Rocky Mountain Recreation & Public Fishing Area - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park,is a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty and culture of the North Georgia Mountains. With twelve miles of hiking and biking trails, two ponds stocked with fish, and a wildlife viewing platform, there are plenty of ways to explore and observe the natural world. There are also five pavilions with picnic tables, grills and areas for playing sports or throwing horseshoes. For those looking to stay awhile, camping sites are available.

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.

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.

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.