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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Helen to Saint Louis?
The direct drive from Helen to Saint Louis is 569 mi (916 km), and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 25 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Helen to Saint Louis, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Nashville, Chattanooga, Franklin, Blue Ridge, Paducah, Blairsville, and Murphy, as well as top places to visit like Vogel State Park and Gibbs Gardens, or the ever-popular Brasstown Bald.
The top cities between Helen and Saint Louis are Nashville, Chattanooga, Franklin, Blue Ridge, Paducah, Blairsville, and Murphy. Nashville is the most popular city on the route. It's 5 hours from Helen and 5 hours from Saint Louis.
Blairsville is a city and the county seat of Union County, on the northern border of Georgia, United States. It was founded near the Nottely River, which was dammed in 1942 as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority project, forming Lake Nottely. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 616. Wikipedia.
2% as popular as Nashville
1 minute off the main route, 8% of way to Saint Louis
2
Murphy
Murphy is a town in and the county seat of Cherokee County, North Carolina, United States. It is situated at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Valley rivers. It is the westernmost county seat in the state of North Carolina, approximately 360 miles from the state capital in Raleigh. Wikipedia.
2% as popular as Nashville
1 minute off the main route, 11% of way to Saint Louis
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Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a mountain town in northern Georgia. Exhibitions and shows at the Art Center and the Blue Ridge Community Theater highlight the work of the town’s thriving artistic community. Craft breweries and restaurants dot the downtown. Antique trains head to nearby mountain villages along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Trails run through the Chattahoochee National Forest to Long Creek and Fall Branch waterfalls.
4% as popular as Nashville
1 minute off the main route, 13% of way to Saint Louis
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southeastern Tennessee, Chattanooga is a city situated along the Tennessee River. Visitors can ride on the Incline Railway, which resembles a trolley and travels up Lookout Mountain to reach popular attractions such as Ruby Falls waterfall and Rock City. The latter offers impressive panoramic views, sandstone formations and gardens. Point Park, situated atop Lookout Mountain, pays tribute to a Civil War battle that is now commemorated at Battles for Chattanooga Museum.
32% as popular as Nashville
2 minutes off the main route, 30% of way to Saint Louis
Franklin is a Tennessee city located south of Nashville, significant for its role in the American Civil War. Two key sites in Franklin are the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, where visitors can explore the 1864 Battle of Franklin and pay respects at McGavock Confederate Cemetery. The Lotz House Museum offers an extensive collection of 19th-century furniture. Downtown Main Street boasts Victorian buildings restored to their former glory, antique shops, and galleries.
8% as popular as Nashville
15 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Saint Louis
I'll never travel to Saint Louis without this trip planner again
Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee and hosts Vanderbilt University. Famed for its country music heritage, Nashville boasts renowned venues such as the Grand Ole Opry House which houses the world-famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Downtown area includes attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, honky-tonks featuring live music performances and the Johnny Cash Museum that celebrates the life of this legendary singer.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 51% of way to Saint Louis
Paducah, a city in Kentucky, is designated as a home rule-class area and serves as the county seat of McCracken County. Positioned at the junction where Tennessee and Ohio rivers meet, it is the most populous metropolis in Jackson Purchase region. The town lies equidistant from St. Louis, Missouri to its northwest and Nashville, Tennessee to its southeast.
3% as popular as Nashville
3 minutes off the main route, 72% of way to Saint Louis
Best stops along Helen to Saint Louis drive
The top stops along the way from Helen to Saint Louis (with short detours) are Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, and Mercier Orchards. Other popular stops include High Country Adventures, Amicalola Falls State Park, and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River.
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Brasstown Bald
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Mountains
A steep trail & shuttle access this peak, Georgia's highest, offering panoramic views from 4,784-ft.
What a beautiful park with beautiful sights. I've been on vacation in the area for the past week and we have been talking about going to Brasstown Bald for days. I wasn't able to figure out if the shuttle was running which was a disappointment. I really think when you call it should state definitively that there is no shuttle service. After debating some my group and I decided to take the 3/4 mile hike up to the top. It is really steep and pretty rough if you are not in good shape. There are multiple benches along the way to help you out but it really was hard to make it to the top. I was determined to do it and I did. The trail is paved and wide enough for two people. Everything was closed at the top but I didn't care because the views were all I wanted. There is really nothing more breathtaking than being on the top of a mountain looking out at mother nature.
Kait L — Google review
This is a really great spot because there are shuttles to get you to the top if you can’t physically walk it. However the trailer to the right of the road is very steep but stunning to walk as well if you want to give it a try. It’s $7 to park and the views from the top are just stunning and not to be missed.
Jennifer M (Jen) — Google review
The trail to the top is only 0.5 mi. It was so beautiful!
It had been raining for the whole week, that's why we didn't see much - it was all covered in fog. But it was so magical, so amazing! We had fun going up there when it was foggy and raining.
The restrooms are near the visitor center. There's a shuttle to a top, but you can go on foot.
Everything closes at 5. The last shuttle was at 4:30.
There are several trails in the area and a museum on the top.
Anastasia G — Google review
This is the highest peak in Georgia and it’s amazing! You can see mountains for miles and miles around! That was well worth it and very beautiful! You can either have them shuttle you the last little stretch to the top or there is a steep trail to take by foot. It’s nice for all ages!
Adrian Bartsch — Google review
Beautiful mountain top. Amazing views. Was on top of this mountain on the night of July 4th,so go to watch Helen fireworks festival from here. They look so tiny yet beautiful from here.
Great place for star gazing if you are lucky that day. Even other wise, it's worth a night visit any day. Even in summer it was cool that night and even day time. So great place to spend summers here. Wish they had couple more picnic tables on top. Only one exists so far.
Vijay P — Google review
WOW! Such an amazing visit from the drive there to being at the peak. It was absolutely breath taking. $8 per person covers parking and a shuttle to the top. Kids are free! The museum was cool to see aswell. Me and my family all loved it, well always go back when we visit the area
Ricky Thrasher — Google review
Amazing view from the top of the tower, great lookout. Stunning colors in fall from the top and along the way. Lake between crest and troughs and great mountainous background makes surreal. Besides a nice steep hike. One can reach at top by shuttle provided there. One can see large range of mountain from the top in every direction. Sometimes views gets shrouded by clouds so better see weather prediction before going.
Ashutosh Shandilya — Google review
What a cool place. Was crazy foggy and couldn't see much but the uphill climb to the Nature Center at the top was worth it either way. A must see in the area!
Be aware of the walking trail if you can't exert yourself much, take the van to the top instead. It is somewhat demanding of an incline.
Rick Forrest — Google review
Even on a cloudy day, you're on top of the world. So worth the trip. Nice folks, nice place, nice weather, great experience. Don't skip the exhibits.
Steffen Strayer — Google review
Great walk up the hill. They also have transportation up if needed. There are park rangers there that have great info. Beautiful views! It does cost to get in.
Cars B — Google review
Great views. Highest peak in Ga. Parking isn't free but it's worth it. You can take a hike up or you can take the shuttle. Even more beautiful in the fall. I ALWAYS recommend riding a motorcycle up there but I'm partial. In the fall there may be a wait to get into the park. Certainly worth seeing once!
Shawn Gaddy — Google review
Very blessed to de able to vacation in blue ridge mountains, we took a drive to Brasstown Bald it does cost to park $3.00 per person, the day we went the park was closed, what that means is there’s nobody there working and there’s no shuttle the road from parking lot to the top is blocked off, you can hike the paved path up which is pretty steep, we had to stop a few times a take a breather 😐not bad at all for a 60 year old guy 😱 at the top is breath taking views, I think walking back down the path would be kinda hard on the knees if your knees are sensitive. Do expect mountain driving up and down! Love to go back some day! ❤️
Ron Saltsman — Google review
One of the highest GA's peaks. Short hike to the top from the lot. Incline can be challenging for many. Bathrooms were closed for the winter season. Worth the visit if you are in the area. Final resting place for my dog's ashes.
Brian B Gomes — Google review
We had such a great time here. It’s so pretty and the small museum at the top is very informative. Go on a day when a tropical storm is coming across Ga and wear a rain jacket. It’s worth the wind rain to have it to yourself and the experience.
Adam Mosley — Google review
The state national park is the highest place in Georgia. It’s $8/person. They offer shuttle up and down during the day. However hiking up and down make this trip fun hike. The trail are mostly shaded. The elevation is high, so for 0.5 mile trail, it could take about 30-40 mins. Once up to the top, there’s a museum filled with info along with restroom and water station. The view was breathtaking even though the day we went had the Canadian wild fire smoke all over it. Keep in mind, there were slim to non cell signal around that area.
Wind Napol — Google review
Let me preface this by saying the views are 5/5 and probably worth the drive depending on your patience level and whether or not you drank/ate too much before making the drive up to Brasstown Bald.
Like me, you will probably be confused why your GPS tells you that it's a 1 1/2 hour drive to go 40 miles, but the roads going into this place are pretty crazy. Lots of switch back turns and steep grade, not a drive for the faint of heart. There are also a lot of other parks in the area like Desoto Falls and Vogel State Park, so the traffic through here, especially in the Fall, is nuts. Recently there has also been this "Instagram Crowd" that stop on the shoulder, try to get posed shots of themselves in the middle of the road, and all kinds of other craziness with the crowds, so allow yourself plenty of time to get there. We saw 4 young women today nearly get hit by a tour bus because they were trying to take a posed shot of them across the road with the mountains in the background.
Once you actually get to the park area, your real battle begins. Expect anywhere from 1-3 hours to drive the 2 miles up the mountain to the parking area and then possibly another hour+ wait to get on the shuttle if you want to go to the top. We are talking hard idling on steep incline in most places, so this can be brutal if you have a motorcycle, have a car on the verge of breaking down, or a weak 4 cylinder engine that doesn't handle mountain driving well. If you don't want to wait for the shuttle and you can handle a decent incline, you can take a 0.7 mile trail up to the top after you reach the parking lot. It's pretty short, but if you are out of shape it will get the heart rate up. It's probably a 1.5 mile round trip if you include the distance from your parking spot to the trailhead behind the gift shop. We went today and it was 2+ hours to go the 2 miles up to the parking lot. Several people turned around and went back. I feel like this is a detail many miss out on so people aren't expecting a huge wait once they get there, but it's a reality.
Crowds have been an issue each visit and the restroom facilities(located at the parking area and also up at the main tower) are always overcrowded and filthy with long lines. Employees in the gift shop are a little slow with customer service, you can certainly tell this is a government job post where they are just going through the motions to get their pension/retirement benefits. The gift shop is pretty sparse and doesn't offer much outside your standard overpriced t-shirts. When you reach the summit, they have a fairly nice facility with exhibits(though most of them were powered down/broken) about the area and animals that frequent the surrounding forests.
The views are about the only thing worth going for if you aren't hitting up the local hiking trails, so you will have to ask yourself if a 2-3+ hour trip is worth about 15-20 minutes of gawking at the incredible mountain views. If it's crowded it can be tough to get decent photos, and the weather can change really quickly. On our visit the sun was out and everything was beautiful, but by the time we actually made it to the parking area the clouds had moved in and the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees. Make sure you have appropriate clothing if you get cold easily. There is a small picnic area in the parking area and access to a few other trails, but the main attraction is the views at the top. The observation tower has been closed almost every time we've been with the excuse of the elevator being broken. I think this place could use some government funds to make a few upgrades to the restrooms and to fix the elevator. There is nowhere to eat, but the gift shop does offer some limited snacks and drinks, mainly slim jims/soda type thing and there aren't really any local restaurants, so bring your own food if you want to snack on anything.
Overall great views, but I think once you've been a time or two you don't need to waste your entire day sitting in traffic to get there. I'd also add there are no EV charging facilities anywhere close.
D Shukis — Google review
This is Georgia’s highest peak. The 360 degree view from the observation deck is amazing. There is a fees to enter the park. You can hike up from parking to a very steep paved trail. The trees around while hiking give a nice feeling. Fall season is the best time to visit and see colors all around. They have restrooms downstairs. This place is know for star gazing so at special events specific to meteor showers or comet there are people all night
Sydney Dmonte — Google review
First time experience such a beautiful sunrise
Reached exactly at sunrise time ..!
Highest point in Georgia to admire the beauty
Didn’t phase any hastle getting there or for parking spot as I went early. If possible I would suggest to have a sunrise 🌅 look
Would plan again in fall and recommend to be there before sunrise when weather is good
Nikki D — Google review
Great view of the Georgia mountains. Was there at the right time to see fall foilage. The views are good even during the early winter seasons. It's worth the drive and waiting time for entering the parking. Though there were plenty of parking spots, there was a long queue of cars because of the slow ticketing process.
Tickets are charged per persons (based on the shuttle to the top, I believe). But felt worth it.
Got a trail to reach the top for those who like.
Restrooms are available both near the parking lot and at the top.
inferno d — Google review
Beautiful view, and nice educational displays at the peak. Some parts feel a little outdated and in need of updating, but the experience of being at the highest peak in Georgia is worth it
Rob Clement — Google review
Can hike to lookout or ride the bus up kid friendly with beautiful 360 degree views of multiple states, souvenir shop and inside information about area. Drink boxes available near restrooms. Cost 8.00 for adults.
Sherry Forrester — Google review
We came, we conquered, and we enjoyed the view. This is my second time coming here, and despite being a year ago (the first time) , this time around, it didn't feel as bad going up and down as it did the first time. It was super cold..for sure, but the beautiful view is worth it.
Morduka Reviews — Google review
4.8
(1082)
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4.5
(1166)
Georgia 30546, USA
2
Vogel State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Popular park with a 22-acre lake, multiple hiking trails & a museum plus cottages & campsites.
Beautiful park. Camped here for 6 nights. Nice staff. Bathhouse was clean. They have several INDIVIDUAL bathrooms with a private shower, toilet and sink. It's not community like a locker room. I absolutely love that!!! Number 68 was the best spot for us. It sits adjacent to the Bathhouse and our neighbors were not on top of us. The park has plenty of hiking paths, a man made beach and swimming area, paddle boating and a beautiful lake and waterfall. They have signs posted for black bears and copperhead snakes. We saw none, thank God! Beautiful and serene place. Would definitely return!
Sha'ron — Google review
The falls are absolutely beautiful. We did not camp but will be in the future. On June 23rd we spread my Father In Laws ashes at the falls. It was quiet that day and the few people who saw us were very very respectful. We really appreciate that. This is someplace we can all come back to and really appreciate the beauty in nature and pay our respects
Chelsi Ann — Google review
Vogel State Park is beautiful and was an amazing time! I went not expecting much but me and my group ended up spending the whole day here. We hiked around the lake, saw a waterfall, and swam in their swimming area! It also seemed like we only scratched the surface of what all is available to do at the park.
Clay Patrick (ClayDay) — Google review
Beautiful park. Great place to camp bu tent or rent a cabin. There is a water fall that you can hike to. Gorgeous views and paddle boats to take on the water. Visited from Florida and it was amazing
Marci A. — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous state park with fantastic campsites and opportunities for outdoor activities for families. The full hookup sites with Wifi were large and our site backed up right on the creek. The play areas are up kept for children and the trails are well maintained. Beautiful lake and waterfall. The new visitor center was being worked on when we went, so there's a bit of construction at the entrance, but it didn't take away from our experience. Roads are steep and narrow to get there, but we made it ok with a 33foot trailer and and diesel exhaust brakes with the truck. Friendly park staff. Highly recommend!
John — Google review
This is a beautiful and peaceful place. It is so large that even if its busy, (which it was the day we went) you can find a quiet spot by the lake and relax. We were able to walk the trail along the lake pretty much by ourselves and walk down to the falls. Definitely a lovely afternoon and $5 well spent 🌺
J Rosa — Google review
Lovely state park! So much to do here, you can come just for few hours, or stay for the night. They also have RV sites. There is a beach where the kids can play and cool off in the lake, you can also rent paddle boards. The highlight of the place in my opinion is the waterfalls. Only 0.5 Mike walk each left to the lake…
C Ben — Google review
Great park with playground, trails, lake swimming, pedal boat rentals, picnic tables, charcoal grill, creeks and a waterfall. If you hike the trail around the lake it’s about 1 mile, and if you add the hike down to the waterfall (which has wood stairs and I highly recommend) it makes the total trip about 1.33 miles. It’s an easy hike, a 4-year old did it no problem (the full 1.33 with waterfall).
Justin McDonald — Google review
It was peaceful and absolutely beautiful!! The views and The hikes were breathtaking! Campsite was awesome for the kids to explore and the restrooms were so clean. The lake was the kids favorite spot to swim and do the pedal boats. Nice covered picnic area and fishing!
Abby Prine — Google review
Was a great time here. The park was great for a family. We were visiting with our two year old and The playground and the trails around the lake were perfect for him. He really enjoyed spending time on the pavilion and looking over the lake. Would definitely recommend it for a quick stop.
Nathan Sonke — Google review
Vogel state park is one of the nicest state parks we have visited. The visitor center staff and camp host were both quick to help and knowledgeable. The lake was beautiful and we even caught a few fish. Great trip we will be back.
Bonnie Weber — Google review
Beautiful area and park. Many cabins, paddle boat rental, (in season), mini golf, exercise area with machines. Kids playground. Some very nice trails, one will get you close to Blood Mountain. Waterfalls. Took one star off due to traffic noise from nearby highways. Ruins the tranquility. Just a me thing?
