A Stitch In Time

Come to Georgia's Land of Sights and Legends and immerse yourself in some of Our Nation's most fascinating history, captivating scenery and genuine hospitality. It's the Historic High Country Region, just north and west of Atlanta and south of Chattanooga, and it's had a lure all its own for centuries. The Cherokee Indians who once reigned here called it "The Enchanted Land."

Etowah Indian Mounds Popular stop on the Chieftains Trail (see "Trails")

DeSoto visited us first. He found a noble race of Native People whose culture is now lost, but whose temple mounds and ceremonial sites stand and wait. The Cherokee, the last Native Americans in Georgia, made this their Capitol. Here they lost the struggle to stay and here The Trail of Tears began. A self-guided tour, "The Chieftains Trail," leads visitors to sites remaining in tribute to the native cultures which thrived here.

The pioneering Whites who followed left their legacy of plantation homes, town squares and heritage crafts which still today covers the region like a patchwork quilt. Stroll their gardens, filled with beauty and mystique; hike the mountain trails which their wagons cleared, and listen for their voices in the dialect of the region - we call it Polite!

Chickamauga Bloodiest two days in American History (see "Trails")

War too found its way into the High Country. It was the decisive campaign of The Civil War, The Atlanta Campaign, which cut a path through her heart. These patches in the High Country Quilt - Resaca, Chickamauga, New Hope, Cassville and more - are stitched together in the "Blue & Gray Trail," a tour followed by thousands annually.

The people of the High Country celebrate their heritage in festivals, galleries and museums in quaint mountain towns and on elegant Victorian streets. And, throughout the region you'll find shopping as diverse as the landscape: designer outlet malls, antique districts and vital "Main Street" shops, many family-owned for generations.

Our favorite way to end the day is with good food, drink and friendly conversation. Dining choices with flavors unique to each community are found throughout the region. Accommodations include national hotel chains, elegant Bed & Breakfasts, and rustic cabins with built-in coziness. Naturally, camping alongside our peaceful lakes and in our National Forests are favorites in the High Country.

Continue on your High Country journey down our trails to outdoor fun and to explore all the amenities to make your vacation in the High Country one to remember. Be sure to contact us for the Free Visitors Guide, Trail Maps and Events brochures of your choice. And, pay a visit to our Historic High Country Travel Association Members found in the links throughout the site.