20 Attractions to Explore Near Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Marsh House, is a historic home that has been carefully preserved for over two centuries. At the time of its construction in 1822, it was the first brick house in the area and a fantastic example of pioneer architecture. The house was built by Hugh Marsh using handmade molded bricks which represent the work ethic and dedication of early settlers to the land. Inside, antique furniture, paintings and artifacts tell stories of family life during this period of history.

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.

This is an outdoor oasis located within minutes of Atlanta. This expansive park boasts miles of wooded hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely pavilions and picnic shelters for relaxing gatherings. Avid fishermen will be pleased to discover the catch-and-release fishing pond, where they can spend hours trying to snag a big one! There are also several nature preserves on the property, providing visitors with spectacular views of local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

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.

The Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel is a railroad tunnel built in 1850, the tunnel is 0.75 miles long and has become a National Historic Landmark. An amazing feat of engineering during that era, the tunnel runs beneath the crest of a ridge that raised 540 feet above its entrance in Chattanooga. It was really quite a dangerous venture to bore through solid rock but crews were able to get it done quickly and safely allowing railroad traffic to continue under the mountain.

Ellison's Cave is an incredible natural wonder. The cave comprises of two mile-long passages that hold several unique formations, deep pits and spectacular underground waterfalls. This fantastical cavern is often hailed as a top destination for both professional cavers and amateur spelunkers alike. It boasts being the twelfth longest cave system in the United States with a depth of 586 feet.

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.

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.

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 Chief Vann House Historic Site is a 19th century plantation house that has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. Built circa 1805 by Chief James Vann and his son Joseph, the home is a remarkable reminder of an interesting chapter in Georgia's past. The house was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 for its representations of Cherokee history in Georgia and its significance to southern aristocracy.

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.

Old Stoner Church is a small but historically significant religious structure built in the late 1880s and named after the founders of the community, Reverend Joseph Stoner and his brother-in-law Deacon Jesse Hall, it has served as a site of worship and fellowship for many generations. The church holds an annual homecoming each year, with hundreds of members returning to relive their memories and honor the legacies of their ancestors.

The Ringgold Gap Battlefield is a historic site dedicated to remembering the Civil War battle that took place there in 1863. On November 27th of that year, Union forces engaged the Confederate Army in an effort to stop them from advancing further into northwest Georgia and Chattanooga. The intense battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides: 596 Confederates died, compared with 375 on the Union side.