JOSEPH GUMENY — Google review
Absolutely stunning park that is clean, beautiful, and engaging. There are so many activities you can do! Hike, camp, paddle board, paddle boat and maybe fishing. We saw people fishing, but I’m unsure… there is a spectacular waterfall to checkout too. Everyone who works there is fabulous. We will definitely be back!
JulieBird — Google review
This is probably one of the nicest campgrounds we have ever stayed at. Very beautiful and clean. Sites were very spacious and equipped. The only thing is that there is no service or wifi. However they will have that up and running in July. There has been workers installing the routers all throughout the park. This campground is def. #1 in our book and we've been everywhere!!! Site 56 is where we stayed and it was absolutely amazing. Creek was beautiful and the site was huge.
tabatha carlisle — Google review
A nice park along a lake. Paddle boats and it looks like canoes or kayaks are available during the season. Right now no boats are available to take out because it's getting to the fall and winter time.
There are cabins to rent and a very nice visitor center. There is construction going across the street from the visitor center right now but I didn't ask to see what was going on.
Robert Ramsey — Google review
Lovely early Fall hike with magnificent colorful foliage canopies. The summer flowers are still around too so it’s the best of both worlds. The mushrooms are spectacular and sometimes you can find a whole section of them which is a treat. We took the Bear Hair Gap trail which we would consider moderate in difficulty. It was relatively quiet as we saw very few people on the trail. It took us 3 hours with our frequent water breaks and with overlook stop to complete the trail. We could smell the swampy lake from the overlook. 😂 Couldn’t see much yet as the leaves are still up. The temperature was perfect, not too hot or cold. They are building some center at the park so currently the parking situation is crowded but people are constantly coming and going so we found a spot.
Aviatrix — Google review
What a wonderful and relaxing getaway... was always my children's favorite whenever we went camping! We stayed in the cabins for the first time and they loved it. The grandchildren had a blast and are ready to come back! This is our favorite State Park!!
Charlotte Gibbs Johnson — Google review
Probably one of the nicest state parks I've been to. Great views, great sounds, and great hiking.
Originally came to tent camp and switch to a cabin instead. Little expensive in my opinion but was really surprised how nice the cabins are.
Only gripe I have is the staff ride around on a loud golf cart around 0700-0730. I assume they are checking on things. I find that a little insensitive to people sleeping. Suggestion: use an electric golf cart that's quiet.
Other than that the place is great and a nice break from hustle and bustle. Will return.
Adam Jerscheid — Google review
You can enjoy the lake view from the picnic area. There is also a restaurant where you can book your table and do events like birthday parties. You can easily hike around the mountains and also enjoy the view of the fountain. There is also a visitor center where you can get information. Parking is free in the off season. You can drive to the park.
Mushfiqur Rahman — Google review
What a well-maintained state park. The grounds are clean and organized. Visitors can enjoy numerous amenities, such as the theater, pool and picnic areas, cute cottages, RV park, bonfires, trails, waterfalls, convenience store, and more.
Hubby and I plan to spend a weekend when the weather warms up. We enjoy taking the scenic route through the Blue Ridge mountains. Now it's time to stay a while.
Dai Z — Google review
We camped for 4 nights and it was great! Campsite were all gravel and easy to level the camper. Bath houses were super nice! Campground is quiet. Definitely will be back!
Mini golf, hiking, and visitor center were all very nice and we had a good time!
Ali Lightfoot — Google review
Very beautiful park. They are doing some construction at the moment but it didn’t interfere with our stay. I love that they have tank empty at the campsite. My favorite ranger was Tom at the visitation center - he was very helpful friendly and funny.
Krystal Thomas — Google review
Beautiful, peaceful park. Several places to walk with different levels of difficulty. Easy staircase access to an amazing waterfall.
H J — Google review
4.8
(3975)
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4.5
(663)
405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, USA
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Gibbs Gardens
Garden
Nature & Parks
Botanical garden
Set on the sprawling estate of Jim Gibbs, these 220 acres comprise 16 gardens in various styles.
The gardens were a delight to see. This time of year, the daffodils are the main exhibit and they are beautiful! You are surrounded by a sea of gold and white. At the gate, maps are available for you to take one. The walking paths have many signs and arrows to guide you through the park so it is easy to maneuver. There are restrooms and a cafe at the welcome center. This a scenic and peaceful place to visit. I will definitely go back to view more exhibitions in the future.
Nikki Graves — Google review
Large, expansive gardens! Lots of gorgeous daffodils, tulips, bridges and ponds throughout. Be prepared to do lots of walking up hills to see the flowers and we also walked a good distance from the parking lot. We visited on a very busy Saturday during peak daffodil season, but the gardens are large enough that we never felt cramped or crowded. The entrance price was a bit steep, but we enjoyed ourselves! If we lived closer, we would've definitely bought an annual pass to save money. Overall, recommended!
Casey M — Google review
My wife dragged me here on the last day of our vacation. As much as I was not looking forward to it I LOVED IT! It was so serene and beautiful! I especially enjoyed the Japanese garden. We ate lunch and that was really nice too. The staff was amazing and very helpful!
Mike Collings — Google review
It’s beautiful here. Walking trails are paved allowing easy access to the different gardens. Each season (closed in winter) provides breathtaking scenery. No dogs allowed.
Valerie Moore — Google review
Such a beautiful garden! Been twice this spring. The cherries were finished last weekend so I was glad I saw them earlier. I love all the places to sit as you wander around. Looking forward to more visits and seeing the new(ish) wildflower area. Look for the cat - it loves some attention!
Nina Johnson — Google review
This was a great hike. Cost was $20 person. This place is very nice. Lunch was at a good price. $7.50 for a chicken salad sandwich. Would not bring small kids if you want to do the whole park, they will get bored. I can see during different times of the year that you would want to come see the different flowers and trees.
Empty Nesters Mark & Kristi — Google review
Such a wonderful place, beautiful all year around with a very laid back, seemingly very happy and friendly staff. Facilities are always clean and very pretty. Definitely their Japanese garden is magical.
If you live close by, definitely worth getting the membership.
We see snakes around the ponds every time. The frog escaped by the way. Careful with kids around the pond banks.
The manor is a hike up. Not a bad idea to skip if you have elderly in the group.
Sravan A — Google review
Gibbs Gardens is an absolutely beautiful place to visit. With 16 different gardens on over 300 acres, it is truly a world class garden. The manor house with seven terraces of gardens is nothing short of stunning and a must see. There is plenty to enjoy including numerous ponds, bridges, nature trails and waterfalls. Be ready for a good hike and allow several hours when visiting. The garden has a gift shop with restroom facilities and cafe. My wife and I had a delightful visit. Gibbs Gardens was one of the highlights of our trip while touring Georgia. Hats off to Jim Gibbs and his family for sharing their wonderful estate, home and gardens for us all to enjoy.
ray weithman — Google review
This place is a hidden gem where locals & newcomers can indulge in sights & sounds of the natural world. I was delighted to see that there was a replica of Monet’s water lilies on the premises. The Japanese garden was beautiful, and amazing. The wildflower area was massive! You could walk in it for over an hour. So many different colors of the fall season were present. Lots of different varieties of plants and trees too. There are statues all through out which adds something special to each area. You are not just going to see the latest flowers in bloom, you are escaping from the world and entering peace & tranquility. It is one giant walking trail, which leads up to a beautiful Manor House filled with more interesting landscaping & surprises. Their gift shop had lots of adorable and useful items.
Laura — Google review
I saw advertisements for Gibbs Garden and the daffodils for a couple years. Then when we went I was so happy we had. Now we go back for different seasons through the year. It is always so beautiful. Gibbs Gardens are truly one of the hidden gems of Georgia. Pictured are spring flowers, fields of daffodils in spring, the Japanese gardens, and a couple of the water features. Take the family for a day! It's a great place to relax, look at the sky and nature, and let go of everything else.
C Smith — Google review
These gardens are absolutely beautiful. Everywhere you look it's just amazing. Wear comfy shoes because you are going to want to walk the entire grounds to see everything. There is such beauty and so peaceful it just makes for a wonderful day. I'm so happy I got to experience these gardens. Trust me when I tell you that the pictures don't do it justice.
Pam Gholson — Google review
We love coming to Gibbs Gardens! The grounds are always beautiful and changing with the seasons, so it always offers something different each time you visit. If you're into photography, you can bring your camera and they allow you to bring a tripod. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Northwest Georgia.
Ryan Gilleland — Google review
This Botanical garden is like Disney world without the rides. It’s so majestic and aesthetically soothing to the soul. If you are looking for tranquility and peace of mind then this place is for you. I love that the park has benches everywhere so you can sit and enjoy nature at its grandeur! It also has a cafe to enjoy simple sandwiches and drinks, cookies etc! This place is what I want Heaven to look like when I die! This garden is your happy place! Enjoy!
Nelson Rivera — Google review
Prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing allure of Gibbs Gardens! This hidden paradise boasts meticulously maintained gardens, awe-inspiring landscapes, and an atmosphere of tranquility that will rejuvenate your spirit. The Monet Waterlily Gardens are a true masterpiece, transporting you into a world of vibrant colors and serenity. With its commitment to sustainability, Gibbs Gardens harmoniously blends nature and beauty. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or seeking a peaceful escape, this enchanting oasis is a must-visit. Trust me, Gibbs Gardens will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul!
Fyodor Goroshin — Google review
My friend and I decided to spend a day at Gibbs Garden, and it did not disappoint! Our favorite part were the wildflowers and loving on the two cats that live on the grounds. The on site cafe was reasonably priced, and as a person that eats a vegan diet, I was afraid they wouldn’t have any options for myself .. but I was able to get the grain bowl without the cheese. It was delicious. They also have vegan bars for a quicker snack option as well. It took us about four hours to really enjoy the place as well as sitting down and eating. There’s also plenty of parking.
Holly Gosdin — Google review
The different gardens were very beautiful. My favorite was the Japanese gardens. I loved all the water features. You can see that this place was well thought out. Staff is very friendly and helpful. It is so peaceful and relaxing here. It's definitely a great place to spend a couple of hours. My husband and I loved it, and we will absolutely be back. I can't wait to see the gardens in all four seasons.
rosalie horton — Google review
Gibbs Garden is an enchanting haven that captivates visitors with its meticulous attention to detail and natural splendor. Spanning across acres of carefully curated landscapes, the garden is a masterpiece of horticultural artistry. Each section boasts a unique blend of vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and strategically placed water features, creating a harmonious symphony of colors and textures.
The Japanese Gardens, in particular, stand out with their tranquil ponds, meandering paths, and meticulously pruned trees, evoking a sense of Zen tranquility. The seasonal blooms add an ever-changing tapestry to the scenery, making every visit a new experience.
The garden's design demonstrates a deep appreciation for nature's aesthetics, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're an avid gardener, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Gibbs Garden is a must-visit destination that promises a sensory journey through the wonders of the natural world."
Hakan Akel — Google review
Wow. Exceeded all expectations. I like this better than Atlanta Botanical Gardens because Gibbs blends into hilly terrain with natural tree cover so it feels like it was always there. It is HUGE! Be prepared to walk up inclines and plan on being here for 4 hours so you have time to rest between walking, it's good exercise. Although it only opened in 2012 to the public the plantings are so natural you think it was all here forever. The cafe food is good but it is takeout and you sit in the shady picnic grove. We waited 23 minutes in line on a busy Saturday at 1:30 pm in late March to get food so get there earlier if you need to eat faster. The parking lots also fill up so early arrival means less walking to the entrance.
Jonathan Beacher — Google review
The gardens were impeccable. The tulips were amazing. I loved seeing the pollinators in action. The staff was very accommodating and cordial and seemed to really enjoy what they do. The food at the cafe was good and priced reasonably. But the highlight of today's visit was meeting the resident cat 😻
Sandy Truitt — Google review
The gardens are beautiful. Plenty of nature to see around. The daffodils were in full bloom and there were beautiful tulips to see as well.
It takes a good 3-4 hours to cover the garden at leisure and be sure to wear comfy shoes. The directions within the garden to explore was detailed.
Plenty of benches to sit upon and relax.
Couple of things which I believe should be improved
- Lack of water station / dispenser. There is one at the reception / main gate and none thereafter. They should have couple of them within the gardens. They could definitely have one at Manor house which is like a highlight and a mid-way point.
- Long walks: while this is a given, there could be a provision of a buggy for older people.
Parameshwaran G — Google review
Pretty place but their maps are confusing as is the entrance process. Their ticket booth is inside the welcome center which is after the person who scans your entrance ticket??? Also the ticket scanners weren’t very nice that day. People didn’t know where to go and I think that overwhelmed the workers. Crowd control would be beneficial here. Everyone else was nice though. It would be good to have one map instead of two side by side ones. It seems some of the garden areas overlap but the different maps are not oriented the same way so it’s hard to keep up with what direction you should go so you’re not backtracking. Also, a list of what is blooming that day would be good as well. We walked the daffodil fields for no reason as they were all gone. We could’ve skipped that area and had time to visit others. Be prepared for a LOT of walking and for hills. Although it’s mentioned on their site, trails really are not stroller or handicap friendly. It would be nice to see some concrete paths for individuals needing mobility assistance. Dirt paths don’t mix well with wheels. Overall, it was a decent trip and I might visit again but improvements are needed.
Margie Payne — Google review
Just WOW. 🤩 Gorgeous grounds. Is not very centrally located and far away but if you happened to be in this area, go here. Absolutely gorgeous grounds. Japanese garden area is beautifully manicured and tranquil. There are redwoods here that are majestic. I know Atlanta Georgia has lush trees but this is a whole other level. Bring your walking shoes and walk because it’s large and expansive. This place is a must!!! 🌳 👍🏼👍🏼
LIEM — Google review
Really beautiful property, with plenty of room to walk about and see different seasonal plantings in bloom. We were there during Cherry blossom, tulips, and daffodils in bloom. The staff was great and knowledgeable. Well worth the drive and entrance fee. Will definitely want to go back and visit again.
State park with a waterfall, hiking trails & a variety of lodging, from campsites to modern cabins.
Beautiful falls with beautiful views around. Hiking is fun here and there are steps that you can take to go top of the falls. My 2year old kid did climbed easily 425 steps. There is plenty of space for picnic and spent valuable time there. All aside weather was just right. Overall it was a fabulous experience.
naresh e — Google review
600 stairs total if you want to hike from the bottom to the top. You can drive up to the top or middle and hike over a short distance but will still need to navigate some stairs. There are several benches to stop and catch your breath on the way up. The steep incline hike at before you get to the stairs is strenuous but paved. You cannot get in the water/fall anywhere (signs are posted to stay on trail) except at the base/bottom where you first come in and can park and take a short walk over also with a few stairs. It was extremely crowded especially at the bridge at the midway point and the top. Went on a weekend in June and early morning. Got busier as the day went on. The hotel at the top has a stunning view but is an additional hike to get to. The gift shop is nice. The restaurant was closed at 11am while there. There are restrooms at the base and the top, that is it. The stairs are also clear metal so you can see down the entire way.
Kelly — Google review
Our visit was a very nice experience. There are several ways to view the falls, which allows one to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls. You can view by looking down from the top of the falls (and can also drive to the top and park if unable to walk the distance). Or, you can walk or drive to the mid-point section of the water fall where parking is available. There is a nice bridge here that spans the width of the falls from where you can view and take nice photos. You can look up as well as look down to view. There is also the option of a more strenuous trail where you can start at the bottom of the falls and walk the trail and climb the stairs all the way to the top. The distance from the base of the falls to the top overlook is only one mile. There are benches along the trail for those who may need to stop to rest. Be sure to bring water and bug spray! The only con was the limited parking to access the trails. Visiting during the week is best. I highly recommend visiting the Amicalola Falls for ALL ages.
Hakan Akel — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous and The pictures do no justice! We walked the 604 steps to the top of the water fall and it was worth every step! Gorgeous scenery in every direction and as far as the eye can see. If you're unable to climb the stairs to the top, you have the option to drive up and walk over to enjoy the views at the top of the waterfall. Headed to the zip lining adventures afterwards and it was just as phenomenal! I'd definitely return and experience it all again.
If you're unable to climb the stairs to the top, you have the option to drive and enjoy the views of the top of the waterfall too.
Jennifer L — Google review
Second time to visit the state park. Absolutely beautiful and stunning views. Stayed in the cabins in the park and it was great. The drive to the top of the mountain to the hotel was very easy and well worth the time. The walk to the bottom of the falls is a minimal stress Walk on a very well defined path. Beautiful views everywhere you look.
Thomas Bice — Google review
Beautiful state park and incredibly well thought out. It's very handicap accessible. I loved that they had trails made for wheelchairs and walkers so you could go see the falls as well. It was a very easy hike in to the falls from the handicap parking lot. Not even 10 minutes. The staff was delightful and so very helpful right from the time you come through the gate. Definitely recommend for family fun and for getting immersed in nature.
Jewels Love — Google review
Absolutely breath taking. We chose to start the trail at the top and use the 425 steps one way down to the falls. It was fun and memorable for our crew. We had 4 kiddos with us from ages 4-11 and they were all able to complete the stairs on their own. The falls are beautiful and worth the hike. We are not sure what the trail is like coming from the base of the falls. The views of the Blue Ridge mountains at the top of the falls was amazing! Definitely recommend this natural wonder of Georgia. It should be must do.
