Georgia's Backroads and Battlefields

Whether you're eight or eighty, there is always something to do in Georgia's Backroads and Battlefields, a five-county area south of Chattanooga, Tennessee stretching from Alabama to Dalton and Chatsworth. Within these 5 counties are anchor attractions like Chickamauga battlefield, Rock City, Lake Winnie and the Chief Vann House. We cover those and so much more. Two of the oldest railroad depots in the state are in the 5 county district, and railfans can enjoy viewing trains on one of the most active stretches of track in the nation.

The Chief Vann House was home to one of the richest men in the Southeast, James Vann, only he was not an American, but a member of the Cherokee Nation. After visiting the home and adjacent museum, let us show you the way to God's Acre, a small, recently discovered cemetery where the Moravians taught his children and other Cherokee. Or visit the historic Murray County Courthouse for a fun photographic adventure. Murray County is home to Fort Mountain, rising a dramatic 2,000 feet above the valley that holds Chatworth, creating a scenic backdrop to this small town.

Of course, most people come to Dalton, Georgia to buy carpet, then discover there really is a lot to do in Whitfield County. It was here that the Atlanta Campaign begin, with a skirmish at Tunnel Hill on May 4, 1864, followed by the battle of Dalton, May 10-May 12, then the Battle of Resaca on May 13-15. Fighting returned to the area in late 1864, as John Bell Hood began the Nashville Campaign. Events can range from Praters Mill fair in October to a concert at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center to a play at the Wink Theater.

From Dalton journey west to Chickamauga battlefield, site of the bloodiest two days of American history and the biggest Confederate victory of the Civil War. The battle started at Lee and Gordon's Mill, then spread north to the open fields along Chickamauga Creek. North of Chickamauga, also in Catoosa County, is Lake Winnepesaukah, an amusement park the kids will love. We like to shorten it to Lake Winnie, but however you decide to say it, the name means fun. It was here that the Great Locomotive Chase ended and was the place Chief John Ross called home.

Home to Pigeon Mountain, one of the best kept outdoor adventure secrets in Georgia, Walker County has long been a destination for eco-travel. Hike on the beautiful Rocktown Trail to a city in the rocks, then See Rock City on the top of Lookout Mountain in beautiful, rugged Dade County home to Cloudland Canyon State Park and the Lookout Mountain Parkway, a 93-mile scenic drive. Those who are especially daring may want to spend some of their time hang-gliding at the Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Our 5 Counties:
Murray
Whitfield
Catoosa
Walker
Dade
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