Walker County Chamber of Commerce

Attractions

6th Cavalry Museum
Celebrate the fascinating military history of the “fighting Sixth” at the The 6th Cavalry Museum. This legendary unit formed in 1861 as a U.S. Cavalry Regiment. It was stationed at The Post at Fort Oglethorpe from 1919 until 1942 and serves today in Germany and Korea. Located on the Post’s original parade ground/polo field, the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Visited by presidents, military heroes and Hollywood celebrities, the museum houses 6,500 square feet of artifacts, uniforms, weapons, accoutrements, photos, a Patton Tank, a Cobra Gunship Helicopter and more. Discover life during the era of the horse soldier at the 6th Cavalry Museum.
Barnhardt Circle, Ft. Oglethorpe
www.6thcavalrymuseum.com ~ (706) 861-2860



Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail
One of Georgia’s Civil War Heritage Trails, the Atlanta Campaign Heritage Trail interprets this historic Civil War campaign along its historic route, while leading visitors along many of the same roads once used by soldiers wearing blue or gray. www.gcwht.org





Blue & Gray Trail
This trail takes visitors to Chickamauga, site of the greatest Confederate victory, then follows a route from Chattanooga to Atlanta, similar to the one that General William Tecumseh Sherman took. www.blueandgraytrail.com




Chattahoochee National Forest
This National Forest is breathtaking in its natural beauty, rich with exciting possibilities for adventure and one of the most popular wilderness locations in the nation. 31,000 acres of hushed forests, towering waterfalls, whitewater rapids, endless hiking, biking and riding trails, camping, fishing and more await outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss Keown Falls, stunning twin falls (60 feet and 40 feet) located along two spring-fed streams within the National Forest. The 1.8-mile Keown Falls Loop Trail and the 3.5-mile John’s Mountain Loop Trail offer extraordinary vistas. Also part of the National Forest, The Pocket was created by the steep ridges of Horn Mountain, which surrounds it on three sides. From 1938 through 1942, this was the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and the foundations of the old structure are still visible. A well maintained and clearly marked hiking trail makes an easy 2.5-mile loop from the picnic area along low-lying streambeds and back to the campgrounds.
www.fs.fed.us/conf ~ (770) 297-3000



Chattooga Academy
It is the year of 1863. Beneath a towering oak tree in front of a grand building, Confederate General Braxton Bragg paces as he prepares for the battle of Chickamauga. (The tree, later known as Bragg’s Oak, was destroyed during a storm in the 1920s.) Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Chattooga Academy is yours to discover as you listen for echoes of a tumultuous past.
304 North Main Street, LaFayette
www.lafayettegadowntown.com



Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces waged epic battles over the control of Chattanooga—the gateway to the Deep South. Though the Confederate troops were victorious at Chickamauga in September, renewed fighting in Chattanooga in November won the Union troops final control. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National in 1890 to preserve and commemorate these battlefields. From Interstate 75: At Exit 350 take Battlefield Parkway (Georgia 2) west to Fort Oglethorpe. Turn left at the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Lafayette Road. Go one mile on Lafayette Road to the park entrance and visitor center. From Interstate 24: At Exit 180 take U.S. Highway 27 south (Rossville Boulevard) to Fort Oglethorpe. At the intersection of Battlefield Parkway, continue straight through the intersection onto Lafayette Road to the park entrance one mile ahead.
3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe
www.nps.gov/chch ~ (706) 866-9241



Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail
This trail follows the troop movements through four Northwest Georgia counties (including Walker) that were part of the brutal Civil War Chickamauga Campaign. www.chickamaugacampaign.org





Crawfish Springs
During the September 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, Crawfish Springs was the primary source of water for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Today, during the annual September War Between The States Day, Civil War reenactors use the area around the spring as a camp and demonstration site. The spring, no longer used as a city water source, has been converted to a lovely public park complete with picnic tables, swings and gazebo. Parking is free along Cove Road and the spring is open for all to enjoy at no charge.



Chief John Ross House
Chief John Ross House is a memorial to John Ross—a man who is considered by many to be the greatest of the chiefs of the Cherokee Nation. Although only one-eighth Cherokee, he was devoted to his nation and served as Principal Chief from 1828 to his death in 1866. Chief Ross fought valiantly against the removal of his people from Georgia and surrounding states by the United States government. Ultimately, he led the Cherokees on the tragic Trail of Tears journey to Oklahoma in 1838. This fascinating tribute to Chief John Ross’ life and accomplishments is located at Andrews & East Lake Avenue in Rossville and can be viewed by appointment only.
218 Andrews Street, Rossville
(706) 866-5171



Cloudland Canyon State Park
This breathtakingly scenic park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, with elevations between 800 to 1,980 feet. The most magnificent viewpoint is found near the picnic area parking lot. However a walk along the rim trail offers spectacular vistas as well. The more intrepid visitors who choose to hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) will discover two waterfalls tumbling over layers of sandstone and shale into the pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.) Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park’s walk-in campsites provide outstanding privacy for tents. 122 Cloudland Canyon Park
Rising Fawn
www.gastateparks.org/info/cloudland ~ (706) 657-4050



