20 Attractions to Explore Near Rock Garden, Calhoun

The Rock Garden is an impressive feature of the town. Though created as a memorial to commemorate World War II veterans, it has become a unique destination for visitors hoping to explore an area far removed from everyday life. The sculptured rocks were discovered on the property and over time, with the vision of one man, Zack Rothwell, they became a true testament to creating something remarkable out of what was previously ordinary.

Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead is a beautiful and serene outdoor escape. Accessed from Keown Falls Road, the picnic site offers clean and spacious grounds for activities like eating a meal outside, frisbee throwing or kite flying. Nature lovers can also enjoy hidden trails accessible to the area that offer sights of waterfalls, rural fields and lakes. Whether travelers are looking to relax on a picnic blanket or explore a wooded trail, they’ll find something special here.

New Echota State Historic Site marks the location of the former capital of the Cherokee Nation. Located within site boundaries lies a reconstructed museum and visitor center, Supreme Court museum and law office, dungeon jail structure, a print shop building as well as 18th and 19th century homes. Visiting this historic site will take you on a journey through time as you step back to experience the town New Echota was during its peak in the 1820's.

The Resaca Battlefield Historic Site is a great place to visit if you are looking to learn more about the Civil War. The site covers 1,815 acres and offers visitors an up close look at the Resaca Battle that took place during that conflict. There are several walking and driving tours available which will give visitors a glimpse into what happened on May 13-15 of 1864. On these tours, you can find interpretive markers, a visitor center museum with artifacts from the battle on display.

Johns Mountain is one of the county's most interesting geographical features, with a combination of rolling hills and steep cliffs that form a unique landscape. The area has several large creeks as well as breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. It is also home to wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and birds like bald eagles and blue-headed vireos. Hiking trails provide access to some beautiful waterfalls, which can be seen along the stream banks.

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.

John's Mountain Wildlife Management Area, is a protected area that serves as an important habitat for local wildlife. The area features bluffs, majestic hills, and a mixed hardwood forest with coves and ravines, making it perfect for birds, deer and other small game. John's Mountain also provides outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, hiking and boating on the nearby Lake Arkaquah.

Barnsley Resort, located on 3,300 acres of peaceful woods and meadows circulating the ruins of a centuries-old estate, guests can easily forget all their worries while losing themselves in nature's beauty. Guests can enjoy activities such as world-class golfing, horseback riding, boat tours, fishing expeditions and more. Those looking to simply enjoy a relaxing evening will appreciate the resort's restaurants and spa where they can rejuvenate or indulge in fine cuisine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.