The Chieftains Trail

The Chieftains Trail was designated a State Historic Trail by the 1988 Georgia General Assembly for the purpose of preservation, promotion and commemoration of Georgia's Native American heritage. Use the Chieftains Trail Travel Map as a guide along a 150-mile auto tour that interprets pre-historic, Cherokee and Creek cultures in the enchanted High Country. Nine public attractions, four gateway cities, and many historic communities await your stop along the way. Visitors are always surprised by their discoveries of the Cherokees and earlier Indian Cultures and by the suspenseful events that led to the tragic "Trail of Tears." The Chieftains Trail offers a great learning vacation for families, individuals and tour groups.

The Blue & Gray Trail

"Johnson sidestepped and retreated.and the two armies went down through northern Georgia in a series of movements that were almost formalized, like some highly intricate and deadly dance,"

That intricate and deadly dance was staged as the Atlanta Campaign. Northwest Georgia was a significant player in the unfolding of the Civil War long before Sherman thrust the war to the heart of Georgia in 1864. The region was important because the Western & Atlantic Railroad, the Confederacy's most vital transportation artery, ran through its center. The railroad followed a path almost parallel to Interstate 75 between Atlanta and Chattanooga, and so too follows The Blue & Gray Trail, a self-guided travel map sponsored by the Historic High Country Travel Association. The Blue & Gray will lead you to more than 60 battlefields, national parks and museums that serve as a reminder to this momentous chapter in history. More...

The Appalachian Trail

This well-known public footpath across 2,155 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridgelines begins on Springer Mountain in the eastern hills of the Historic High Country. The vision of regional planner Benton McKaye, the trail winds through scenic, wooded, pastoral and culturally resonant lands. Primarily used for day hikes, adventurers have been known to pack the entire route. For details call 1-800-899-MTNS or see The Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

The Southern Highroads Scenic Driving Tour

A multi-state scenic loop through beautiful rural mountain communities. Visitors will enjoy beautiful scenery, rivers, lakes, National Forests, and quaint small towns with antiques shops and diners. The pristine beauty and heritage of the area is a favorite of travelers in any season. 706-632-5680.

The Courthouse Corridor

Communities along US 27 pay homage to historic courthouses in 21 counties along the statewide route. As distinctive as each community, these structures are often the town's architectural identity. Visitors will be challenged to have a vacation photo portfolio of all Corridor Courthouses. US 27, also known as The Martha Berry Highway, is a popular alternate route through the High Country. For a travel map call 706-291-1883 or e-mail oakhill@roman.net.

The Lookout Mountain Parkway

This tri-state AutoRoute along 100 miles of scenic Lookout Mountain cuts through the northwestern corner of Georgia's Historic High Country. Well-known attractions along the route include Rock City and Cloudland Canyon State Park. There are many lesser known scenic, historic and recreational sites just waiting to be discovered. For details call 706-657-4488 or e-mail dcoc@tvn.net.

Georgia Mountain Parkway

This Highway 515 route is a favorite from Atlanta to the Georgia Mountains. The communities along this scenic four-lane offer outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, camping and boating. Nostalgic towns, seasonal festivals, and an excursion train beckon you from the route for an extended High Country stay. 706-632-5680 or e-mail chamber@blueridgemountains.com.

The Pinhoti Trail

This 245-mile trail is currently under construction across Georgia's Historic High Country. When completed, hopefully by 2000, the trail will be the state's longest footpath. The Pinhoti Trail actually begins in the Talladega National Forest (TNF) in neighboring Alabama. Upon completion TNF will be connected via the Pinhoti with the famed Appalachian Trail. In Georgia, the Pinhoti will take hikers near Rome, LaFayette, Dalton, and Chatsworth, through the Chattahoochee National Forest, then connecting with the Benton MacKaye Trail. For more information please contact The Conservation Fund, 770-414-0211 or e-mail pedoneap@aol.com or visit online at www.georgiapinhoti.org.

The Benton MacKaye Trail

This trail begins with the Appalachian Trail on Springer Mountain, then branches off northwest through Georgia's Historic High Country across the Toccoa River into the Cohutta Wilderness and continuing into Tennessee. The trail in Georgia spans 78 miles of mountains. For more information call the U.S. Forest Service, 706-632-3031 or pick up a trail map at the Ranger Station in Blue Ridge on GA 515. You can also visit The Benton MacKaye Trail or the Chattahoochee National Forest.

 

The Silver Comet Trail

Currently completed to Rockmart, this trail, which is part of the National Rails to Trails program eventually be completed to Cedartown and the Georgia-Alabama state line. For the time being, Rockmart is an excellent entry point, with three parking lots and a bike rental facility downtown, plus access to the most scenic and least crowded section of the Silver Comet Trail. Take I-75, exit 288 (State Road 113 goes directly to the city).