Daily. Free admission and parking.Amenities: Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired on trail. - Phone: 678-883-9024. Address: 100 Water St., Rockmart, GA 30153
Spring Creek Wetlands Preserve - At this 200-acre wetlands reconstruction project visitors can observe native flora and fauna. Open: Gates are open for self-guided tours on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The preserve is open by appointment only on weekdays. Free admission and parking. Located in Dalton Georgia.
Tammen Park is an athletic-passive park. It is located on the Toccoa River, off Hwy. 515 just below the Blue Ridge Dam. The park is open year-round. Tammen Park has a large multi-purpose baseball/softball diamond, with access to the Toccoa River for fishing. It also has a 75 foot long fishing pier, 2 picnic shelters, sidewalks, picnic tables, grills, playground area. This is a perfect place for groups and gatherings or just a place to get away and enjoy the serenity. Free admission and parking. However, there is a small fee for picnic shelter rentals. Call to reserve. Phone: 706-632-5680 - Address: 6650 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Historic Civil War Sites
Allatoona Pass Battlefield - Fought Oct. 5, 1864, this battle was the beginning of the Nashville Campaign. Two earthen forts, miles of trench works and interpretive trail markers can be seen. Open: Daily. Free admission and parking. In Cartersville, Georgia
Confederate Cemetery and Memorial Wall is the site of 421 Confederate and four Union soldiers’ graves. The cemetery features a Civil-War era Confederate Cemetery with 421 graves and a commemorative wall listing the names of both Confederate and Union soldiers buried there. Architectural features include a Gothic-inspired stone chapel, a reproduction Civil War cannon and a number of exemplary obelisks, pedestals and angels, as well as a Civil War statue known as the Lone Sentinel. Open: Every day during daylight hours. Free admission and parking. Amenities: Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 800-331-3258 - Address: Emery St. in West Hill Cemetery, Dalton, GA 30720
Confederate Cemetery - Battle of Resaca - This battle was the first major conflict in the Campaign for Atlanta. Self-guided driving tour of battlefield available. Also visit the first Confederate cemetery. Annual Reenactment the third weekend in May. Open: Daily. Free admission and parking. Located in Resaca, Georgia
Dug Gap Battle Park - The rock walls at this monument were used by Civil War soldiers as protection during battle. Breastworks built by Civil War soldiers during the Atlanta Campaign; Scenic view from the top of Dug Gap Mountain hiking trail. Open: Call 48 hour in advance for an appointment to have main gate opened for anyone who has a disability. Friday is a great day to visit because you can see historic houses in the area that are open to public only on Friday. Call for more info for these historic civil war homes. Can park at the bottom area and then walk on path daily without appointment. Open dawn until dusk everyday. Free admission and parking. Amenities: Parking. Phone: 706-278-0217 - Address: W. Dug Gap Battle Rd., Dalton, Georgia 30720 - Directions from I-75: Exit 333-Walnut Ave., west up the mountain 2 miles; park on pull-off on the right at the top of the ridge. Will see this civil war site just before the crest of the mountain from downtown Dalton.
Outdoor Walking & Driving Tours
Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway Drive Route - Beginning at historic Prater's Mill in Whitfield County, the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway follows State Route 2 past rolling pastoral lands into Murray County. Breathtaking views of the Cohutta Mountains emerge as the route continues along US 41 and quiet county roads into the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Euharlee Creek Historic Covered Bridge was built in 1886 by Washington King, the bridge is on the Georgia Covered Bridge Trail. and is 138 feet long. Also known as Lowery Bridge. Not open to traffic. Located in Cartersville, Georgia
Ridge Valley Scenic Byway Drive Route - As the name implies, the Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway provides a chance to experience the varied terrain of NW Georgia. Mountain overlooks and fertile farmlands can be found along the 51-mile Byway as it travels U.S. 27, State Highways 156 and 136, and rural county roads. Outdoor activities ranging from hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and hunting can be enjoyed at the Keown Falls Scenic Area, the Pocket, and John's Mountain Overlook and Wildlife Management Area. More info, pictures, driving directions and map
Festivals & Events 
