20 Attractions to Explore Near James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park

This is one of the few remaining examples of the architecture buit in 1871, it is a one-story brick building that reflects Italianate and Victorian-style train depots found throughout America at the time. It features brick pilasters on its façade that supports a curved metal roof with octagon-shaped dormers over half-round windows. The original ticket booth and freight platform remain intact, giving visitors an opportunity to imagine how travelers experienced the depot over 150 years ago.

Rocky Mountain Recreation & Public Fishing area is a great destination for outdoor lovers. With over 70 campsites perfect for both RV's and tent camping, visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of this mountainous area. Anglers can test their skills on the stocked trout ponds as well as some of the larger lakes. Furthermore, there are numerous trails extending across the area where hikers can explore and take in the spectacular views.

The Paradise Garden Foundation is renowned for its beautiful and peaceful gardens. It was founded in 2011 by artist and gardener Howard Finster and consists of 4 main acres that span both sides of a narrow road. Each garden provides its own unique experience with multiple outdoor pathways that are lined with colorful sculptures, fountains, a koi pond, prayer stations, walls covered with artwork made by Finster's students and friends, and lush vegetation.

The Corpsewood Manor is an interesting story of horror and tragedy. In 1982, Dr. Charles Martin Scudder along with his life-partner Joseph Odom bought the 220 acre Preservationist Estate with plans to restore it into a beautiful dream home. They named it Corpsewood but instead of hard work and dreams they were met with violence and tragedy when they were brutally murdered on Christmas Eve 1983. The murders are still unsolved today, as no one knows who committed them or why.

Berry College, is an educational institution with its roots firmly planted in both the academic and spiritual worlds. Founded in 1902 as a Christian liberal arts school by Martha Berry, the college consistently earns high rankings from publications such as U.S. News and World Report for its impressive academic program. The college also offers a robust extra-curricular program with opportunities for leadership and exploration.

Oak Hill & Martha Berry Museum rests on the former site of the Berry Schools, founded by Martha Berry in 1909. Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits sharing the educational and cultural life of the region. The Programs and Performances Gallery hosts interactive programs focused on local music, traditional art forms, and folkloric traditions. In addition, visitors are encouraged to explore two 19th-century buildings located on the grounds.

Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home, is a living and breathing testament to the history of the Cherokee Nation. The home gives visitors the unprecedented chance to view two historic structures spanning two centuries. Maj. Major Ridge Home is a beautifully-restored 1840's brick home situated on its original plantation site. Across the grassy field lays Chieftains Museum, owned by the Cherokee nation and dedicated to preserving and interpreting Native American artifacts.

Heritage Park offers a window into the past of Northwest Georgia. Located on the banks of the Oostanaula River, Heritage Park is home to seven historical buildings that span over 190 years of local history. Visitors can tour the Gordon-Baker Homestead, an 1812 cabin and smokehouse; The Osborn Store, which was built around 1830; and even a traditional one-room schoolhouse, built in 1908.

Pigeon Mountain, is a stunning outdoor paradise. Breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and open fields await visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of this picturesque region. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on Pigeon Mountain—hiking trails that offer stellar views of its jagged cliffs, creeks full of smallmouth bass, and prime camping sites near its riverside bluffs make it an ideal park for a family getaway.

The Labyrinth of Rome, is an expansive web of underground passages that are believed to have been carved out over thousands of years. This incredible man-made structure starts from the center and stretches for miles in all directions, with rooms, chambers, and large domes connecting each pathway. Some theorize that ancient cultures used The Labyrinth as a holy network of tunnels responsible for creating one of the most spectacular spiritual sites in North America.

Myrtle Hill Cemetery is a picturesque graveyard with vast rolling hills and lush greenery. It was established in 1860, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. The cemetery features fascinating old gravestones and monuments, many of which date back to the 19th Century. The graves are well cared for and have been preserved since its inception. Throughout the cemetery there are trees that provide shady pockets of cool weather from the hot Georgia summer days.

This majestic mountain getaway features 7.3 miles of trails which wind through the southern Appalachian Mountains and offer stunning views of the valley below. Along the way, visitors can take in unique rock formations, including a natural rock bridge with a picturesque waterfall streaming underneath it – truly a breathtaking sight. Wildlife watchers will also enjoy being able to observe local songbirds, wildflowers and deer in their natural habitats.

Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area is an excellent spot for nature-lovers. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, the area is immensely popular among hikers and bird watchers. Spanning approximately 5,000 acres of lush mountainside vicinity and riverside meadows, the area boasts dozens of species including warblers, pileated woodpeckers, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. It also has more than 130 species of vascular plants that attribute to its vibrant beauty.

Neely Hill, is a stunning formation of hills and valleys. With family-friendly activities all year long, from recreational activities in the nearby lake to hikes through the mountainside and festivals held by the local community, it truly has something for everyone. For those who appreciate nature, the views on display at Neely Hill are sure to be unforgettable. Additionally, this region boasts a lovely mix of small farms and new industrial enterprises located on its outskirts.

The Clock Tower of Floyd County, located in the heart of downtown Rome, has been an iconic fixture of the city since it was built in 1888. It's a unique example of 19th-century architecture and serves as a reminder of the town's proud heritage. Every year, thousands of locals and visitors pass by the landmark bell tower daily, captivated by its beauty and enduring legacy - a sentiment that has only grown stronger throughout Floyd County's long history.

Pettyjohn's Cave has a fascinating history. Used as a hideaway spot by Native Americans and Civil War soldiers, the cave is named after an early settler of the area, Bob Pettyjohn. In 1907 it became home to the American Exploration Company which had plans to mine for gold there. Despite some results from their efforts, the mine was never profitable and eventually fell into disuse. People still explore its depths today and have found archaeological items.

DeSoto Falls, located in DeKalb County, Alabama, is a magnificent natural wonder that stands as one of the state's most iconic and picturesque waterfalls. Nestled within the Appalachian foothills, DeSoto Falls captivates visitors with its stunning beauty, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Little River Canyon National Preserve, located in DeKalb County, Alabama, is a breathtaking and ecologically significant protected area that showcases the natural beauty of northeastern Alabama. As one of the deepest canyons in the southeastern United States, Little River Canyon offers visitors a chance to explore rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and unique geological formations.

Little River Canyon National Preserve, located in Cherokee County, Alabama, is a natural gem and a testament to the rugged beauty of the Southern United States. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," this preserve offers visitors a unique and awe-inspiring opportunity to explore deep canyons, pristine waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse ecosystems.

This Preserve, offers an adventure into stunning natural beauty and a unique ecosystem. Visitors can explore the beautiful canyon by hiking along the rim or wading in the river below. The 15,000-acre preserve encompasses land charged with history of the Creek Indians and Cherokee Nation as well as a number of sites listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Vistas from high atop Lookout Mountain offer breathtaking views of both the river and towering cliffs below.