Heather Ryan — Google review
Beautiful falls. You can either hike by climbing around 400+ steps while you enjoy the view ,though it can be strenuous. Or you also drive up to the top of the falls by car and park. The view is beautiful and you can enjoy the blissful sound of water hitting the rocks.
Munshad Ali — Google review
The park is well maintained and clean. The steps to falls is clearly labeled with count of steps. Nice picnic area with shade and options to grill. Nice kids play area also. Parking is bit scarce so need to plan it or wait during peak season
Rijo Joy Kattukaran — Google review
I went up for a work related Stihl training conference and I have to say it is absolutely gorgeous! The facilities were absolutely astounding and I couldn't believe how beautiful the area was. The views the people everything was amazing. If you haven't been to this location I highly recommend it. You will not be sorry. I did not get to see the waterfall but I heard so many incredible things from other people. Absolutely worth the hiking trails Etc You will not be sorry!!
They do have a wonderful playground for children there. It seems pretty dog friendly. And it looked like they were working on some of the restrooms and doing some construction on some of the buildings.
Manny Huerta — Google review
Beautiful park with great views. The lodge/gift shop was clean and the restrooms were too. It seems better to park downhill and walk up so your trip back down is much easier. It’s great that you can drive up the mountain too. There are playgrounds and picnic areas/tables around as well. Wonderful place for a family outing. Super dog friendly! There’s lots of parking but you have to “find a spot” and definitely some tight car squeezes.
Clarke Eads — Google review
Nice state park! But very busy, crowded (last weekend in October) . People waiting to take pictures pretty much at every spot!
The walk up to the falls is very strenuous! If walking is not possible , driving up by road option is available too, but parking was full at almost all stops, so could take some time to find a spot! If would like to climb half way through, there is a west trail, which connects at 425 step point and the bridge across the falls.
Beautiful hike, but needed several stops as the hike is steep! Initial section of trail/paved path way and then 600 steps. Nice picnic area at the top. Zip lining not that great. Restrooms were a complete disaster, with rolls of toilet paper on the floor and water everywhere!
Akshata Revankar — Google review
Beautiful waterfall. New welcome center. Two trails to get to the falls here. You can drive to the start of trail at the very top of the falls or start at the bottom on a rubber paved path to the falls. Start on the trail above and you will need to be prepared to go down 425 stairs, but the views are amazing. The two trails meet at the bottom of the falls where is a small bridge.
Joel Hernandez — Google review
My family and I went to this place two days ago. It was a bit cold (about 40 degrees) but the weather was very nice. They have 3 parkings as well as 3 stages along the trail routes (bottom is from the Visitor Center, middle is the West Ridge Falls Access, and the top of the falls area.) Only paid $5 for parking access. I wish I had time going to this place in fall, it must be much more beautiful and colorful when the trees change their leaves color...
Thanh Ng — Google review
It was a perfect day for a hike 4/3/24! Followed by taking in the beauty of the the fall♥️The 425 steps were a challenge but we kept pushing on and it felt fantastic afterwards 👍The picnic area was nice and clean, so were the restrooms. Last stop, at the welcome center was enjoyable. Some interesting artifacts about moonshiners, the Amicalola(also the Appalachian Trail)
Hope you enjoy as much as we did!
Zina B. — Google review
Highly recommended for all of you to visit this waterfall. So easy to get to. $5.00 to get in the park.There are several way to see it from the visitor center. Easy and strenuous hike.
We decided the easy part to drive up and walk to the waterfall. The
.5 miles walk from the second parking lot before the top of the falls.
Lanie Yarbro — Google review
Loved this little side trip. Quick, easy, tree shaded path to the falls. Hearing the sound of the waterfall along the path was so enjoyable. It's beautiful on either side of the bridge over the waterfall. Great place to take pictures! Check out our!
karla gaines — Google review
It's a perfect outdoor experience. This waterfall is so cool, it almost doesn't seem real. My videos show some of the cascades. I also show the walkway and the stairs. The last video shows a great mountain view at the top. To get to the mountain view, when you are by the bathrooms at the top you will see a trail. Walk up the trail a little ways and you will see some beautiful Blue Ridge mountain views.
Jeremy Hall — Google review
Gorgeous! We did a 2.5 hike that was fantastic. We started where the playground is, next to the new visitors center (not open yet). That was the best because we had to climb down (not up) the stairs to the waterfall. If you’re looking to just see the waterfalls, make sure to park on the top to avoid the 425 steps up.
Sandy Melillo — Google review
This place is just gorgeous! There is a playground, picnic tables, many choices of places to stay, camping, glamping, you name it! The views were phenomenal! The kids, age 1 and 11, were intrigued and the walking was great for them! It's not too bad at all if you skip walking from bottom to top! We walked to the bottom, and then drove around and up to the top! Highly recommend this place! Fun for everyone! Including fishing! Lots of photographic opportunities as well! Make sure you visit the lodge! Spectacular views!!! 100% coming back!
Magen Brown Rackley — Google review
Amicalola falls is a nice scenic hike with a big climb. It is the start of the Appalachian Trail but most people seem to come to see the falls. They have a new visitor center which seems almost done. We walked from there up the trail by some small falls and the reflection pool. From there you climb about 600 stairs to the top with a nice view right before the stairs. About 1/3rd of the way up is another bridge with a great view and short walk to see a prohibition era car. From there you can hike the rest of the way up to the view at the top and a nice lodge with facilities. We took about 3 hours to hike up and eat lunch and then hike down.
Paul and Lillian Bruns — Google review
I went on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon. The park was over crowded, parking was a pain, the hike to the waterfall was steep and long. The waterfall made it all worth it.
Amicalola Falls is the best waterfall I have seen in the US (not counting Niagara). It is tall and majestic.
If you visit the park, I would recommend also going to the top of the mountain where the lodge is. The views of the surrounding mountains from there are amazing.
Kevin Golliher — Google review
Beautiful park, but a couple of challenges caused the loss of a star. Very limited parking options (10 to 12 spots) in both the falls overlook and west ridge entry. There was plenty of parking at park entry. The second item of note was that there were a couple of the trails that were closed, making it impossible to hike to the base of the falls or down from the west ridge along the falls.
Regardless, it was a beautiful day to enjoy the park and you should definitely consider adding the falls to your travel plans if you're coming to the north Georgia area.
Daniel Jacobs — Google review
This campground it very nice. Some of the trails were closed due for repairs, but we found several to hike. The weather was quite cold and I was disappointed with how the camp wood bundles would not burn at all! Their wood was useless.
On the other hand watching a breathtaking sunset from the Lodges patio area next to the fireplace was delightful.
For a place that is located at the beginning of the AT you would think they would have a lot more camping/backpacking supplies in the camp store, but they do not so be well prepared and double.check your supplies before you leave home.
They have a zip line, hatchet throwing, and archery to keep you entertained as there is not much to do after the waterfall hikes are completed.
The campsites themselves are very nice and I love that ours had a boxed in feeling where the picnic table and fireplace is located (unfortunately we couldn't use it since it was so cold and the wood wouldn't burn)
atina tinkham — Google review
Amicalola Falls State Park is absolutely beautiful. The visitors center is nice with lots of options for souvenirs. There are several trails to hike. The lodge was gorgeous with stunning views. We took a short hike to the bottom of the falls and then climbed the stairs to the top. I would highly recommend visiting the park if you are in the area.
Shauna Johnson — Google review
Gorgeous Falls & scenery. Best for all types of people who like outdoor activities & adventures, mind you the hike is very strenuous..., make sure to dress properly during the weather... The people in these photos said its OK for me to post them. $5 for parking.
KeyKee Goddess — Google review
Amicalola Falls State Park is always one of my favorite hiking destinations when I’m in North Georgia. It’s breathtakingly beautiful with views all around. The trip up the stairs to the falls might be the more difficult path, but be sure to watch out for the lady beetles on your hike down; they bite!
The parking lots are always packed, so be prepared to hunt for a spot. The Top of the Falls lot does sometimes have more spots, but you will be asking your vehicle to go up a steep incline to go up there and a deep downgrade coming back. Not every car can do it. I’m still surprised mine did!
Seriously, though, Amicalola Falls is some of the most beautiful area in North Georgia. It’s well worth the drive and a visit!
Kat Stanford — Google review
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! OK, so we visited the welcome center and we thought it was the only way to see The Falls, so we started hiking up the right side via the back of the Welcome Center. That side took us straight to the top. It was about 1.5 miles. When we got to the top of the Falls, there was parking 😂.
Ok, no biggie, let’s head down to the middle going down 425 steps. When we got to the middle of the Falls, there was parking. 😂.
Fine we thought, let’s go back to the Welcome Center. It was a tough hike down but well worth it. I have to ACL surgeries so it was rough for me. Take it slow because it was well worth it. Check out the pics.
Judie Morales — Google review
Beautiful waterfall, well maintained. Be prepared for lots of steps. Short walk to the middle of the falls… lots of steps down to the bottom of the falls. Lots of steps up to the very top of the falls (or you can just drive up!). All the views are beautiful and well worth the trip!
Ashley Mihalko — Google review
Part of the stair trail is closed but the side routes to the top are still open. Always amazing me how that little creek up top can make such an amazing waterfall. Nice to see in every season. Stairs are a little scary for some pups and maybe hard on their feet but mine did fine.
Bobbi Shiu — Google review
2 Level 2 EV chargers. Nice new visitors center. Plenty of parking. Lots of trails to choose from. The falls are amazing. Pleasant hike to Stringer Mountain. Several nice big, wide-open backpacking sites.
Scott McLendon — Google review
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4.5
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418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, USA
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River is a casino resort with four casual dining options, a bar and coffee shop, and well-trained staff. The location is wheelchair accessible and popular for family trips. Their food court is hygienic with quick service. They regularly add new slot machines to their collection that offer fun playing experience. The hotel rooms are comfortable with cozy beds and pillows making it an ideal vacation or weekend getaway spot.
Best customer service I've received in a long time. I had accidentally booked us at a different hotel and casino resort that was another 90 minutes away. Becky helped us by calling and getting it switched over last minute. Completely saved our night. She went above and beyond to make it as stress free as possible.
The casino itself is small compared to others that I've been to, but everything is clean, new, and it was an overall great experience. Would definitely come again if in the area.
Shelby Larsen — Google review
This place is "Starting" to grow on me. Much better atmosphere than my visit back in November 2021. Masks are encouraged but not Forced on you. The Food court has gotten back into it's groove and the options are plentiful and given a 4 Day 3 night stay we had tried just about everything with no complaints. The main Restaurant was superb, my Steak couldn't have been cooked any better and exactly as I requested. Medium with no seasoning only salt and hint of cracked pepper. This place still has plenty of real table games(it's nice have a real human for a dealer). They still have a mix of virtual table machines but the balance was much better than a lot of other out of the way casino resorts are going. Great selection of slots but still like all the other casinos, they are very tight. The areas for those not able to gamble was open and they had plenty to do to keep them busy. I recommend you check out their website to see all the options and entrainment available to anyone traveling with young people. I seen quite a few on this trip and they seemed quite happy and talkative. In all, we enjoyed this visit but I still miss my Wisconsin favorites. However, this one will definitely grow on you. Enjoy and definitely Good Luck! You'll need it, Lol.
Kenton Wiedenbeck — Google review
Went to the casino. Did not stay at the hotel. If you sign up for a players card you get $25 free play. Very cool. Player tiers pretty easy to access. If you like to gamble everything easy to get to. The table games were full but the couple that were not, did offer to teach me. You don't always get that at Hard Rock. Harrah's is very friendly and the bar prices are reasonable and close by. All the staff was nice and were joking with us. Wish it was closer!
Wayne Carpenter — Google review
My husband and I had a wonderful 2 night stay at Harrah’s Valley River in Murphy, NC. The hotel was extremely clean with comfy beds and with amazing views. The casino is small but very clean and well situated. We loved it. Everyone was kind and helpful. Super nice food court. We’re already planning a trip back there.
Cindy PA — Google review
Drove from Georgia. Love this casino. Only downsides are no free drinks and no poker. Gotta buy drinks for $10. If you want to play poker, gotta go the neighbor casino 20 minutes away.
Bathrooms were clean. Staff was friendly. Dealers also teach. Gave out masks at entrances.
Phi Hoang Nguyen — Google review
Really nice getaway place for a short visit with adults. Good food, mountain lifestyle an culture, historic location, and plenty of gambling games to bet on. Cost of total stay is pretty much whatever you want it to be an if you get real lucky the trip could prove very lucrative. I will be visiting here again and again.
Joshua Bailey — Google review
This place is always fun. Love the free play they give out sometimes. They're doing construction to improve, so parking is a little wonky right now. Great place to possibly make a few dollars or at least be entertained.
JudyMarie — Google review
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here, and it was an amazing experience! It was a very relaxed environment, and open to beginners (like me!) We had dinner at the Landing Cafe and sat at the bar. Their team (Stevie & Alex) were doing a fantastic job on a busy Saturday night. All of the staff in the casino was knowledgeable, all facilities cleanly, and all of the guests seemed to be having a great time like us! We will definitely be going back since it was close to our home in Tennessee. Very convenient location and great for an extended trip or a day trip!
Megan Greene — Google review
The staff is excellent! The waitresses are so nice , the hot chocolate and vanilla cappuccino’s on the casino floor are so good ( tip your waitress she running all over the casino floor) this location is my favorite to bring my mom , easy to get around if you have a walker or wheel chair. The food court is really good. very clean , the staff cooking and serving work hard to keep the lines moving. The selection of slot machines are great , they are always getting new ones , fun to play .Stayed here for a few days last spring, Hotel rooms are very nice, great beds and comfortable pillows. Very relaxing environment, great place for a vacation or weekend trip.
Wendy Pisano — Google review
Nice hotel and casino setup. All very new and clean. Casino area is pretty small and can feel overcrowded a bit. Was hard to get on to machines we wanted to play, as there were always others on them and waiting. But overall a nice experience.
Was disappointed about the craps table minimum. A $25 minimum makes it very hard to play for a casual player. Would love if there was a $5 or at least a $10 min option.
Jenny Dougherty — Google review
I’ve been a hotel guest on many occasions and each time it was a great experience. The hotel is clean and the atmosphere there is inviting, to say the least. The staff are incredible, the casino is well-run and although the hotel is under renovation, it’s quiet. There’s not much to improve upon, it’s very impressive how well the hotel treats the guests, every time.
Ashley Grooms — Google review
My first visit to the casino 🎰 hidden in the mountains of North Carolina in a nice quiet town of 🥰 Murphy. My only complaint was there was any sitting chair in my room. I like to read.📕
Sherrie was very nice and helpful. And a big shout out to Bill and Travis at the bellhop
Pete Kane — Google review
Very adorable with great views. The room was comfortable and roomy. They had many different food and dinning options. Staff was very accommodating to your need. If you like to gamble this is the perfect place. It is also a great place to stay even if you don’t gamble which worked for us. It’s close to many different surroundings towns.
Heather Mueller — Google review
Didn't do any pictures, but we really liked their food court options. More affordable & easily accessible than at Cherokee. We just did a day trip for a fall mountain ride. Smaller casino, so easier to navigate, but it appears they are expanding. An enjoyable & relaxing day trip from Cherokee
June Bennett — Google review
Great trip and time in the casino. The rewards program is highly beneficial. The room was nice, spacious and clean. The employees who helped us get checked in and to our room were also great . That said once we got home, not only did we discover you don't get your full deposit back, we were also charged the deposit twice. When we called to dispute this problem the response and desire of that staff member to help resolve the problem was less than desirable and now we are stuck disputing it. Outside of that, the time in the casino was Fantastic and so were the people who helped make the experience memorable.
Jessica Cannon — Google review
I had a great overnight stay. The room was spacious and clean and with great views! The slots were kind to me also! Every employee that I interacted with was very friendly and helpful. I would love to go back New Years Eve, but Ihate driving in the dark. I had a lovely time. Next time I will take pictures.
Yevette Parker — Google review
Rooms are overpriced but clean, well equipped and quiet. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Casino is small but clean and has most of the games you would see at any casino and it’s not very crowded. The food choices are all fast food but will work in a pinch. The VIP bar is my biggest complaint as I’ve never sat at a more uncomfortable bar. Everyone agreed and the staff said the owners were aware but did not plan to update it. This is a shame as we would have spent much more time there but our backs and knees were killing us from hunching and crowding to reach the machines.
Julie Palmeri — Google review
Slots were tight as a virgin. Payouts & bonuses were very minimal to none. Music was depressing. Felt like I was at a security guard convention with an over abundance of security guards for such a small place. Heard they are planning to expand. Place has tons of potential, but needs reworked. Prefer the other Cherokee Casino and probably won’t be back until changes are made. Clean and friendly environment. Food court was great. Hotel rooms were decent, plenty of rooms. No smoking and no valet. Plenty of parking. Would be a great place to come and watch sports. Drinks are pricey. Beautiful location.
JENNIFER WARD — Google review
I visited this location for the first time with my elderly mom. The first night was fine. The next night the room was fill with strong cigarette coming from the headboard. I was given an option to use a machine to take out the smoke and if we change rooms it would be faraway from the elevator, no access to transport items and too far for my mom to walk. We took the option of the machine and few hours later the room was full of smoke again. I have acute asthma and now have to get treatment for inhaling all of this smoke. I would like to be compensated for my last two nights and ensure if I visit again that they implement some time questionnaire if you are. Smoker so they are not house in the same area with non smokers.