Coke Ovens Park
The fascinating Chickamauga coke ovens are located just north of downtown Chickamauga on Highway 341. During the mid-1800s, the beehive ovens of the Durham Iron and Coal Company were designed to turn coal into coke for use in the iron and steel foundries in nearby Chattanooga, Tenn. During the Depression years, the coal was depleted and the ovens abandoned. In the late 1990s, the unique coke oven area was restored to its original appearance with train cars and the actual beehive ovens. Wetland demonstration ponds were created and the area transformed into a serene park. Each September the Ovens are transformed into an Arts and Crafts Festival, held in conjunction with the War Between the States Day.
www.cityofchickamaugageorgia.org/cokeovens.htm



Crockford Pigeon Mtn.Wildlife Management Area
Pigeon Mountain is a lovely natural plateau, located just west of the city of LaFayette, Ga. The mountain is part of the Cumberland Plateau, which stretches from Alabama through Georgia and into Tennessee and the area is under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. The mountain is renowned for its many caves and limestone rock formations, the most famous of which is Ellison Cave. Another fascinating area is Rock Town, an area of enormous rock formations that may have been used as Native American shelters and are sometimes used today as shelter for wild animals such as bobcats. The area is not heavily visited, so it’s the ideal place to get away from it all, hike, bike, camp, explore and just breathe in the natural beauty.
www.georgiawildlife.org ~ (706) 295-6041



Foothills Gallery of the Northwest Georgia Arts Guild
The arts are thriving in Walker County! This entrancing gallery was the vision of a tri-county partnership of professional artists and craft makers. Remodeled and renovated, this former restaurant (across the street from the historic Marsh House) presents the work of established as well as student and emerging artists. Often, some of Northwest Georgia’s best artists are available on site to inform you, share their passion for their work and to assist you as you choose a piece for your own collection.
309 N. Main Street, LaFayette
www.nwga-foothills-gallery.com ~ (706) 639-3457



Gordon-Lee Mansion
The beautiful and historic Gordon-Lee Mansion, one of the South’s grand dames of antebellum beauty, was built in 1847 by James Gordon and is located in the charming town of Chickamauga. Set on seven manicured acres, lined with elms and maples, with formal English and Southern vegetable gardens, the Mansion is the only structure left standing that was used during the Battle of Chickamauga. The house has been meticulously restored to its prior splendor. Museum quality period antiques, oriental floor coverings, and crystal and brass chandeliers ensure its authenticity. Weddings and special events become magical affairs when held in this treasure from the past.
217 Cove Road, Chickamauga
www.gordon-leemansion.com ~ (706) 375-4728



LaFayette Golf Course
This Arthur Davis-designed gem of a course is located on the south side of LaFayette on U.S. 27, just north of the bypass. The original nine holes were built in the 1930s with an additional 10 holes constructed in 1992. Enjoy challenging holes, natural beauty, a welcoming clubhouse, fully-equipped pro-shop and grill. Test your skills on the links on one of North Georgia’s most visually beautiful and well-maintained courses.
638 South Main Street, LaFayette
www.cityoflafayettega.org/golfcourse.htm ~ (706) 639-1580



Lake Winnepesaukah
Enjoy heart-pumping rides, food, miniature golf, concerts, special events, water attractions and more at this family-fun center. This family amusement park is the perfect place for a picnic or party, an educational outing for students and those who simply want to play!
Lakeview Drive, Rossville
www.lakewinnie.com ~ (877) LAKEWIN (525-3946)



Lee & Gordon’s Mills
Frank Pierce, at his own expense, restored The Old Grist Mill to its original state. Today it stands as it was 167 years ago, with restored turbines and working machinery. Examples of all machinery used in building operations have been placed on display on the main floor, cleaned and repaired to their original operational condition. The dam has also been restored to its original width and height – an astounding feat in itself !
71 Red Belt Road, Chickamauga
www.leeandgordonsmills.com ~ (706) 375-6801






Lookout Mountain Valley Trail
Explore the arts in Walker County and the surrounding area as you meet local artists and business people in their studios and shops to learn about their creative processes and techniques, as well as see how they live and work. www.lookouttrail.com, (706) 342-8225





Lookout Mountain Flight Park
Experience the thrill of hang gliding in the midst of some of Northwest Georgia’s most scenic areas. Lookout Mountain Flight Park is the largest and most successful full-time hang gliding school and resort in the U.S. All instructors are USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) certified and insured and teach hang gliding 7 days a week. Students train amid 55 beautiful acres of pastureland on the 65-foot small hill and 100-foot big hill. (Four wheelers carry students and their gliders back up the hill after each training flight.)
7201 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain
www.hanglide.com ~ (800) 688-5637



Lookout Mountain Parkway
93 miles of waterfalls,canyons, scenic brow vistas, unique towns and villages, state and national parks and preserves and many more natural wonders. www.drivelookoutmountain.com, (888) 805-4740





