Heritage Point Regional Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.

Prater's Mill Historic Site brings the past to life in Whitfield County, Georgia. Located between Dalton and Varnell on Prater's Road, this site is a reminder of Southern Appalachian culinary, cultural, and textile history. With a beautiful natural setting featuring historic buildings including churches, warehouses, cotton gin machinery, and more from the early 1800s through the 1960s, this location offers visitors a rare glimpse into the past.

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.

Hampton Island, is an adventure destination for all ages. Here, nature lovers can enjoy miles of trails for biking or hiking that lead to unique and breathtaking scenic views. Visitors can take a boat out on the nearby Coosawattee River and cast their line for a variety of freshwater fish species. Those who dare can even paddle along the saltwater border of Hampton Island and kayak amongst dolphins and sea turtles!

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.