Melissa Francisco — Google review
Rented cabin nearby so didn't experience rooms but enjoyed the casino. Currently under expansion but has enough slot machines to play. Has compactly for large crowds. Has been busy the times I have went but has enough varity of new popular game machines to go around. It does serve sandwiches etc now with more to come.
Dottie Kirkland — Google review
Save money and time. Go to Dave and Buster's. We thought about staying the night and asked to see a suite. No suites. We were shown their biggest room. Not so big and only available for comped high rollers. Even though it is only a 90 minute drive from me I have absolutely no desire to go back. We did have dinner in their only sit down restaurant. Skip that too.
Brian Rhodes — Google review
Just went to gamble. Didn't win anything. Not even a little line pay when we went. My husband hit $100.. I hit $0. Panda Garden was good!! It's in the mountains. Pretty location and a long ride for us. It's been a while since we went and planning on giving it another try. Didn't stay the night or had any service. Can't rate that.
celeste mcclure — Google review
Decided to check out this casino a couple of days ago. Wish we would have just not! I have heard such good things about it, but none of that held true. The casino floor is not very big at all. We were there early in the morning, but still could not play the slots that we wanted to because they were very limited and people just stayed on them the entire time! Did not see a cocktail waitress the entire time that we were there, so that was disappointing as well. Definitely will not be coming back again! I will stick with Cherokee!
Clarissa Heckathorn — Google review
Fun birthday trip. Won a jackpot and witnessed many other winners while there. Staff is friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean. The water pressure meh, but we didn't let it ruin an otherwise great experience. The double window room in the hotel was a bonus view from the 5th floor.
Money Maker — Google review
My wife and I went to Harrah's to celebrate our retirement. Had dinner at Landings Cafe the food was fabulous. Popcorn shrimp for an appetizer, rib eye for me, my Sweetie had the pork tenderloin. Everything was great. Our waitress, Desiree, was super. She was polite, thanked us for coming in, was there to answer questions, but never rushed us. Great employee with stellar customer service skills. Stopped in the casino to donate a few bucks. It's nice,clean and the employees are very helpful.
Tom Kastelitz — Google review
The casino is currently under construction and there were a lot of games offline and areas completely closed off. For court is limited and could offer better selection. Glad I checked it out, but probably won't stay there again until construction is completed.
Sherry Bucknell Johnson — Google review
We stayed 3 nights to include New Year's eve. We also stayed over New Years last year. You throw a great New Years eve party! Even though the place was packed with thousands of people, there was no evidence of anyone being obnoxious or staggering drunk. It was just a really good time with a well behaved crowd. The music provided by the DJ was fantastic and had people dancing and singing along everywhere I looked, including me. It created a really fun party atmosphere. Unfortunately, the music from the band was a bit of a downer. Maybe next year you could just stick with the DJ? Not to be ungrateful, just a suggestion. Thank you for all the hospitality, including the beautiful clean rooms, and friendly staff. See you next year, or before.
Jeanne Hoel — Google review
My experience here was nothing less than fantastic. I lost my money but the amount of entertainment I received for my money was very well worth it. Will recommend to my family and friends. Actually , Harrahs Cherokee resorts needs to drive down the road and see how entertainment is supposed to be. Everyone was very upbeat and the atmosphere felt like you had a shot at winning. Which is a beautiful thing. There are plenty of games to keep you entertained.
Adam Prather — Google review
I'm not too far away from Harrah's-Murphy so I can't provide any input on the hotel, we only go to play the electronic craps. Unfortunately we went recently and found the table had been removed. We liked it because the limit was lower and there was usually room to play. We wanted to play but they only had one craps table open (Thursday afternoon) and there wasn't any room to play. Even if I'm local I don't want to drive there if there's no room to play at the tables.
Modest lodging inside a national forest offering low-key quarters with kitchens, BBQs & pool tables.
The ridge was awesome. Big garage and pool table. Parked 8 bikes easy! Clean linens and bathroom. The jacuzzis seemed nice but never used it. I'll be back for sure!
Dustin Ray — Google review
It's a great location in the middle of endless curves, mountain trails, and fishing.
Large garage to put group motorcycles is a huge asset.
We even had a hot tub at the end of the day to warm up and relax muscles in.
House works well for groups with 4 bedrooms in the treetops house, but needs some TLC on windows.
Looking forward to coming back again someday.
Steve Grody — Google review
I can't begin to describe how perfect this place is.
The location, the amenities... I will update when the trip is done.
Todd Bradford — Google review
The owner, property, cabin and garage are fantastic. Best place to stay and we are already planning to return.
Adrian Best — Google review
Great place for a large group to stay. Nice amenities and close to tons of great roads.
Nelson DeSousa — Google review
Great place to stay. All the amenities you could possibly want. Excellent location.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad company that offers a 4-hour, 26-mile round-trip ride as well as themed trips. They have both open-air and closed cars for passengers to choose from. Along the hour-long route up and during the two-hour pit stop on the state line, passengers can enjoy scenic views. The train also offers snacks such as candies, popcorn, hot tea, and hot chocolate in one of its cars.
Ages 6mo-61yo & we all enjoyed ourselves. We rode in an open air car but there are closed ones as well. We enjoyed to views along the 1hr route up & the 2 hr pit stop on the state line, as well as the 1hr ride back. Would've been a little nice to have longer than 2hrs. How fun to take pics of yourself in 2 states at one time! The guys walked the train cars to see them all. Mom visited to snack stand in one of the cars for candies, popcorn, hot tea, & hot chocolate. The guys also stopped by the souvenir stand in one of the cars. We also enjoyed to 2 guitarist who walked car to car singing & playing songs. We recommend & we will do again!
Amanda Gillette — Google review
Our mother/daughter trip to Cherry Log, GA was enhanced by our trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. We booked on-line about six weeks out. We took advantage of the military discount and booked the Premier car. It was well worth the extra cost. We each received a free souvenir commemorative canvas tote and pin to wear or put on the tote. A local cafe provided box lunches of ham/turkey/cheese sandwiches, chips and a pickle. Unlimited selection of beverages (non-alcoholic). The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The views were wonderful as well. I highly recommend this trip for all ages. You cruise along at 16 mph allowing ample time to snap photos or just drink in the scenery. Each car has its own history which is listed on a plaque in each car. You are free to walk through the whole train during the ride.There wad a couple who came and sang some bluegrass/country songs too. Both towns were filled with quaint shops and great restaurants and eateries.
Beth — Google review
Haven't been on a train excursion since I was in kindergarten. Went with my ladies group and purchased Premier car tickets. Loved the host. Food was great! Souvenir bag, pin, and surprises were great too. Not to mention AC car with no mosquitos. Well worth the extra price.
Kimber Grace Tyler — Google review
I did enjoy the train ride. The employees were amazing…the concession stand on board was amazing. Fun experience riding an old time train….the ONLY reason I gave 4 stars was because the website said the views were great etc etc but there weren’t many views other than the Toccoa River. No Mountain views just wooded areas, we did see some deer and pretty cabins. We did he two hour ride.
Amber Hearman — Google review
My wife and I took this train ride (the four hour version) on a Monday morning at 11:00 AM. Ticket seller indicated the train was pretty much full and it looked like it. We opted to buy the Premier tickets which for two seniors ran $203 with taxes. This meant we got seats which were upholstered and reclined. We also got a swag bag which included a souvenir pen and some brochures. Included in the price was a small meal on the way up and non alcoholic drinks and a brownie and cookie on the way back. The meal consisted of half a sandwich and a fruit cup both of which were good. We also got a group picture and souvenir pin free on the way back to Blue Ridge. The hostess was helpful and pleasant.
The views going and coming were unremarkable at this time of year. The most interesting things to see were all the million dollar homes on both sides of the river and the two views of wild turkeys. I'm sure fall colors would be better. If you've never taken a train ride this short run would be interesting...otherwise nothing impressive.
I would recommend the open cars in good weather or the medium priced inside cars for better values. All said we did have a good time and felt the effort was worth it for the time we had together.
Mike McFarland — Google review
If you’re lucky enough to have comfortable weather, I recommend the open air. The views were nice and the town we stopped in was small but definitely had its charm. The concession stand was actually cheaper than I’d expect. They could be the type to charge movie theater prices but I appreciate that they aren’t, Shirts were only 20 etc. Would go again for the specialty rides as well.
Damian — Google review
First trip to Blue Ridge, and this train excursion was a highlight, for sure! Our car’s narrator and host, Eleanor, is awesome! She deserves a raise! She pointed out interesting things to see along the way, and we enjoyed the snacks on board also! We booked the premiere car because we weren’t traveling with kids and were looking for a more peaceful experience to enjoy the autumn leaves and beautiful weather. Thank you for offering this option! It was a great time, and we really enjoyed exploring the towns on the GA/TN border on our stop. Would highly recommend this train trip for anyone looking to enjoy this gorgeous area on your vacation.
Kelly Kroon — Google review
We purchased the premier coach tickets for a four-hour spring tour. A relaxing train ride with scenic views with some extra perks. The sandwich was surprisingly yummy and very fresh, but the return dessert was the best – a butter cake bar that was to die for. Spent two hours on the border between two towns with enough shopping, eating and drinking. My only concern was the cleanliness of the train and seating was very old and worn. Our car’s host was Eleanor, she was awesome and very friendly.
KK Wray — Google review
We had the best ride. Our guide had the best "Dad" jokes ever. My family loved it all. They have bathrooms and a little store on board so it's a toddler friendly experience. My only suggestion is to shop or eat on the four hour ride as time for both is not possible.
Laura Rushing — Google review
Finally decided to go and book this year. I've heard pretty good things.
We took the 2 hour trip. Recommend getting there at least one hour before to find parking. If you are planning on having lunch maybe do 3 hours.
The boarding process is super easy and fast. We got the open cart (I want to say it was 2795?) Our guide was awesome, I think he said it's his first year maybe. He did really great. 1000% go for the open cart, the breeze was great and we found it pretty relaxing. It really doesn't matter what side you pick because you rotate sides when you get to Tennessee.
I would definitely recommend the 2 hour trip unless you have no way way to drive the 15 minute up to the border. But mostly because in the afternoon we found the sun hitting the leaves just right. It made them pop more and it was just very nice. Decently bring sunglasses tho some parts where very sunny.
Clarisse V. — Google review
We took the Scenic Fall train ride on October 28th of last year for a glimpse of the changing leaves. The train offers two sides to sit on, mountain side or river side. Something I liked about this train ride was regardless of what side you started on, the ride back, you would get the other side.
We started off on the mountain side. I don’t know if I’ve seen too many Harry Potter movies but when they said mountain side, I was under the impression that we would catch a glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wrong. The mountain side is LITERALLY up front and personal with the side of the mountain. It is unremarkable, it is boring, and it offers no real view at all. You’re just staring at dirt the whole time.
The riverside was very pretty. You could see the changing leaves over the river along with beautiful homes alongside it.
The train itself is nice enough, with a small range of snacks and drinks to choose from. Our tour guide was an older man who really enjoyed his job, but he wasn’t exactly friendly with the guests.
All in all, it was an experience to say the least. Was the train ride amazing and worth the ticket prices? Not really. But the town itself is cool, we chose the longer stop time, and we felt we had just enough time to see everything we wanted before embarking on the train once more.
Jacqueline Torres — Google review
***Updating to 5 stars because I was informed the railway is completely separate from the rail bikes but leaving my review of the rail bikes.
***Update- After some back and forth with Judy, a different person contacted me and offered me a FULL refund and a gas card to cover my expenses. So, I only lost time. They also offered to cover our ride if we come back. I'm not sure if we will or not (I'm still bitter about how we were initially treated). I'll update if we do.
Freedom Rail Bikes called less than 3hrs before our ride time & said we needed to be 40 minutes early. I explained that we were 2hrs away and had planned to be there 15min early, as the website indicated when we booked several days ago. She took note of my name & said that would be fine. We got there at the time we said we would & were told we wouldn’t be able to to ride a rail bike because we were the last ones to sign in & one was broken. She said to fill out the waiver anyway & we could ride if someone didn’t show. As we were filling out our waiver, another group showed up that hadn’t signed in yet. Yay! I thought we would for sure be able to ride. Instead, she let them on the rail bikes ahead of us & told us we could either take a full refund and ride nothing or ride on the speeder, a motorized cart that pulls the bikes for half of a refund. We had driven 2hrs just for the rail bikes. I asked if they had a 4pm slot we could do instead. She said no, that they had cancelled that one due to the owners being in town. I let her know I wasn’t happy with it & we reluctantly got in the speeder. Once we were on, we were then told I’d be going backwards the whole trip. What was suppose to be a peaceful ride through nature and the highlight of my daughter’s spring break, turned into a noisy exhaust filled ride pulling the other bikers. She should’ve given us a FULL refund and offered a free ride another time to make up for the experience. She knew I was driving two hours and didn’t bother to even call. She didn’t ask if there were any locals that might be willing to come back the next day. It was ride the loud stinky speeder, which broke down halfway through requiring us to wait for someone to repair it, or ride nothing. I suggest anyone that isn’t local not to travel there for the experience. We were informed that their carts jump track often, which is what broke the one that was down that day. The owner was there and didn’t offer to make it right either.
patricia bazemore — Google review
The train ride was well worth it. We stopped for 2 hours in MaCaysville, GA and Coopethill, TN, for eating and shopping. We bought Chow Chow, Salsa, Salad dressing and we ate a Cuban Restaurant. We had great ride to and from BlueRidge, GA. Our conductor “Magic Mike” was awesome, kept us entertained during the entire ride. He gave us a lot of history of the scenery surrounding us and he told jokes to keep us laughing 😆. There were 528 people that took the train. We truly enjoyed ourselves. But we would’ve love if the layover in two cities could be longer then 2 hours, because by time you visit a few of the shops and get a bite to eat. It’s time board the train. “I must say time flies when you’re having fun”. Thanks again to everyone that contributed to making the train ride a great adventure.
Robin Hairston — Google review
We chose the open car and the weather was perfect for it. The scenery is beautiful and the layover in the town was fun. One of my favorite parts of the ride was our car host, Jeff. He told us interesting facts on the way some great "dad jokes". He was so funny.
stacy miller — Google review
We booked tickets on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It was about what you would expect with views of the mountains on one side and the river on the other. As a tip if you look up the views are labeled (at least in our car). The train does not turn around and goes forward one way and reverse the other so the views from each side are the same both ways. Each car seems to have a guide (ours was Jeff) adding some commentary and helping out. The train goes about 15mph so it was about an hour each way to the town. Good views from either side and fun train ambience. It stopped for 2 hours in town for a short layover.
Paul and Lillian Bruns — Google review
We really enjoyed taking the train from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. We purchased tickets in one of the open cars. Was nice to have fresh air and a slight breeze on a beautiful day. The layover in GA/TN gave us a chance to stretch our legs, get a bite to eat and visit shops. Highly recommend riding the train!
Susan O. — Google review
I went on NYE '23 and it was a lovely experience... It would be nice if the ticket office had more attendants handing out the prepaid passes especially when there are large crowds. But the ride was punctual, the staff are generous and professional. I would recommend.
Jay Cee — Google review
This is a nice train ride taking off from Blue Ridge, Georgia it’s a mellow chill activity to do with family. The train offers a cart which sells beverages and things to munch on. I went on the 1 hour ride during the holidays and to our surprise we had a cameo from the Grinch, Cindy Lou, Mr and Mrs Clause! My daughter loved it! Recommended for sure
Juan Sebastian Charria — Google review
Excellent train ride 15 miles an hour down the Toccoa river. Beautiful views, fun, commentary, and history with the stop in Copper Hill Tennessee with mini shopping places. My plan is to do this every year with my family from now on. Definitely worth the drive and a good way to bring in the Christmas season. The open air cars actually have covering on the windows which make it enjoyable even on a cold day. A highly recommended experience for kids of all ages and adults. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸👏🏾🐺🎄🤶🏼💯
Rand Eberhard — Google review
This was a very cool trip. We road inside the covered cars but they have open cars too. It seems to stay busy so get your tickets early. There are some amazing houses up the river.
Joshua Widener — Google review
The view on the river side was good, the mountain region was not that scenic. The ride was not worth the hype.. you have to book way in advance for a 4hr journey. When you drive you get more splendid views. For a first timer in a train you may enjoy it. They have a souvenir store and mini snacks bar inside. Everything is extra charges, not included with the ticket. They also take a picture which is 20$
Sorna Chocks — Google review
We had such a great time. Mary Ann was very informative and so sweet. It was a little cold so make sure to layer up if going during fall/winter. Once you get to the town there is an indoor mall type retail place across the river. I will say the restaurants fill up fast so if you're hungry stop there first.
The Cherohala Skyway, stretching 43 miles through East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, is renowned for its breathtaking views and access to trails, waterfalls, and campsites. While it's a popular route for motorcyclists, the scenic byway also offers an unforgettable experience for drivers with its sweeping mountain vistas and forested slopes. It's recommended to embark on this journey on a clear day with mild weather to fully appreciate the natural beauty along the way.
Mercier Orchards is a picturesque, 300-acre fruit orchard that was founded in 1943. They offer pick-your-own seasonal fruits and have a variety of products available at their shop, including their own cidery with seasonal wines and slushies. Their website features a schedule of currently available produce so visitors can plan accordingly. The facility is well-maintained and has clean restrooms with an attendant on duty to ensure cleanliness.