Lula Lake Land Trust
The Lula Lake Land Trust was established by the will of Robert M. Davenport in January 1994 so that the natural beauty and abundant resources within the Rock Creek watershed would be protected and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. Davenport had acquired more than 1,200 acres around Lula Lake and, since then, the Land Trust has increased protection within the watershed to more than 4,000 acres. Here you will learn of the fragile gifts of the environment and your role within it.Directions from the north (Chattanooga, TN): Allow 25 minutes driving time; Take Hwy. 58 South from St. Elmo up Lookout Mountain to a T-intersection with Lula Lake Road; Turn left (south) and go 4.5 miles to the gravel drive entrance (normally) marked on the left. Follow the gravel drive to an area marked for parking.
29 Mount Olive Road, Lookout Mountain
www.lulalake.org ~ (706) 820-0520



Marsh House
The Marsh House, built in 1836 by Spencer Stewart Marsh, offers visitors a rare glimpse into yesteryear. When it became apparent that the Civil War would come to Northwest Georgia, the Marsh family moved to Cassville, Ga. to escape the oncoming troops. While the family was away, Union troops occupied the house. Upon returning after the war, the Marshes discovered devastation: all of their furniture and household items had been taken, the floors in the downstairs hall were blood soaked and marked with hoof prints, many bullets were found in the outer walls of the house and bullet holes had shattered the glass around the south upstairs outer door. In 2003 the house was purchased by Walker County. Under an agreement with the Walker County Historical Society, the County will own the building and participate in its continuing restoration through the Walker County Historic Preservation Commission.
308 N. Main Street, LaFayette
www.marshhouseoflafayette.com ~ (706) 638-5187



McLemore’s Cove
This exquisite valley, nestled in the V formed by Lookout Mountain and Pigeon Mountain, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 (the McLemore Cove Historic District). The steep limestone and sandstone walls of the mountains form a remarkable backdrop for a scenic drive through the cove. At the southwest end of the cove is a portion of the picturesque 11,500-acre Mountain Cove Farm. The cove, which was named for Robert and John McLemore, sons of a white trader and a Cherokee mother, is just south of Chickamauga Battlefield. One of the Civil War battles took place at Davis Crossroads within the cove. Near Cedar Grove Methodist Church, a large number of Union soldiers spent the night of September 17, 1863, immediately prior to the Battle of Chickamauga. Another antebellum structure is the 130-year-old, plantation-plain style farmhouse, located one-half mile south of Mt. Hermon Church on Hog Jowl Road, where the Hise family has lived for generations. Most of the other old houses and buildings in the cove are not antebellum but date from the 1890s when the railroad was built through the northern part of the cove. Directions: Take GA 193 west from LaFayette 8 miles to Davis Crossroads. Note that the best view of McLemore Cove is from GA 157 atop Lookout Mountain.

Old Federal Road
In 1805, the United States and the Cherokee Nation agreed in the Treaty of Tellico to establish the Federal Road through Cherokee territory. Driving the tour today takes about 3.5 hours. www.georgia.org/Travel/InfoDownloads/Podcasts.htm Civil War Discovery Trail —Links more than 600 sites in32 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its enduring impact on America. The Gordon-Lee Mansion at Chickamauga is included on the trail. www.civilwardiscoverytrail.org



Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway
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. www.byways.org/explore/byways/15724/





Rock City
Atop Lookout Mountain, a mere 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, is Rock City: a phenomenon of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 native plant species, and breathtaking “See 7 States” vistas. Discover the wonders of a walk along the Enchanted Trail where nature reveals her magic. Explore the extraordinary Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill or in the new Rock City Pavilion. Rock City is a year-round wonderland of environmental beauty.
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountian
www.seerockcity.com ~ (800) 854-0675



Shopping
From crafts and collectibles to the South’s largest antique mall nearby, shopping is a delight and an adventure in Walker County. While we have our supercenters here, we also have charming downtowns filled with unique boutiques and local specialties, with service as a hallmark. Whether you seek the cutest children’s outfit at a store on Main Street or an antique quilt at an eclectic shop of vintage treasures on a winding country road, Walker County has it.





U.S. 27 Historic Byway
Known in Georgia as the Martha Berry Highway, U.S. 27 stretches from the top of Georgia in Walker County and neighboring Catoosa County to the extreme southwest border of the state and on into Florida. You’ll see charming West Georgia towns, many anchored by iconic historic courthouses in all manner of architectural styles.





Walker County Regional Heritage Museum
Between 1888 and 1889, the railroad came to the little town of Crawfish Springs (later renamed Chickamauga). A hotel opened in 1891 and the train depot was built in anticipation of a throng of visitors. The dreams of the investors did not materialize and, in 1898, the hotel was used as a hospital for soldiers at Camp Thomas, located in the Chickamauga Battlefield. It was later demolished and replaced with the two-story brick community house that survives today. The Train Depot has been restored and exhibits War Between the States collectibles, Indian artifacts and Cherokee arrowheads, WWI artifacts, antique guns and furniture and a complete working display of Lionel Old Gauge model trains that date back to 1947.
100 Gordon Street, Chickamauga
www.cityofchickamaugageorgia.org/train.htm ~ (706) 375-4488



Walking Tour of Historic LaFayette
20 historic buildings or places of interest in downtown LaFayette. The tour takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. www.lafayettegadowntown.com