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. Play and Stay in GA!
Nature Preserve Wetlands Center
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.
Local Parks - Trails - Farms & Orchards - Fishing Areas & Fish Hatcheries
Apple Orchard Alley - Gilmer County is Georgia’s apple capital and 11 of the county’s 18 apple orchards are spread across this picturesque valley along GA Hwy 52. Open: Daily. August through December. Free admission and parking. Phone: 706-635-7400 – Address: GA Hwy 52. E., East Ellijay, Georgia 30540
Chattahoochee River & Trails - Discover Miles of trails wind through the city, encompassing many portions of the parks, streets, historic sites, and topography. Miles of trails wind through the city, encompassing many portions of the parks, streets, historic sites and topography. Vickery Creek Park has an interpretive walk highlighting the old mill ruins and Vickery Creek Dam. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is linked to the trail by the scenic Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge. A 7-mile linear park, encompassing Azalea Park on Azalea Drive, Don White Park on Riverside Road, and Riverside Park on Riverside Road, provides the opportunity to enjoy the Chattahoochee River through Roswell. A simple stroll in the historic district, a river walk, nature study or exercise. . . you're sure to find just the right spot. Open Every day from 6 am - 8 pm. Free admission and parking. Phone: 800-776-7935 - Address: Riverside Rd., Roswell, GA 30075
Cohutta National Fish Hatchery Center features tanks displaying the warm-water species raised by the hatchery.The UGA Cohutta Fisheries Center is a 65-acre research and extension facility operated by the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. The facility operates 36 ponds and 5 raceways with various demonstration and research projects including experimental koi breeding, pond production of channel catfish, and recirculating sturgeon aquaculture. An aquarium is open to the public. The facility staff host numerous school groups, and non-profit organizations including 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts for educational tours and activities focusing on conservation, aquatic ecology, and the importance of sustainable aquaculture. Open: Tues - Sat 9 am - 5 pm and Sun 1-5 pm. Free. Parking available. Phone: 706-694-8830 - Address: 25350 Red Clay Rd., Cohutta, Georgia 30710
Horseshoe Bend River Park - Fish, hike or picnic on the banks of the Toccoa River. Located on Horseshoe Bend Road 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 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. Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Phone: 706-632-7696 - Address: River Rd., McCaysville, Georgia 30555
Mercier Orchards is the largest apple orchard in the SE open to the public. Find more than 30 varieties of apples, plus blueberries, blackberries, peaches and fresh cider. Open: Monday-Thursday and Sunday at 8 am - 6 pm. Friday-Saturdat at 8 am - 8 pm.
Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Phone: 706-632-3411 – Address: GA Hwy 5 N., Blue Ridge, Georgia 30613
Marshall Forest- Hiking trails crisscross one of the few remaining stands of old-growth forest in the Ridge and Valley Providence, a corridor that runs from Pennsylvania to Alabama. Free. Amenities: Parking - Phone: 404-873-6946 –Address: Horseleg Creek Rd., Rome, GA 30165
River Right Outfitters - Only outfitter on the Cartecay to provide free river access. Amenities: Kayak rental, campground, and shuttle service (by donation). Open: 9a.m.-dark, winter 10a.m.-dark. Mon.-Thurs. 706-889-2657, Fri.-Sun. Phone: 706-273-7055 – Address: 1354 Lower Cartecay Rd., Ellijay, Georgia 30540
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. Nice restrooms are located on the backside of the new depot building, in Seaborn Jones Park. The park is near downtown, just past the last bridge. There are signs that point the way.Open: Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Food, Party Facilities. Phone: 770-875-PATH Address: 604 Goodyear St., Rockmart, Georgia 30153
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. Amenities: Parking. Phone: 770-975-0055 – Address: Old Allatoona Rd., Cartersville, Georgia 30121
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: Daylight hours. Free admission. Amenities: Parking, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 706-270-9960, 800-331-3258 - Address: Ridge St. in West Hill Cemetery, Dalton, Georgia 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. Open: Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 706-625-3200. 800-887-3811 Address: US Hwy 41 N. and Confederate Rd., Resaca, Georgia 30735
Dug Gap Battle Park - The rock walls at this monument were used by Civil War soldiers as protection during battle.Open daylight hours; Breastworks built by Civil War soldiers during the Atlanta Campaign; Scenic view from the top of Dug Gap Mountain hiking trail. Open: Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking. Phone: 706-278-0217 and toll free 800-331-3258 - 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.
Outdoor Walking & Driving Tours
Backroads Driving Tours - Self-guided tours through beautiful countryside and mountains. Tour time varies from 1.5 to 5 hours. Available free at the Fannin County Welcome Center. Phone: 706-632-5880 and toll-free 800-899-6867 Address: 3990 Appalachian Hwy., Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
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. More info, pictures, directions and map
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. Open: Covered Bridge Museum Tue.-Fri. 1-5p.m. and during seasonal events. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired Phone: 770-607-2017 - Address: 116 Covered Bridge Rd., Cartersville, Georgia 30120
Govenor's House - Stroll this 1930s estate, which is complemented by gardens and a stained-glass chapel. Open: the 2nd Thurs. each Month for lunch 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m. or by appt. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Food, Party Facilities. Phone: 770-336-9149 – Address: 45 Howard St., Kingston, Georgia 30145
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