I heard it was strawberry season and couldn’t pass up the opportunity for some fresh ones so me made the venture out there. It was more than worth it! The orchard is absolutely stunning and the shop has everything you could expect. They have their own cidery and make a variety of seasonal wines (and slushies). Their website even has a schedule of what’s currently in season so you can coordinate your visit to your preference.
Beau Regard — Google review
First visit, I’ve heard a lot of good things about Mercier Orchards. Beautiful location! It was not as crowded as I had expected. Lots of goodies inside! We tried a few different apples, we really loved the Crunch a Bunch variety. The coffee crusted pecans were a nice treat as well.
Tyson — Google review
What a great place to stop by for the weekend getaway from the city. They offers fresh fruits and vegetables, variety of apples, peaches, nectarines. The bake goods are to die for. Our favorites are apple fritter and donuts. Also the refreshment; such as lemon slushy and apple slushy are a must have. If you into alcohol, they have whole bar dedicated for you on the side. Outside we had the pop up stand of kettles corn and boiled peanuts. Fantastic experience, with staff being so nice and friendly. Bathrooms were clean. Parking was plenty.
Wind Napol — Google review
We love coming up to Mercier’s when we are in the area. We bought several items consisting of bread, pies, and donuts. They all tasted great!
The staff are friendly and love to serve. The experience in the store takes you back in time.
I haven’t experienced the orchards yet but have it on the list.
Marshall Helms — Google review
Awesome and very unique place to visit. Biggest orchard retail store I have ever seen. There's plenty of parking alongside a pond, which they thoughtfully enclosed with a nice walkway. They have every kind of jam and jelly you can imagine! A bakery in the rear with homemade breads and pies. A winery. My favorite is their apple butter. If you are in Blue Ridge you need to stop in here! Don't miss it!!
Lucinda Lovestravel — Google review
This is a must do if you're in the Blue Ridge area. It's like a farm store with a restaurant and tons of shopping. The restaurant offers a great breakfast on the weekends. Amazing biscuits, fresh fruit, preserves, apple butter, eggs, sausages, french toast, waffles, chicken biscuits, grits, and coffee and tea.
The store carries fresh fruit, preserves, apple butter, some no sugar added options, syrup, honey, stuffed animals, muffin mixes, donuts, and more. There's a bakery in the back. The employees were really nice. I'm sure this would be an awesome stop in the fall when apples are in season! The grounds are also really pretty. There's a pond you can walk around and benches to rest on.
Rachel — Google review
Really neat place. Lots of sweets and great produce. The hand held pies are amazing. Worth the wait to take some home. Apple cider is yummy. The strawberries and peaches were in season and so great.
Kelly Thompson — Google review
This place was absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, we visited during the winter so we couldn't pick any apples or do the hay ride. We visited the market and had a good time trying the samples and visiting the bakery. We then went to the lake and were able to some nice pictures. If you're in or around Blue Ridge, this place is a definite must.
Ciera McGrady — Google review
As a lover for Wine && Cider, this is a must to visit! They have Cider & Wine tasting! Make their own, as well as sell other wines. My favorite was their Blackberry Wine and I don't even like blackberries. The only negative I'd say, is how small their Wine bottles are for the price. They are half the size of a normal wine bottle, which are cute, but not for the price. Would love to visit again when it's Spring and see how the fields look!
Katlin Henslee — Google review
During my trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia I was taken to a local store for Mercier Orchards and found that this place had everything yes even Gluten free foods. I was so over whelmed with this store i had forgotten to take more pictures. This is a. "Must see" when you are in the neighborhood. It even has a Bakery in the back.
Patrick — Google review
Nice , clean facility. Bathrooms we pristine with an attendant working hard to keep them that way. The were out of some products but thats mainly because of Covid and being short staffed. We like to visit Mercier on our trips to Blue Ridge.
Purple Rain — Google review
This is the top of the mountain for farmers markets. If you are anywhere within 8 hours of this place you owe yourself a visit. From 🍎apples, 🍑 peaches, 🫐 blueberries and 🍯🐝honey to everything in between. This place has an awesome breakfast and lunch. A top tier bakery, candy, toy shop, jams, jellies and so much more!!! There is even a 🍷 wine tasting room with craft wine and ciders. Do not miss making a trip to this farmers market Mecha!!!
Shadd Boucher — Google review
There are probably so many reviews about this place that I just don’t think I can add a lot. It was a great experience. I went there on my own thanks to a friend who recommended it as a good option for a we can plan. I went in and it was blueberry picking season which is not as fun as picking up apples but it is still very cool and you get to take what you pick the shop they have is very good and big and they have a ton of things and I didn’t stay to eat, but I tried some of the apple ciders they have, and some of them were very good, I ended up spending over $100 in products in that shop including the Seiter and some gifts for the family. I saw a lot of people with their kids which makes me think it is probably a very fun experience for the little ones as well.
Alejandro Cabral — Google review
I was so excited about visiting Mercier Orchard, and it did not disappoint! The drive up was beautiful, and so was the orchard. There were so many different items to try. The apple slushie is amazing! We also purchased some baked goodies and apple peach cider. Everything was great. I highly recommend visiting!
bianca white — Google review
I had the best time here! I always get apples when I come through north Georgia and I'll definitely be back to Mercier. The gentleman conducting the apple sampling was very helpful and gave me excellent advice about which apples are best to can. The samples were delicious and I bought a full bushel. They also have a bakery, an extensive gift shop, and of course, I took pictures by the tractor. It was a great afternoon.
Jillian Harker — Google review
Mercier Orchards is like a dream come true for fruit fans. Their fruit desserts are super tasty, with pies, free apple tasting samples, desserts and preserves that are chock-full of natural fruity goodness.
The best part? You get to enjoy all this deliciousness in a cozy, welcoming place surrounded by beautiful fruit trees. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy yummy treats, pick your own fruits and soak up the great outdoors. If you love food and nature, you've got to check it out!
Renzo Gavino — Google review
If you’re ever in Blue Ridge, I highly recommend you add Mercier Orchards to your “must see” list! The bakery items are fresh and delicious. My personal fav from the bakery is the apple fritter, it’s huge and they will heat it up for you if you ask! There’s a huge selection of different gifts, jerky, sweets, soups, wine 🍷, dips and so much more! There’s a bar inside that serves wine slushes and lots of other drinks. They even serve samples of all of their apples and you can buy the ones you love 😋 My favorite items were the apple wine and the Granny Smith Apple chapstick 🤩 I should’ve bought more so make sure you grab one - or five! lol
Angel Robertson — Google review
Mercier is always amazing. Make sure you stop in and do a wine and beer flight made on-site. Then visit the Bakery for fresh baked goods and other treats.
Vidal Sanabria — Google review
This place is massive! So much to see and experience. They have a great organization to there store and they items are color coded! Check out the pictures… they seriously have it all: jams, hells, sauces, mixes, honey, beauty products, kitchen wares, wine, cider, meat, cheese, produce, baked goods…
They also have the Cider Mill with tastings.
S V — Google review
We went during PRIME TIME! A beautiful fall afternoon. Due to it being later in the season we only had the opportunity to pick one species of apples (14$ per bag) however the fields themselves were not crowded, the tractor picked us up/dropped us off, water was sold on site for 1$, and the apples were so sweet and plump! Only reason I have to bring it down a star is lack of accessibility for wheelchairs throughout the entire facility, poor traffic management and lack of communication on the strollers policy. Aside from that beautiful view and great variety for family fun.
Fields of the Wood is a religious theme park in Murray, NC that features enormous monuments including a 30-foot-tall Bible. Visitors can also explore Prayer Mountain for a spiritual awakening experience. The attraction is popular among faithful and obedient believers who seek to connect with God. While some may have difficulty climbing up the steps due to physical limitations, it remains an awesome sightseeing destination worth exploring on one's own.
When I first passed the mission-style gates, I confess I was a little wary. Was this a cult recruitment center for the next branch of the Branch Davidians? Our son was visiting from Florida and we honestly visited simply because it seemed so novel. However, I was struck that there was no high pressure sales pitch or pitch for donations. The employees we bumped into were kind and not in the least bit aggressive: they didn't have to be. Each section of the park told a story with great power and authenticity. These folks really are dedicated to their cause. The Ten Commandments on the hillside are quite awe inspiring. Furthermore, we only scraped the surface of the 200 acre pilgrimage. If I were a youth minister, this would be a must-see destination for my youth group. The combination of North Carolina's southern hospitality and natural beauty would simply make this experience all the more worth while.
Rev. Dr. David Cole — Google review
This is such a cool place! I suggest climbing up the mountain just for the experience. It is quite a hike but worth it! If you don't want to walk up the stairs, you can drive up. My 4-year-old, 65-year-old Dad, 40-year-old husband and I made the walk up and survived!
Don't forget to visit the All Nations Cross while at the top. It's a long walk from the top of the Ten Commandments mountain but there are some amazing views from there too! You can also drive up there.
Next up, Prayer Mountain. We drove to the top then walked down. Then we checked out the replica of the Garden Tomb. There were live bats in there (not to worry it was like 3 and they were undisturbed by us).
Lastly, check out the gift shop and bring a picnic lunch. Feed the fish in the pond!
Overall, just a great place to visit! Donations encouraged for upkeep.
Tamara Nagelberg — Google review
We come here every year in the fall.
It's very beautiful!
Lots of monuments featuring different times in Jesus life, and other stories in the bible.
The 10 commandments on the hill are really neat as well!
Make sure to drive or walk up to the top of the mountain to see the beautiful view and all the flags in the shape of a cross.
Claire I — Google review
My visit here was nothing short of amazing. The spirit fell on us as we prayed on prayer mountain filling us with great joy knowing that God is in control. Faithful and obedient believers will truly have a spiritual awakening.
Glenn Taylor — Google review
What a surprise to just run upon this Beautiful place! I had heard of it, but had no idea we were going to pass it on our weekend destination! God’s presence is surely in this Place! You can drive to the top of each mountain but to walk it and read the scriptures is amazing! So blessed that my knees let me do the steps! There were 4 of us on this trip and I was the only one who could do the steps! It is totally free and Beautiful! They ask for donations!
Carol — Google review
Visited here for a car show. Was a benefit to help support Fields of the Wood. Absolutely amazing place to visit and see in person. Everyone is so friendly. Please go if you get a chance! Worth the experience!
Drksidegen — Google review
Very nice stop. Gift shop is a bit pricey. Might be a little difficult if you have to push a wheel chair. There is Some places it's walking only. But I'd definitely recommend a visit.
Coppertop V — Google review
We where sight seeing and cam across this area. It's in Murray NC back road. We were so excited to visit this. Awesome place go by an look or your self. I couldn't walk up the steps have bad knees. I would go back for sure.
Zettie Beverly — Google review
It is a great place to visit! All the different scriptures posted on the stones on the sides of the mountains. They have a reptical of the tomb that Jesus was buried in. They have the ten commandments on the side of the mountain. The gift shop is outstanding. Lots of walking and lots of climbing but there are roads that can take you to the top.
Mark Harrell — Google review
I love the Word of God, and this beautiful place is a memorial, that the Word of God not become silent on the earth. I loved, 10 Commandment Mountain, I loved prayer mountain, and all the monuments giving directions that everyone needs to hear, and heed. My concern is with the neglect, that will lead to such a wonderful blessing disappearing from the earth. With time organizations, like denominations, loose sight of what is truly important. Thank you for making this place available to the hungry. I have been blessed.
Danny Adams — Google review
Went for my brother and his family, but enjoyed it. The views are very nice. Bring your lungs and hiking legs. The stairs are definitely not for everyone. You can drive to the top though and enjoy it anyway. Kids loved feeding the giant fish and huge turtles at the gift shop. (You can buy the food from little vending machines for a quarter.)
Josh Moyer — Google review
Such a great, inspirational place to see! We loved it! An awesome dedication to the scriptures and truths of our faith! Thank you to those who built it and those who maintain it for all these years. Much appreciation to you all! ✝️🛐❤️🙏🏻
Wendy Wyatt — Google review
Beautiful place. Easy access. Inspirational. I stopped by at sunrise and the gates were open. It was memorizing! It's free to go in. Perfect place for meditation or picnic! They can certainly use any donations. I see minor repairs needed here and there. I love this place!
Marilyn Castillo — Google review
My husband and I visited the park on Easter 2024 and we loved it. I've never been to a religious park and I found it very impressive. The location is beautiful and the "exhibits" are well cared for. It's a very tranquil and quite place and everyone visiting seems to respect the grounds. There's tons of walking and steps so sneakers are your best bet. If you have difficulty walking or are looking for ADA accommodations, you can basically drive up to anything you'd typically walk up to so no worries there. I would definitely go back again, probably on another religious holiday, it was wonderful. They take donations, no entrance fees.
Pam Gholson — Google review
Unique place to stop. For those of the Christian faith it place to stop and meditate. For others it gives you some insight into the Christian beliefs. Worth the the time the place is well kept.
Wayne Anders — Google review
We absolutely loved this place. Needs some paint but is a beautiful experience.
fothebo1 — Google review
Nice park. Very serene and you definitely feel close to God and his beautiful creations. If in the area definitely worth the stop. No food on site but several nice picnic areas.
One of my favorite parts of our trip! The owners were so friendly! The animals were friendly! It was an all-around great time!
Jennifer Mizowek — Google review
Kids had a blast! Pigs, chickens, ducks running around, puppies, baby goats, horses and donkeys. Run by Donations only, people were so welcoming, gave kids apple slices, Zucchini, carrots etc to feed animals. We spent roughly an hour here, kids would have stayed all day. 7$ per person Donation includes food for you to feed animals. Very nice day.
Elizabeth Rhinehart — Google review
Call to check schedule . We almost drove out on a weekday that they are closed on. Anyway, we arrived and immediately was happy to see many friendly animals welcoming us! A few ducks and a donkey:) Went into the barn and was really excited to see the variety of animals! The owner was busy cutting food so we could all feed the animals She was super friendly and was working hard to keep everyone happy. We made our way to all the animals inside and out and fell in love with all them. She had a dog with a noticeable disability but you would never know it because he was so happy and in a loving place ! I have the utmost respect for all they do here for these animals . It was amazing if you love ( as we do) animals you MUST go.
Beach Girl — Google review
Awesome place to bring kids. Tons if animals, big and small. You can even adopt puppies. It only cost 5 dollars and this is o my to help the animals. The owner is very kind and works hard
Ceci J. — Google review
What an awesome place that offers a unique experience. We visited Build an Ark while staying at the Coosawattee River Resort during our annual family vacation. My daughter enjoyed feeding all the different animals. She was able to feed more animals here than she has ever been able to at any petting zoo type of place.
It’s truly a great thing what this place is doing for the animals in their care. The staff is very friendly and it’s obvious they’re passionate about the work they’re doing. I definitely recommend visiting!
Stephanie Merony — Google review
Amazing farm run by wonderful people who truly care about the wellbeing of both the animals and their visitors. We visit every year and brought our daughter this time. She had a blast petting and feeding the animals!
Jessica Hamilton — Google review
This is a wonderful place to bring your kids and visit for all animal lovers. There are variety of animals that you can pet and feed. To name a few, piggies, donkeys, horses, goats etc. This is a rescue place and they take care of old animals that nobody wants anymore. By visiting here, you help them and animals feel loved.
Tabu Thevarajan — Google review
For our suburban family, this was a very unique opportunity to get up and close with many farm animals. We were visiting the lake and mountains for our annual vacation and came across this place in things to do in nearby towns. Well worth the drive for us. We made a donation and were given a good sized bucket of food to feed to the animals. Some were freely roaming the farm.I especially loved the piggy. Everyone made a great memory that afternoon. Please read the history and building of the Ark if you visit.
Michelle Rouzer — Google review
My four year old son had a blast and so did all of us adults! For a small fee you get to not only see, but pet and feed the animals. It was a wonderful experience!! I'm including a few pictures I took while there.
Kristie Quinn — Google review
I absolutely love it!! It's a small farm with interaction with the animals and family fun!! They were able to take a very tiny pig that my husband and I rescued and give her the best home possible to grow and thrive in 🐖🥰
This scenic, 90-foot waterfall is a popular destination for nature observation & photography.
Incredible! Best hike of my life so far. The waterfall is right there when you park so if that's all you're after, it's easy. But if you want an amazing, relatively easy, hike just go up the stairs to the top of the waterfall and follow the trail. There are more falls and unceasing beauty beyond. I went about 2.5 miles back before turning around. Absolutely stunning!
Jake M. — Google review
Oh my goodness, I am not from the southeast so these waterfalls are some of the most spectacular I have ever seen. You can view this majestic beauty right from your car while crossing a bridge, so it is super accessible for anyone. There is also a steep mountain path that ascends to the top of the fall if you are up for some steep slippery steps. This entire area is amazingly beautiful.
Josh Moyer — Google review
During the fall season it was completely astonishing and the colors were truly remarkable. Something I have only seen in books or magazines. It was busy but never seemed to be over crowded. The path next to the waterfall was beautiful. It went to the top along one side, which was a fairly easy hike. And along the other side you hike to the bottom to see the white water rapids. Where we did see a few people kayak. We do plan on a future trip when it is warmer to try this. It look really fun!
