20 Attractions to Explore Near High Peaks Wilderness

Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park is a nature lover’s haven. Just a short drive from bustling downtown Chattanooga, the park provides a peaceful escape into nature. Featuring wooded hiking trails and the tranquil waters of Lookout Creek, Elsie A. Holmes is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities like fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. Accessible from several entry points off Hwy 27 and just five miles from the nearby lake.

Boyd's Speedway opened its doors in 1986 and quickly became the staple of local motorsports entertainment. Located just outside Ringgold, the half-mile dirt track features racing divisions such as Street Stocks, Crates, Hornets, and Wildcats—all boasting some of the most exciting action around. The Speedway takes pride in providing fans with an electric experience as they watch their favorite racers compete for top honors.

Located in Fort Oglethorpe, the winery offers guests a unique experience in a beautiful setting. Visitors can sample wines made on-site at the tasting room and tour the production facility where they learn about the winemaker's process. They can also shop for unique Georgia wines and gifts in the retail store while taking in the stunning mountain views. For an extra dose of fun and relaxation, visitors can stay overnight at the winery's bed and breakfast that includes luxurious spa services.

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, is a classic family destination with a variety of attractions for all ages. First established in 1925 to provide a day of fun for local children, it now offers more than 50 rides and attractions. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, a water park, bumper cars, go-karts and dozens of other thrill rides. The park also features regular live entertainment such as puppetry shows and magic acts throughout the summer season.

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.

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.

Red Clay State Historic Park is a unique and beautiful historic park. It is located on the ancestral land of Cherokee tribes, whose history is memorialized throughout the park. It features ancient earthy mounds, quartzite masonry walls, and a unique wooden bridge that stretches over a beautiful lake. The surrounding tranquil forest provides perfect wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors to enjoy, including beavers, otters, deer and other wildlife.

The Chief John Ross House, an iconic 1839 two-story Federal style home, stands as a tribute to the Cherokee nation's beloved principal chief. The house was built by noted architect and contractor Mr. Thomas Ennis for Chief John Ross. Inside the home is a grand staircase and mantelpieces made from local marble still remain. After being passed down through several generations of the Ross family, it was eventually acquired and restored by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission in 1982.

The Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the bloodiest two-day battle of the American Civil War. Visitors can gain a better understanding of this pivotal moment in history when they experience the museum which features numerous artifacts, exhibits and educational films. Go on an auto tour of the actual battlefield where visitors can see over 200 monuments, battle flags and plaques to commemorate this historic moment in time.

The Tennessee Aquarium offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. With world-renowned exhibits including the Rivers of the World and the Discovery Zone, guests can explore aquatic environments from different countries and get up close to exotic animals. It features well over 10,000 animals of all shapes and sizes, representing over 800 species. Guests can also attend shows featuring live animal ambassadors and watch as they interact with their trainers.

Snodgrass Hill, is a beautiful and unique destination. From its sweeping vistas to its picturesque mountain passes, this area provides visitors with breathtaking views of nature. Visitors can take in the fresh smells of nearby streams and pines while hiking or simply exploring the landscape. Rich in Civil War history and boasting many outdoor recreational activities, Snodgrass Hill is sure to leave a lasting impression with all who visit - there's something for everyone!

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is an essential part of American history. The park preserves the site of two major battles during the Civil War as well as many other historic sites such as cannons, fortifications and monuments. Here, visitors can explore the history of the area and gain a better understanding of important episodes in civil war history such as Union General Sherman's Atlanta campaign and the Battle of Lookout Mountain.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is a great way to experience majestic views of the nearby Chattanooga Valley. Operated since 1895 and recognized as a National Historic Site, it follows a 2,000 foot long track up along the side of Lookout Mountain to Grandview Drive. The railway delivers guests to the summit station which boasts a full-service restaurant, shopping boutiques and observation points that provide stunning panoramic sights while still allowing safety and comfort.

Wilder Tower is a unique symbol located in the town of Rock Spring. Standing at 58 feet high, this bell tower and gazebo combo is an iconic landmark for all those who visit the area. It was built from 1923-1925 by W.A. Davis, using granite quarried from nearby Stones Garden Cave. The tower’s four main walls have inscriptions inside them that read “Love", "Peace", "Truth" and “Freedom” in 4 different languages which reflect the county’s multicultural nature.

The Wilder Brigade Monument is a historic marker that remembers those volunteers who fought for the Confederate cause during the American Civil War. The monument was erected to honor the brave men from Georgia’s 12th Infantry Regiment, who courageously served under Major General John T. Wilder between 1862 and 1864. The monument honors those fallen soldiers with a plaque containing their names, rank, and personal information—a poignant reminder of their selfless sacrifice.

Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park is one of the most significant historic sites in the United States. Spanning over 10,000 acres, with two battle fields and several military monuments, it commemorates five separate Civil War battles that were fought in the area between 1863 and 1865. This national park also features 3 major observation towers that offer spectacular views of Lookout Valley and the Tennessee River.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is a remarkable engineering feat. It takes riders from the mountain's bottom to its summit in just three and a half minutes, reaching an average grade of up to 72.7% for part of its run and making it one of the steepest passenger railway climbs in the world! Operated continuously since 1895, it still uses cars pulled by an original steam locomotive built in 1895. This classic locomotive is fueled with wood and powered by an innovative reversible steam engine.

Lookout Mountain, is indeed a sight to behold. Its lush and rolling hills, mighty ridges and dense forests are awe-inspiring and has become a popular outdoor retreat for many. The steep cliffs at the top of Lookout Mountain offer some of the best views in north Georgia. With temperatures staying mild even during winter months, it makes for a great place to enjoy camping, hiking or simply to take in the beauty of nature.

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.