Nestled in the northwest corner of Georgia a family vacation awaits. There are no big name theme parks here rather parks rich in Civil War history to educate and plenty of active pursuits to invigorate. Try something unique and affordable this summer.
Chickamauga National Military Park
Located approximately 100 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia and just 10 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chickamauga National Military Park is the nation’s oldest military park and was the site of the bloodiest two day battle in the Civil War. Chickamauga is a Cherokee word meaning “River of Blood”. On September 19th and 20th in 1863 more than 35,000 men were killed, wounded or missing out of 120,000 soldiers. Today a seven mile loop tour features markers and monuments placed as memorials by states after the war as well as cannons and log cabins. There is also a longer twelve mile tour available. Tour stops include the popular site of the Wilder Brigade Monument Tower.
During the Tullahoma Campaign, Colonel John T. Wilder’s men moved into battle with such rapidity they soon became known as the “Lightning Brigade”. Major General George H. Thomas formally commended Colonel Wilder for his performance at the Battle of Chickamauga. As the movement to create a memorial to the men who fought and died at Chickamauga grew, so did the idea of a monument to the men of the Lightning Brigade. In 1892 plans were finalized and approved to build the circular tower that allows a bird’s-eye view of the area of the Confederate breakthrough at Brotherton Cabin. Today the tower stands 85 feet tall and visitors can view almost the entire Chickamauga battlefield from the top. While young ones may not be enthralled by the history of the monument, they will certainly enjoy the climb to the top of the tower on the circular staircase inside.
Park Place Restaurant
Climbing all the stairs to the top of the tower and exploring the park is a great way to work up an appetitie and delicious southern cooking is the way to satisfy it. Park Place Restaurant located just ¼ mile north of the entrance to the Chickamauga Battlefield has been serving locals and visitors a huge variety of freshly prepared entrees since 1992. Choose from entrees such fried catfish, chicken-fried beef steak and fried green tomatoes as well as home-styled prepared vegetables. The price is right and the food is delicious! (2891 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, 706-861-5368).
Cloudland Canyon State Park
The only problem with southern cooking is the tendency to overindulge! Hike off the calories at nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park . Located in Rising Fawn, Georgia near the Georgia-Alabama state line just 30 miles southwest of the Chickamauga Battlefield Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park features hiking, swimming and camping. This 3,485 acre park on the western edge of Lookout Mountain offers rugged geology and beautiful vistas as it straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek. Over 200 million years ago a great ocean covered the area. Lookout Mountain was created by seismic activity. When it was first formed the entire mountain was still underwater. As the water subsided, the rim of the canyon became a beach on the ocean. As the ocean dried, the creek took over and continued to erode the rock.
Today, the park has a variety of hiking trails. A paved, wheelchair-accessible trail ¼ mile in length goes along the rim overlooking the canyon. The park also features three more extensive hiking trails and a backpacking trail. The Waterfalls Trail begins on a paved section at the main overlook and progresses into the canyon. Most of this trail consists of gravel and over 400 stair-steps. There are two waterfalls, the upper and lower falls, cascading off of the canyon walls at 60 and 90 feet. They are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. If you are looking for a longer hike, try the 4.8 mile long West Rim Loop Trail and enjoy panoramic views of the canyon. There is also a 2.0 mile Backcountry Loop Trail providing access to the park’s eleven secluded primitive hike-in camping sites.
The park features a variety of camping and lodging options. There are 16 rental cottages perfect for families and couples ranging in price from $120 to $140 per night. Two of the cottages are pet friendly. The park also offers 73 tent, trailer and RV sites and 30 walk-in campsites.
Visitors to this unique area of the Southeastern United States will experience history, hiking and the taste of good ‘ole Southern cooking all at an affordable price.
Terri Marshall - Terri is a seasoned traveler and has the ability to transport her readers to the places she visits. Always seeking the unique and unusual ...
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