Ice Queen — Google review
It's worth the drive! This is a beautiful spot and the drive to the falls is breathtaking. The road is a little narrow so take your time to enjoy nature. You will want to cross the bridge to reach a parking area.
Most people will walk on to the bridge for that perfect photo!
There are steps that will lead you up to the very top of the falls, just be sure to have good walking shoes on and watch your step.
If you're in the area this is a must see stop! We really enjoyed our visit.
Tina Travel Trails (Travel Trails) — Google review
Wonderful place to visit. My only complaint is all the people and a serious lack of parking. However if your patient and don't mind a little walk you should definitely take the time and make the trip. Personally my friends and I took our motorcycles and got some killer pictures. There are trails to hike and paths down to the water if you would like to swim. We'll worth the frustration of finding a parking spot. Also don't let me forget the drive there is very nice and scenic.
brock bowen — Google review
I love that visitors can drive right up to the falls and park. This makes enjoying nature easier for people with limited mobility or limited time. For those who can, the hiking trail to the left of the falls will take you to the top. New vistas and places to carefully wade await you at the top.
UPDATE: River Rd to the falls is washed out and will be closed until 2025!
Conasauga falls is accessible if you have a raised 4x4 or a dirt bike.
Michael Sharrock — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous 90 foot falls in the Cherokee National Forest!! Family agreed it was well worth the time to get there. You drive right past the falls and there is no hike so it would be perfect for those with mobility issues. Absolutely wonderful piece of nature.
Aaron ?Kilted? Wolfenbarger — Google review
We visited the Bald River Falls on our third annual Autumn drive on the Cherohala Skyway. The Falls is about 6 miles off the Skyway on the Tennessee side. You could view the Falls from your vehicle, but that would be a mistake. The parking lot is located just past the bridge overlooking the falls. The multi-level fall with a 90-foot drop into a rocky riverbed is stunning. The falls can be viewed from the bridge, or you can walk under the bridge for a broad perspective. The view left me wondering why I hadn't been here before. The Bald River Falls Trail can also be accessed from here for a 5.6-mile hike along the river.
Donna Bollenbach — Google review
Beautiful waterfall near Tellico. Park after the bridge and you will see stairs up the top of the falls. Worth the trek. That takes you to trail 88 as well.
Tim Evans — Google review
The road up is NOT for lower sitting cars. Even SUVs that sit lower need to take their time up. I made it in my car but it took a while. Lol. Love this spot, it never disappoints!
Angela aka Angi Martin — Google review
Most beautiful relaxing waterfall I have ever seen. It is directly off the roadway. I could spend many hours of prayer and enjoying the awesomeness of nature.
Can’t really do that because it is so wonderful many tourists visit it as a scenic place. It gets a bit noisy because people like to share what they are seeing and feeling about its beauty while they are there.
There is entry therefore no wait time. No tickets necessary no fee. Free as all God’s gifts.
Remember to take your trash with you so it stays beautiful.
Debbie Jacques — Google review
Beautiful falls, very pretty drive by the river and the water is super clear in the river. Numerous tiny waterfalls everywhere and you are treated by this wonderful water fall right by the road. Drive up another 100 feet and you will see another 6 foot waterfall.
Sravan A — Google review
One of the Best waterfalls I've ever seen!! A small hike to the top is worth the view as well! The sound is so relaxing. Next time we will take chairs to sit at the bottom.
Cheryl Vermaas — Google review
Bald River Falls, Cherokee National Forest, Monroe County Tennessee. Bald River Falls which is from 80-100 feet tall flows into the Tellico river. The falls is visible from a bridge across the river from the Tellico River Road 6 miles from its start off the Cherohala Skyway. Easy hike to reach the top of falls, plenty of parking and a beautiful drive to reach the falls. Consider liking my review and pictures and follow along with me on all my adventures. Jeff Mullins Photography Get Your Adventure On!
Jeff Mullins — Google review
This is a little out of the way, but if you are near Tellico Plains, it’s worth the stop. The water fall is beautiful from the bridge, but there is also a trail up to the top where can relax and enjoy the sound of the water in the shade or on the rocks. Not a strenuous hike at all. Only takes a few minutes.
Scott Heath — Google review
2 stars only because there was no way of knowing it was closed until I got within 5 miles of the falls.😞Sadly, we did not get to see the falls because the road was closed but the drive to it following the river was beautiful. Hope that the next time I take that drive the road to the actual falls will be open.
We zip lined with Gracie and Winnie. They were both so awesome and made the experience amazing!
We then water rafted and got Winnie and Lily! Both were amazing and even suggested things to do/ places to eat on our stay!
We will definitely be back and hope we get these girls again!
megan gordon — Google review
If you’re in the area you HAVE TO take this rafting trip! Our guide Danny “trash man” was very knowledgeable and a great asset to the trip…do yourself a favor and take the “full river” excursion. Our son even said “this is awesome” when we stopped for lunch. Don’t miss the Raft1 water slide either. Dry refreshing and Raft1 made it as easy as possible to enjoy the day with the family. Put Raft1 on your vacation agenda…your family will thank you for making great memories…
Steve & Peggy Slocum — Google review
We had the best day Zip lining and white water rafting. Bob and Anna were great on our zip lining tour. Dirt was an absolutely amazing river guide. We felt safe the whole time yet we had a blast. We will definitely be back!
Ariel Stark — Google review
Great place for families. There is a cafe with food and you are allowed to bring outside food in. We packed a whole ice chest of food for lunch and had no issue. All of the staff were wonderful. Alisha at the front desk was super welcoming and answered all of our questions! For zip lining we were with Logan, Emily, and Wiley. All awesome people! They were easy to talk to, very knowledgeable, and funny! We felt super comfortable with them. Noah was our guide for rafting. Super cool and easy to talk to. This guy knows the river like the back of his hand and has some great stories. We had such a great time with him- one of the best experiences of my life. Holden and Emily were the tour guides for the other half of our group and they loved them both as well! 100% recommend this place!
hadley foster — Google review
This was my youngest two daughters first experience with whitewater rafting. Our guide Jase was awesome. He made the experience for the girls exceptional. We will be back to Raft One. The girls talked all the way home about our next trip and if they could bring their friends.
Jody Byrd — Google review
Our FULL day with Raft1 exceeded our expectations! We started with zip lining. Our guides were Weston and Holden. They were very witty and fun but also very safe.. though we tested their skills quite regularly! Never a dull moment with my family! Next , we had an AWESOME rafting trip!! Our guide ,Dirt, was great!! Very informative and fun!!! Kept an eye out for everyone and made sure everyone was safe!! ☺️ I HIGHLY recommend Raft1 for anyone wanting to have a good time!!! And remember…. You get what you pay for! 😜
Angie Wilson — Google review
I’ve never in my life done this ( water rafting ) and I’m 39, we did a friend trip (5) from Florida and we were nervous as none of us have experience this but I have to say that our guide HOLDEN was the man, he made the experience fun, he kept us laughing, he was very knowledgeable about the river, told us exactly what to do not to get hurt, made the experience so great. RAFTONE IS DEFINITELY A PLACE TO VISIT… thank you guys and HOLDEN thank you so much 😊 👍🏽
D.A.C — Google review
We had an awesome experience with Raft 1 ziplining. We were able to call the day off, on a Friday, and get in on the 2 hour zip. Price was reasonable. Gift shop was nice. Noah and Cal were top-notch guides. It takes a specific personality to help people enjoy these types of things, while still putting safety first.
There is a photo package offered at the end which was a reasonable cost and a nice touch.
Go zip!
Nicole Lopez — Google review
We took an amazing zip-line tour and it was our first time for that, both in our lives and together. Our guides Gracie and Weston were amazingly patient with us and really humorous the whole tour. Thank you both for a wonderful ride!
Heath Joiner — Google review
Ziplining - our family of five (kids age 10, 12, 13) did the course. It was just us, so was like a private group with 2 really good guides (Spencer and Jamie). Course is really good, lots of long zips. You do have to slow yourself down on several by placing a gloved hand on the line, we didn’t really like this aspect and had never had to do that on other courses. But overall really good and we’d do it again.
Middle Raft trip - just my son and I did. It was AWESOME! Our guide Jace was the best. It was our first time doing this level of rapids and son was scared to fall out, we asked for a safe ride and Jace delivered. Plus they did extra special things that other outfitters didn’t, like slide rock where we got out and could jump on and slide down our overturned raft and a hole jump thing, all of the other rafts just cruised by watching us have more fun. Would highly recommend, felt safe the entire ride and we really enjoyed it. Definitely request Jace.
Faith Belcher — Google review
Jace was outstanding as our guide on our first ever rafting trip. He went out of his way to assure we had the most amazing time and it did not go unnoticed. My 13 yr old daughter practically seems soulless on a regular but she was smiling from ear to ear the entire time. He made sure we remained safe but thoroughly enjoyed the ride at the same time. He was the best guide we could've asked for!
Jessica Holloman — Google review
10/10 recommend! This was the highlight of our girls trip! SHOUTOUT TO BUCKY AND SPENCER for the entertainment and excitement all while keeping us safe. We zip lined the first day and had so much fun that we returned for white water rafting the next day! As my first time experiencing these things, I definitely felt confident with Bucky and Spencer giving us directions and guiding us along the way! Would love to come back!
Destiny Kerst — Google review
We cannot say enough about how spectacular this rafting company is. I have been coming here every summer with my husband James for the past 6 years, and he’s been rafting with them for the past 15 years. They never disappoint and we always have the time of our lives. We have brought various guests with us, from children to petrified adults to other adventure seekers like ourselves, and everyone always has a great time. All the guides are amazing and you can tell the company takes their time to ensure they offer the best trained guides. We have had Dirt as our trusty guide several times. I strongly recommend asking for him as your guide- you will have an amazing time! Dirt knows every inch of the Ocoee River, is highly skilled, and super friendly. He knows how to show his guests a great time. On one of the slower days, he even took us out to a neat little waterfall just off the side of the river. It was such a lovely surprise and great addition to our trip. Safety is a top concern as well. The owners, two brothers, Brent and Dusty, always greet us with a smile and remember us from years past (they are both very experienced guides as well!) Book your excursions with this outfit, you will be happy you did!
Lien d'Hespeel — Google review
Amazing experience and we was blessed to have a great guide Spencer. Spencer was really knowledgeable about the river and compassionate toward us. He was helpful and humble, funny and make the experience extra fun. Having a great guide like Spencer make things so much better specially for my husband and I first timers doing rafting. For us was a experience that will go in our memories. We was celebrating our anniversary and husband birthday. So happy I chooses raftone.
The well-maintained Fort Loudoun State Historic Park is a replica of an 18th century British fort and offers trails for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. The museum contains exhibits on the history of the fort and artefacts from its days as a military outpost. There is also a short video which is worth watching. The staff are friendly and informative.
I have been to Fort Loudoun twice in my life. Once as a young boy I went and had the displeasure of getting caught in the rain and getting quite ill. The second time, is my recent visit with my daughter. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed playing in the sunshine. We explored the Fort and museum soaking in the history of this area. My daughter most enjoyed the museum tent display and all of the different types of cannons that are in the park. The walking is gentle and easy and most areas are stroller accessible which means that with someone pushing them wheelchair bound individuals could visit the Fort and grounds. The historical film is educational but also a little sad just to warn potential viewers. Overall a great place to spend time. Plan to visit again soon.
Jason Henry — Google review
What a beautiful State Park! Nice well maintained trails, amazing views! What a great way to end a hike down by the water at the Picnic Area! Stop by the Gift Shop get a map, staff informed and polite. A wonderful place to take the family and learn a bit of history. Get out and enjoy nature.
Wilderness Girl — Google review
We really enjoyed visiting. The grounds are open to explore. The visitor center has a lot of educational history and artifacts. There are trails to walk and explore. Picnic tables and benches. I wish we had more time to explore that day. We will definitely be visiting again. The restrooms are in the visitor center, and the visitor center closes at 4:30 pm. Donations are encouraged, and it is definitely worth it to keep up this nice place.
Joy C (Kaya) — Google review
Very well maintained replica of a fort! Located on a quiet and beautiful riverbank. Museum is full of history and artefacts, short video is awesome, don't skip it! Great staff.
Jitka Kacerova — Google review
This is a great historical state park. I forgot the scale of the British influence in the back country of the young U.S. The French and Indian War, Native Americans, trading, and war. Although the site was rebuilt, the details are great and what is really nice is examples of how the place may have been furnished with barracks bunks, barrels for food, blacksmith and many other buildings full of stuff. Also, there was a ton of trillium flowers blooming. It was a little to early for the may apples
Dale Jr McConnell — Google review
Was a fun little outing for the family. We showed our daughter the old buildings people used to sleep and work in. Would love to see it in spring or fall.
Bobby Montgomery — Google review
I was expecting the buildings to actually be from the 1700s. But they were rather historically accurate replicas. Still cool, but not as cool as if they had been original.
The museum (Visitor Center) was closed when we arrived, so we didn't get to see that part of the Park. But we did get to experience some of the walking trails. They were very nice, and a pleasure to walk on!
Overall, it was a good experience. I recommend it to anyone, local or tourist, who enjoys history. I certainly enjoyed it!
Caleb Lewis — Google review
I have been in Knoxville for 12 years and never knew this place was so great. They really do a fantastic job with things there. Take the kayaks out around the area. Beautiful views, especially of the Smokies in the morning.
Some of the best park staff too!!
Dan J — Google review
This dog friendly historical fort is the very best I've ever visited in my life, and my father, a history teacher, dragged me to A LOT of forts in my lifetime. The geography is stunning, the fort itself is beautifully rebuilt according to historical details. You can walk into each building, and get a feel for the quarters and facilities. The interior of the buildings is immaculate and sturdy. All structures are well maintained, the grounds are clean, and the views are gorgeous. Dogs are welcomed and accommodated. The museum is unique, intriguing and features a beautiful collection of artwork and artifacts. The rangers are educative, outgoing, personable, and happily answer any questions. They even let you bring a leashed dog into the museum! I am so thankful for such a lovely interactive experience that my children and dog could enjoy!
Ultra Violet — Google review
#AmazingAdventure Again!
Love the history in the East! Amazing recollection of the French and Indian War at Fort Loudoun State Historic Area gorgeous scenery, awesome visitors center, and beautiful waters!
Earl demonstrated a fantastic prelude to the In Visitors Center Documentary you can watch... he's like Robin Williams! Super engaging, informative and hilarious! A wonderful experience!
If you get the chance! Go!
Corrie Vallance — Google review
Interesting Colonial fort that was rebuilt during the New Deal! Beautiful area to picnic and kayak. Small, well-done visitor center and museum with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Also close to Sequoyah’s birthplace (a separate museum).
Renee Hughes — Google review
Quiet, peaceful. Great display of artifacts from the founding of the fort.
This This for outdoor adventure rafting staff: Daniel Christopher, not Daniel tardy, is the greatest guide yall have! It was amazing! He was born to do that job! Great skills. Great sense of humor and all about it out there on that river and he makes sure all is safe while giving us an amazing time. Because of him I will be coming back and bringing family and friends with me. Keep that guy!
Anthony Hobbs — Google review
We love Outdoor Adventure Rafting!! We have been coming here every year since we first started whitewater rafting. They have the absolute best guides and staff! We always have tons of fun and feel completely safe because of how womdeful the guides are. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Also, they are all hilarious and will have you laughing the entire time!
Our favorite guides are Hayden and Cleveland. They are so fun!
Bethany Bailey — Google review
Rafted on 7-10-23 with my family. We have done rafting before in Colorado and have always enjoyed it, but this was the best time ever. The river is great because of constant action, and our guide Jon was phenomenal. We took the more adventurous line on a number of the rapids and then would go back and surf some of them. He was constant energy. We got to the last two rapids and he asked if we wanted to take the road less traveled, noting that you could get tossed from the raft. We chose that and all five of us went for a swim. It was awesome. Highly recommend. If you can get Jon, you will have the best time.
Russ D — Google review
Highly recommend for rustic camping, whitewater rafting, and tubing trips.
It’s a quiet place to camp which I love. Sits right on the lower Ocoee and has great tubing trips for people with young children or who want a relaxing day. They also offer Middle and Full river trips if whitewater rafting is your style. They have trips running every day the river is on for tubing and whitewater rafting.
They have a large campground great for camping off grid, tents, or car camping. Lots of hot showers, and ample restroom facilities. Nice store for tshirts, memorabilia, and snacks.
If you prefer a cabin, they have plenty of those, and specialize in large groups.
Family friendly environment. Outfitter was taken under new ownership a little over a year ago (female owned 💕) by a prior employee. The improvements to the facilities and equipment in a year are commendable and I highly encourage visiting this outfitter.
If you go rafting request Dirty Mike 🥰
Carrie Soulliere — Google review
David was our guide yesterday & he made the experience sooo fun! From the time we stepped foot on the property til the end of the adventure. He brings good energy & made sure we received the full experience.. This was my first time white water rafting & I can’t stop talking about the experience. Thank you so much David ! You are awesome ⭐️!
Evony Smith — Google review
Highly recommend this outfitter! I'm sure that all of the guides are great, but our guide Brett is amazing! He really knows his stuff! Highly recommend asking for Brett when you go ... you'll be doing some fun tricks in the rapids that you may not necessarily get to do with other guides. You'll get to practice "surfing" on the downstream of some rapids, "bull ride", spins, etc. Brett is very personable and hilarious..... he really works hard to see that his guests have fun. Brett and this outfitter are very safe ... thorough safety briefings and instructions, and safe equipment in excellent condition.
Alfred — Google review
We had such a great time with Outdoor Adventure Rafting! Definitely recommend them. Jared was our guide, and he was very knowledgeable of every rapid, kept it a lot of fun but also very safe the whole way. Jane at OAR was super helpful every time I called with any questions about how to prepare or what to do locally after we finished. Hope you go to OAR for your Ocoee trip as well
David Reeves — Google review
Fantastic experience! We camped out and then did the middle river section the next day. Great price and a great company. Our guide, Tito, knew the River super well and was able to provide us a unique and thrilling experience while keeping us safe along the way. This was my second time using OAR- they are the best!
Jack Henry — Google review
I camped at OAR for 7 nights over a two week period. Their accommodations are fantastic. A quick walk to the bathroom & showers make camping a joy. They have several cabins, but I was camping. I was impressed with their Guide's knowledge and rafting skills. As a first time White water rafter, I was at ease with their captains at the helm. I did more than one trip. OAR has access to a great location just below the dam, for tubing. On my relaxing day, I tubed down with a group. I saw several groups, churches, schools and familys tubeing while I was there, everyone having a blast. I also used my paddleboard to launch at that same spot to go down river. It was fun , not too rough, and beautiful. This will always be my first stop as I leave Florida for fun
John-Lester Gibson — Google review
It was incredible!!! The experience was safe and fun and very beautiful. Our guide - Jon Hall - was amazing. Super nice funny and he did lots of cool tricks. I definitely recommend requesting him if you can. I will definitely be coming back.
Evan Nader — Google review
This was my first time rafting and it was fantastic! We had Tyler as our guide and he was phenomenal! Funny, entertaining, knew what he was doing, and overall a great guide! We did the all day and I totally recommend it! Lunch was great, everyone was super nice and helpful! Definitely recommend and hopefully will be back in the future!
Ryan Beatty — Google review
My nine-year-old daughter, and I had scheduled to float down the river in a tube, however, the weather didn’t cooperate. Even though the temperature dropped and it was raining, Tyler made our experience very enjoyable. We were able to float down the river in a raft instead of a tube, and they provided dry vests to help keep us warm and dry. Tyler was super positive the entire time and even helped keep my daughter entertained with her videography skills. Tyler has a lot of knowledge and experience on the river and I would highly recommend him for as a guide for any whitewater rafting or float down the river.
Allison Falden — Google review
Memorable day on the Ocoee River with OAR. We had a great time and got to experience some giant rapids. Our guide knew the river well and kept us safe, while also picking the right lines in the water to catch some intense rapids. My favorite rafting trip so far.
Kaymo — Google review
We had a wonderful time tubing! I'm horrible names, but I believe one of the kids said our guide's name was Sarah. Anyhow, she was awesome! She had a great sense of humor and they all did a great job of making sure we avoided obstacles along the river. This was only our second time tubing, and we had a few children(ages 10-15) with our group this time, but we were able to relax more knowing that the guides were there to keep everyone safe.
Whitley Love — Google review
My wife and I went on the 5 mile trip with my brother and sister and spouses. We had an absolute blast...we will be back! The guides were all fun and informative. We had Sam as our guide, he was great. We all felt safe with him guiding us. Next time we're probably going to do the 10 mile paddle, thank you OAR and staff for a great day on the river!
Nick Fischer — Google review
We had a fantastic tubing adventure with Sarah yesterday. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient as she helped our little group down the calm river journey. My senior citizen mother had hurt her wrist earlier and couldn’t paddle well, and Sarah was great with bumping her to keep her on track. From ages 10 to 68, all three generations loved this tubing excursion!
Bonnie Smith — Google review
My friend raved about the experience, and I had high expectations going in. The front desk treated me like a lifelong friend, and I felt super excited about the rest of the day. We loaded on the bus and the guides squeezed in for the 30 minute ride. Instead of relaxing, they entertained, engaged, and made us feel important. To me, this was going the extra mile that sets them apart because small details matter. The river was raging, gnarly was the word we heard often, and our guide, CAVEMAN, beemed with experience and a desire to make sure we were having a blast. He didn't disappoint! There wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy and that included being thrown out on "Slice and Dice." I left feeling I have friends for life and a new returning trip for my family.
Berry is stunningly beautiful. Main campus has the feel of a Southern university, with it’s beautiful traditional architecture and brick buildings and columns. There is SO much green space. The balance of green space to people was the perfect proportion for our family and felt just right, after visiting larger schools like Clemson and UGA. There are SO many ways to get outdoors and be renewed and refreshed by the beauty of nature. The mountain campus is really cool too, as is the older section of campus used primarily as housing, faculty offices, and some parts of the nursing and education programs. They have good dining hall options, great recreational facilities and options, and technology/learning spaces. They offer a wide range of majors, and their agricultural program (including animal sciences) is really good. We did a tour for prospective students and could not have enjoyed it more. Our tour guide was a current Berry student (an ambassador), and he did a super job of showing us the campus and helping us see what life at Berry was like. The students and staff are so down-to-earth and unassuming. We felt welcome and like we belonged. The staff were so helpful and kind. Now, our eldest child is enrolled and thrilled to become a Berry student.
Melanie Mercer — Google review
i went here to see the historic grist mill and other historical builds. the ground are something, SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL but had some trouble finding things. but well worth the stop and they have plenty of trails to hike. the grist mill and roosevelt cottage ARE along worth the stop.
jim catalfamo — Google review
I'm in the seventh grade here at Berry and I love it here. This is a lab school for the college with a WIP outdoor classroom that also serves as a vegetable garden and apple orchard. Mrs. Neidrach's Kindergarten class has weekly, alphabet-themed field trips. The middle school classes combine with one another for a massive project quinquennially and the third-fifth grades do the same.
Quillen Kai — Google review
Since this marker is over the Krannert building.m, my review is for that. I spent a lot of time here, eating, working, and hanging out in the game room. I made sure that place was spotless back in the day. I went back not too long ago, and they have completely renovated it. Looks good, but different. I’m sure it is just as special for all the current students as it was for me.
Bret Hart — Google review
Beautiful campus. Large, wide open campus with lots of deer. Very scenic and also has good facilities.
Ben — Google review
Largest campus in United States, largest waterwheel still operational , wildlife great hiking & bikeing
db Pilsbury — Google review
Beautiful campus. Like a smaller scale of Duke University. Nice landscapes with beautiful trees and flowers. Magnificent castle uphill. The whole campus was just filled with a classic atmosphere that could bring you back to the old times when campus was a sanctuary of peace, learning and self reflections. Come here to enjoy the walk and the scenery of the campus and read about the history of the establishment of this wonderful school.
Jenn Z — Google review
Very Beautiful College! My daughter was here for a 3 day Volleyball Camp and now this is definitely one of the Colleges on her list.
Kisley Peters — Google review
Berry college has a huge campus of more than 27000 acres situated in Rome, GA. College building and the infrastructure looks top class. Entire campus is really well maintained. Grasses were trimmed at every place.some of the places looked like desktop wallpaper. You need one full day to visit. It had free entry and free parking at every place inside. Its such a joy to visit the campus.
Ashutosh Shandilya — Google review
Awesome bike trails , many fawns on the grounds, hot summertime riding , plenty of restrooms, very few people on trail and i was only bike rider!
Lost Sea Adventure is a cave tour and boat trip attraction that offers visitors an underground lake to explore. The cave network is well-maintained and the guides are knowledgeable about the formations, making for an interesting experience. The walk up is not too bad and the tour offers stops for breathers, which makes it more comfortable for those who are not used to walking long distances. The boat ride is also very cool and something not often seen in tourist attractions.
Nice to place to explore some cave spots. The guided tours were awesome with lots of information. Don't miss the lake ride under the caves. Claustrophobic need to avoid this. Visited the place en route from Atlanta to Smoky Mountain. A good stop with rest and a visit. Water proof shoes/boots are recommended for the visit.
For the guides: Provide required time for people across all age. Felt being rushed which restricts the time to enjoy the awesomeness of the place.
inferno d — Google review
A very unique place to visit with a colorful history. The boat ride onto the lake is definitely the highlight of the tour and what anyone really goes there to do. Cave system over all was a lot smaller than expected and shorter than others I've been to unless you pay more to do the wild tour. Still an enjoyable way to spend an hour and worth a visit.
Jeremy Baughman — Google review
Tour: This cavern has the cool distinction of being America's largest underground lake. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, and your guide tells you about its history. Most of the tour is on uneven terrain through the cavern, and there are some inclines. There are lights everywhere, but it's a cavern, so it has low lighting. The boat ride was too brief, but I otherwise loved it. It was such a tranquil experience. The water is calm and still, and the fish were fascinating. Our tour guide was funny, but it was difficult to hear him at the back of the group, and he kept a fast pace through the tour. You couldn't spend much time stopping and enjoying the amazing cave features. I wish they gave you more time for the tour, but otherwise, a great experience.
Restrooms: Their restroom building was under construction when we did the tour, but they had a restroom trailer that was very nice, clean, and well-kept.
Liz W — Google review
This cave and lost lake were absolutely amazing. The tour guide was very informative and gave a great deal of history on the findings and the cavern and the lake.
Take time to stop and capture the coolest tours I've seen an awhile!!!
You will not be disappointed.
Kevin S — Google review
Lovely cave and boat experience. Clean facility and great guides. It didn't feel as over commercialized as Ruby Falls, so that was a nice touch. Loved the addition of artists like the glass blower and the gem panning as well.
Scott Detweiler — Google review
This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide, Angela, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The hike back up was no joke! But there are benches that the guides will let you rest on. Very open spaced for those who are claustrophobic.
Amy Osborn — Google review
What a cool experience! Very cool cave with really neat features I haven’t seen anywhere else but the crowning achievement is the lake. It is beautiful and well lit. The walking is a bit steep so this may be one to sit out if you might have trouble with something like that but it wasn’t hard for me or any of my children.
Asheli Godfrey — Google review
Great tour to take if you are looking for a cave tour. Casey and Ashley were excellent tour guides that knew a lot about the formations and answered all of your questions. The walk up had a decent grade at parts but not too bad. They do stop for a couple of breathers on the way up to give you a spot to catch your breath. Overall not too bad of a walk and highly recommend. The boat ride was really cool and not something you commonly get to do. Will definitely have to come back some time for their spelunking tour.
Austin Wiesner — Google review
As a local to Tennessee we have never visited these caves until today. We had age group 11-73 and we all had a great experience. The online booking was a breeze and so was the check in process.
Our guide for today was Shay (I hope this is her name) and she was amazing. She was so friendly and her sense of humor was great, actually amazing.
The walk down was pretty easy but the walk back up is pretty difficult for older people. It’s the incline that was tough for my mom and others I saw that had to stop numerous times.
The lake at the bottom is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful down there. The water is crystal clear.
I would definitely recommend.
Melissa Wimberly — Google review
I really enjoyed this adventure! The cave is so rich in history and beautiful. The lake was my favorite. I will definitely be doing this again. This cave is so big. You will get a good walk inside but not too strenuous. The guide stopped frequently so there’s plenty time to rest. Have fun!
Donna Holbrook — Google review
For those like me who didn't know, you take a tour with a small hike through a nice cool cave to a small boat ride then back. We got Angela and her "twin" as our tour guides and they both made sure that we had a good time. They have a small glass blower shop filled with beautiful hand blown customizable items, gift shop, and an ice cream shop that was closed at the time we went.
Ariel Sexton — Google review
We had a great time today. You want to have a great tour ask for Skyler. He is very informative and funny. Keeps the tour interesting. Definitely wear non skid shoes. Certain places were slippery. We liked the glass blowing place. Lots of beautiful items to purchase. The general store wasn't to impressed. A lot of the same thing and their mining bags were a little pricey. We were looking forward to the ice cream shop but it was closed. Not much else to do which was kinda a bummer.
Erika Galish — Google review
We have driven past the signs on I75 for this place for years and finally stopped to check it out. It is amazing! Well worth checking out. Skyler, our tour guide, did an amazing job. The boat ride on the underground lake is really cool.
Note: the walk down to the lake is a little steep and slippery. You can sit out that part, but then you miss the boat ride.
Carson S Miller — Google review
What a fabulous place to visit. Very intriguing and had an excellent guide. No stairs anywhere all ramps so it's easy to walk with rest benches along the way. Highly recommend, njoy the trip.
Norman Long — Google review
The kids truly enjoyed it. The guided tour greatly enhanced our experience, and we learned a lot from our guide, Emma, who is both funny and knowledgeable. We visited during the kids’ spring break, and many time slots were sold out. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance during peak seasons.
J T — Google review
Just happened to see a sign and decided to detour and check it out. What a unique and fun experience! It’s quite a hike once you get started but if you’re able to walk inclines, you’ll be fine. Our guide Devin was fun and very well informed on the cave history etc. and the lake was amazing. If you’re passing through and have a couple hours to kill, go for it.
Percella Snyder — Google review
We had a blast at the Lost Sea! It's mostly a walking tour that takes about an hour and a half. The boat ride was 10 or 15 minutes at the end and there was a long climb back to the entrance of the cave. The cave is huge! Very cool! My kids are 5, 6, and 10 and all three had a ton of fun being in the cave. Be warned: if your kids are like mine, they'll get to the bottom of the cave and realize they need the bathroom...
Lewis Allen — Google review
It was a really cool experience, my wife and I loved it. Be sure to wear shoes, not open toed, some spots can be a bit slippery. Our guide Jess was real fun and informative as well. Highly recommend!
Aleksandar Vitanov — Google review
This was a great tour. Excellent your guides (ours was Laura- she was fantastic!) with lots of information. All the different rooms and levels were accessed by ramps, no stairs. Slippery in some spots, but fun. Definitely worth it!
Meg Sinnamon — Google review
I homeschool my 8 and 12 year old, and used this as a fun learning field trip. It was more touristy and busy than I had anticipated, but it didn't turn out to be a problem. The cave is impressive, and although I've lived in east TN for 15 years, I had never visited before. The tour guide was funny, well-spoken, and obviously knowledgeable on his facts. It kept adults and kids of various ages interested. I took a few notes in my phone while we toured and gave a little quiz to my kids after, and they both retained the information and enjoyed the adventure. The only heads up I wish I knew was the amount of walking on hills required. The walk down to the water they equate to a 7-story building in terms of grade difference. I'm a few months post partial knee-replacement, and although I was worried about the walking, I did just fine. Do wear grippy shoes though as the floors are worn smooth and would have been a bit slippery IMO without good sneakers. After the tour, I purchased a bag of rocks in the gift shop for the panning experience just because my kids had never done anything like that before. It was touristy, but fun for them. We have their treasures in the rock tumbler now.
Miriam Allen — Google review
This was such a beautiful experience! Our guide was informative and fun. The walk down into the cave and to the lake was breathtaking, especially if you love nature. The walk back up is no joke! Be prepared. Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Specifically, ones you don't really care about. The red clay can and will destroy them.
Crystal L — Google review
Our tour guide, Eli, did a fantastic job showing us around the cave and telling us really interesting stories about its history. On the surface, there is also a very impressive glass blowing/works studio. Even though the site is pretty rural, there are nice big signs indicating where it is. We went in the fall, but this seems like a nice outing for ANY season.
Solanine Eustoma — Google review
Had a great guide named Skyler, he was young but very funny and knowledgeable, he answered any question we had about the cave, I was very impressed with him. The cave and underground lake were beautiful. The walk is moderate in places, the incline is equivalent to seven sets of stairs; up and down, so be aware. Also, because of the red clay, your shoes will get a bit stained. Totally worth it.
LaDonna Henslee — Google review
Anytime you have a chance to go into the earth, take it! Of course, if it's safe. This place is amazing as I'm sure many are. You take a little boat ride, walk about a mile in total and they even have expert level caves to explore outside of the guided tour.
Chris — Google review
We had a great time. Our tour guide was Skyler! He was funny, knowledgeable, and made our visit more interesting and fun. The cave is amazing and the underground lake is beautiful. I highly recommend visiting!
Kayla Caceres — Google review
Amazing tour. I would definitely recommend to anyone. Our tour guides name was Zach and he was amazing at his job. Answered all the question my group had and was very funny. Definitely recommend good shoes it was a little steep coming back up the trails. Overall an amazing trip.
Katie Losey — Google review
It's been years since we visited. New entrance/waiting area. Upgrades inside the cave. The "sea" remains quite remarkable. Affordable. Helpful staff. Best to reserve tickets.
Keith Baker — Google review
We had a very good time! Our tour guide Chuck, was very knowledgeable. He even took extra time with our group to show us things not normally included in the tour. Very impressive, well maintained facilities also.
SOLD By Perry! — Google review
I loved this place. Our guide, JD, was awesome and super knowledgeable! The boats are awesome and I would say this is an all around activity that is good for young children to adults! I would say the only hesitation is that you have to walk all the way to the bottom and then all the way back up and that is a bit tricky if you have mobility issues. Had a blast and will be coming again if we have more family in town!
Tour company offering guided white-water-rafting trips down the Ocoee River for guests ages 12 & up.
We had a fantastic time this past weekend with Dawson on the half day Oconee river rafting trip! It was most of our group’s first time whitewater rafting, and Dawson made sure that we were safe but also had an amazing time! Everyone at Cherokee Rafting was very friendly, and we’ll definitely be back.
Mina Kanakiya — Google review
Despite the delay of traffic observing the Ocoee River, the adrenalin of the Family was with mixed feelings for this year's family adventure. However it was FABULOUS!!!! Ages 21-82. Our wonderful guides were Aaron & Katie. Both of them are extremely talented and knowledgeable about the River and surrounding area.
In addition the entire staff of Cherokee Rafting are amazing. The facilities were clean and the showers are Warm. What we thought would be the Last annual family Rafting adventure now has all of us considering the possibility of having Aaron & Katie taking the family on the Full Ocoee River Adventure. The Oldest that stated "Last Rafting Adventure " beforehand is now changing his decision on The Last adventure. Words can not express how much attention to details the staff takes to insure your family safety and of course MEMORIES of your amazing adventure on the Ocoee River. Cherokee Rafting and staff again THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND ADVENTURE.
Samanthia Flynn — Google review
Had a great time on the full river trip with guide Kat. There didn't seem to be much difference in reviews between rafting companies so chose this outfitter partially because of the 8:00am start time. We were done, clothes changed and leaving by 2:00pm, making it possible to get back to Memphis after finishing the trip. Be prepared to spend another $15-20/person for tip and about $55/boat ($10-$15/person) for photos. Photos are taken from the right river bank, so put the photogenic members of your crew on the right side of the boat and then have fun!
D Weaver, CPA — Google review
This was a PERFECT adventure!!! Our guide Ezra was fantastic and the trip and scenery were beautiful. A great mix of fun and adventure and some thrills. We enjoyed this so, SO much…. Highly recommended!
Eric Perez — Google review
I have to say it was awesome . . We did the last 5 miles almost 3 weekend's ago . . We decided to do the whole 10 this past weekend. . 3 of us went we got paired with a husband and wife . . We all clicked right away . . Jordan was our guide for the 10 mile ride . . She is a wonderful instructor. . Clear spoken and cut up with us the whole way . . Ben was out guide for the 5 mile ride . . He keeps ya laughing to . . They both did there job to the T . . All laughter aside . . The food on the 10 mile was surprisingly good . . FYI . . Get the wrap it don't designate like bread dose in soggy fingers . . 4 kinds of lunch meat and shrimp, watermelon, Cookie's, good sweet tea to . . I just can't praise them enough . . God blessed us with this outfit of rafters . . Thank u and can't wait till next summer . .
Donna Ruth Dossett — Google review
Such an amazing time! Our guide Cam, was the best! Very patient and a great coach along the way! Our trip was to be for 6 people originally but we ended up inviting over 30 people to come. We all will be back again!!
Proc Steve — Google review
We went 3 years ago and it was awesome. Just spent Saturday with my family on the full river. What an experience, loved every minute. Guides were skilled, knowledgeable and fun. Both trips have been with Cherokee. We'll be back.
Colleen Abood — Google review
It was awesome. Must visit.
There are other places where u can get the same ride for $50 on sport reservations. Cherokee will charge u $118.
vijay kumar — Google review
this place is amazing. from the funny ride there & back to the experience in the water everything was amazing. dan did a great job in keeping everyone in the raft & did a few cool tricks along the way. definitely will be coming back for the 5 hour trip.!!
Christina Rodriguez — Google review
I took a crew of 6 friends for a full day rafting event. We had a wonderful time, and had enough time left in our day to get home for out of town at a reasonable hour. Our guide, Nick, made it easy to work with him, and gave us a fantastic experience. I highly recommend using Cherokee Rafting for your next rafting trip on the Ocoee!
Eli Rice — Google review
Guide Hendley was absolutely amazing. Owner Laura and her husband upgraded our experience and made it a very special day.
Never rafted before and he was an excellent teacher. Patient but still put us through some 4 ranking spots. Can’t say enough- if you’ve never done it - go. If you have - go again.
Patricia Yost — Google review
We once again loved our trip to the Ocoee River. The experience is amazing because of Cherokee Rafting and their dedication to folks having fun while prioritizing safety. The guides are well trained and do a fantastic job. We enjoy bringing our Church Youth Group every summer. You will not be disappointed with these guys!
Landon Marks — Google review
The trip: the day consisted of a training video, bus ride to launch, rafting and a bus ride back to Cherokee rafting.
The experience: Our guides made this experience a family memory we’ll never forget.
-Katie: Hands down the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever met. Safety was her first priority. She knew every single inch of the river like the back of her hand. She provided fun facts during the trip as well as a plethora of local knowledge. Thank you Mrs. Katie!
-Laura: The gorgeous gal with the guns…Laura rode in our boat and helped my special needs son stay on task. She helped him stay on cadence with his paddling, ensured he was properly situated in the raft and demonstrated more patience and kindness than we could have hoped possible. Thank you Mrs. Laura!
-Fawn: total badass. Fawn was the guide for the boat in front of us and I watched her work her tail off keeping her crew off the rocks and safely down the river. You’re an all star Mrs. Fawn!
Thank you Cherokee Rafting for helping make a lasting family memory.
Jade Brignac — Google review
Jake was an amazing guide who went out of his way to make the rafting experience as adventurous as possible! He was knowledgeable, comical and witty! Highly recommend you book a trip!
Alesha Shatley — Google review
LOVE this experience! I first did rafting with Cherokee 7 years ago & just did it again this past week! They have swim shoes, merch, sunglasses, all available for purchase before or after your trip as well, which we took advantage of!
We had Madeline as our guide and she was fantastic as well! Will definitely use Cherokee again next time we're in the area!
High Country Adventures is a full-service tour company that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and rock-climbing. Visitors have praised the welcoming and friendly staff who create a light-hearted and upbeat atmosphere. The whitewater rafting experience is highly recommended, with expert guides providing flawless directions for maximum adventure. Guests appreciate the excitement and safety provided by experienced guides, making it an incredible adventure every time.
We had an absolute blast. It was my husband's first time going, and now he can't wait to go back. The High Country team was great. Our team leader Hannah was absolutely great. She did a wonderful job, and made sure everyone on the raft was enjoying themselves and tried to Kerri everyone comfortable.
(The river was freezing, but it was still an amazing trip!)
Shannon Whitaker — Google review
My experience was amazing. This was my 1st time ever rafting. The staff was friendly and informative. They show us our safety guideline prior to our ride up to the rafts. Our guide James was very great. He was knowledgeable about was needed to keep us in the boat. Also you get great photos of our experience.
Melissa Harvey — Google review
This is the best white water rafting tour around!! We have now gone a few times and every time has been an incredible adventure story lol. Shelley is the best guide ever hands down! But all of the guides there are amazing an experienced. You feel excited and safe and having fun all at the same time. They start out by giving you an intro class and teach you how to do the paddles etc. Then you board the bus and ride down to the entrance at the river. The lunch they serve is pretty good too and they even offer a veggie option. There is also a really fun part before lunch where you swim and float down the river. The water gets colder as the season ends, we went the second time on last day of the season. But what an incredible ride.The first time we conquered the Godzilla rapid was unreal and the second time too. If you stay on the raft or if you flip you will be well prepared and it will be an adventure of a lifetime. We cannot wait to go back next year! They also take pictures the entire time so you have the option to buy one or all of them at the end. Team Kenny!
Heather Tazza — Google review
Candace was a great guide with lots of experience on the river. She took us through the rapids making my boat of novices feel like pros. High Country was great to deal with on the phone (called them instead of booking through Groupon) for my party of 9.
Paul — Google review
Me and my group thoroughly enjoyed our time. We went after 3pm which seems is the best time of day for the rapids. Our guide was Dean and he was spectacular. He's a lead guide and knows all the great rapids and key spots in the river. He also know many tricks with the raft that made the experience that much better. He also had great conversation and kept the first timers calm yet brought them out their shells. I highly recommend and ask for Dean!
R Alvarez — Google review
Went here for one of my good friends Birthday and we had an amazing time. I had never been water rafting before this time. The event was crazy. The water was exactly what we needed it to be. I plan on going back for my birthday!
POP Studios — Google review
This was my first time whitewater rafting, and I can 100% say that I loved it!
The staff there were super welcoming and friendly, and they all had a light-hearted, upbeat attitude, and definitely made the whole experience that much better!
After a scenic drive to the dam where the rafting starts, we met our guide and learned our commands, and this began our trip down the river.
I won't spoil the trip, because I definitely think you should do it yourself, but just know that it is definitely worth it.
Also, quick shout out to some of our guides, TC Lee, Jack, and Hannah!
Ethan Poole — Google review
Family adventure day was a success! Everyone had a fun day and enjoyed rafting on the river. Our guide Howdy was awesome. Definitely will recommend this place to friends and we will be back. So much fun!
Sarah Knight — Google review
I have not had so much fun in forever! This weekend was my first experience in white water rafting and we did the full run - Upper and middle. We had ‘Gale Force’ as our guide and things couldn’t have been more perfect. We also stayed in the cabins - if you’ve not done this you definitely should. Lots of room, clean, very convenient, and the views are amazing. Best part? No TV. 🤪. Thank you for an absolutely amazing adventure. I could not think of a better way to spend my birthday!
Dee Kuma — Google review
This was the best whitewater rafting trip I have ever experienced. Our guide was Nick (Harp) and he was an expert with us. He gave flawless directions & delivered 100% when we asked for max adventure! When we flipped in a rapids, Nick successfully managed to rally everyone back into the boat before maneuvering us out. I am used to having boring & uneventful trips down the river but WOW if I could have detailed everything I wanted to happen on a trip, it would be this one. Thank you so much Harp ! You’ve redeemed whitewater for me - & We absolutely loved you!
Devin Snyder — Google review
I had the most incredible time white water rafting. We had a big group & some were rafting for the first time (naturally apprehensive). TC Lee was our instructor & he did an amazing job from start to finish. He was funny, engaging, & super safety conscious while giving us a ton of thrills! Im looking forward to next year!!!
LMik — Google review
We took a family of five and had a fantastic experience on the middle part of the river. Sydney was our guide and we could not have asked for a better person to take us down the River. She was kind, respectful, and extremely knowledgeable. I trusted her to keep our family safe, but also to give us a great time together.
Mundok Fam — Google review
This is my first white water rafting trip, plus I can't swim. I have a tremendous amazing experience wanting to do it again. Our raft leader is Shelly. He is awesome, very experienced, and so is all his raft mates. My friends and I we have the 5 hours trip it included lunch regular burger or veg burger. I wish I had a go pro camera. Ocoee River scenery is amazing.
Jojo Wan — Google review
This was my first time white water rafting and it was so much fun. Our guide T.C. Lee was very nice and treated us with care. He was very knowledgeable about the River and the many different names of the tides and rocks. I would definitely do this again
Sylvia Omo-Abu — Google review
Really enjoyed today's trip with friends and family. Our guide Justin was very fun and knowledgeable about the rapids and we had a good run down middle Ocoee. I have done this section of the river many times and always enjoy bringing new people with me.
anita ling — Google review
This is our 4th time with High Country. The place is top-notch. The guides are always excellent. White-water fun at its fullest. We did the middle Ocoee class IV. Our two daughters ages 12 and 14 went down this river for the first time, Mr. Pink made sure to keep us safe and kept the fun rolling. We will be back agian! Our daughters haven't stopped talking about how much fun they had. They are ready for some Class Five with Pink!
State park with Native American exhibits & cultural activities, plus picnic areas & an amphitheater.
Full of history and a beautiful little spot. Nice, gentle walks available and the Blue Hole spring is really something to see,,,amazing color. The cabins and structures built for display help you imagine the Cherokee experience of the 1820's-1830's. They have excellent picnic facilities in a day use area (pavilion, tables, grills) and a second picnic area that is just a clearing in a lower area if you have your own chairs and tables. There is a visitor center with lots of information and some displays. Worth a visit.
Deede Gram — Google review
Pretty park. I noticed they are also doing some remodeling around the building while keeping the niceness of the park in it all. It's 1 of my favorite parks to go to.
Alfred Hinshaw — Google review
This park is a beautiful tribute to history. The trails are easy and there are nice picnic areas as well.
Adventure Queen — Google review
What a beautiful, moving, and in some respects, sad place. The experience of the Cherokee is so difficult, but knowing their story and the trail of tears is moving. We deeply appreciated that this was a park we could visit and read about their experience. We were especially moved by the blue spring area and the story behind it.
James Grant — Google review
Beautiful park. Blue water and eternal flame are spiritual and heart wrenching at the same time. Either way, a must experience. Well marked easy trails. Alot of picnic areas. Historical importance.
amanda beaver — Google review
We have neen coming here since I was a kid. Beautiful place to spend a day. We went for a hike. The kids road their bikes around. Place for a picnic lunch too. People were there setting up for a wedding in the Amphitheater that morning.
Tracee Smith — Google review
Very nice place to go the only thing is they have pictures about the history you can read they need to be clean so you can read them but it is a nice park to go check out
Stephanie Johnson — Google review
Beautiful park. There are several really good reproductions of historic structures. It is an easy walk across the entire grounds. There is a good museum exemplifying some of the archaeological excavations conducted here. There is a nice gift shop and friendly staff.
Spence Meyers — Google review
We had another great day spent at the Park with Ranger Taylor. She taught our small homeschool group about water. We learned how to test the water to see if it is safe for the wildlife that rely on it to live. Then she led us through the creek to overturn rocks to view the water animals. Ranger Taylor is an amazing teacher. She is so knowledgeable. We love the staff at Red Clay. They are the reason we keep returning.
Melissa Lyn — Google review
The Red Clay State Historical park is great for walking
Obviously, I'm a runner 🏃♂️ and I managed to do 3.50 miles, but it was slow pacing. You have to watch your steps. That goes for walking as well.
The park is loaded with benches and tables. There many paths as well.
Surprisingly, there is a mowed out path around the park and it's not overgrown. The path is tough, meaning you can run without worrying about an ankle injury. Again, just go slow.
Additionally, the terrain can be climbed as long as you find that Pathway. It's near the blue hole area at which point you can go off into the woods. I didn't encounter any large creatures out there, thankfully.
If you are coming to have a picnic, there many areas for you to do so, they are even labeled for you.
I enjoyed the area, running was fun and the drive from Cleveland was very peaceful and scenic. Got a glimpse of an old Volkswagen bus 🚌 passing me. Beautiful as it matched the blue sky this very day.
Awesome experience 👏
Side note, the restrooms are the best I've seen in a park this far
Hector J. Montes — Google review
A Scenic Getaway at Red Clay Historic Park
I recently met up with friends at Red Clay Historic Park in Tennessee, and it was such a delightful experience! This charming park combines the rich history of the Cherokee Nation with the stunning beauty of its natural surroundings. We enjoyed exploring the well-preserved landmarks and walking trails amidst the vibrant red clay and lush greenery. The serene atmosphere made for a perfect day outdoors, reconnecting with nature and friends. I highly recommend Red Clay Historic Park for a memorable and picturesque getaway.
Cindi Sanden — Google review
Red Clay State Historic Park is located near Cleveland, TN. along the border of Georgia and was the site of the last Cherokee Council meeting before the egregious — flagrant, Trail of Tears. Interesting place to visit, lots of history around this sacred/historic site and worth a visit if you’re in the area. Beautiful park! ❤️
#SupportHistoricStateParks
Note:
The Trail of Tears was an ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of approximately 60,000 people of the "Five Civilized Tribes" between 1830 and 1850 by the United States government.
Forested nature preserve around Little River which runs along the top of Lookout Mountain.
What a pleasant surprise this was! We weren't sure what we were going to find on that winding road along Bear Creek with all its roadside overlooks, but my goodness were we in for a treat! Pictures just don't do it justice. I wish we'd had time to make it all the way around. We missed the most beautiful part (the falls!) If you're in the area, spend a day checking out all of the overlooks and the falls. It's truly worth it. We're planning to visit again during the fall when all the leaves are bursting with color. (Our visit was in mid-December.) I haven't been able to get this area out of my mind since we returned. Stunningly beautiful and definitely worth the visit!
Christy Milbourne — Google review
This park is a must see! The views from the canyon are amazingly beautiful. I visited yesterday while traveling and will definitely go back when I have more time. Make sure to drive the entire canyon which is approximately 12 miles and stop off at every view point. Eberhart Point was my favorite!
joseph holland — Google review
A wonderful place to spend some time in the foothills of the Appalachian foothills. The park has a great walkway down to see Little River Falls. You can even go the back path through the woods and go for a swim!
Morgan Davis — Google review
This is a beautiful place with several cool things to see and do. There are several scenic overlooks that stretch roughly 8 miles by car. There is a awesome swimming hole called the hippie hole that gets over 20 feet deep in places. There are several areas to jump off rocks into the water. The hiking trails at little river are overall short and pretty easy for a regular hiker. Be aware that the hike down to the swimming hole has 133 stone steps. It can be difficult for some people. There is also a swimming area that is much easier to access closer to the main bridge in the parking lot. The visitors center is beautiful to see. They show a video about little river canyon and there is a gift shop. I've hiked at many places this is one of the best overall.
Jeremy Brown — Google review
Little river, canyon, national preserve was well worth the visit! They got a great viewing area to see the waterfalls with good safety railings. You can take a trail to the right of this to go swim in the river above the falls, but be careful because there’s no lifeguard on duty and to go over the falls would most likely be fatal. The trail to the left is about a mile and a half round trip and it goes to the lower section of the canyon below the falls. It’s quite a hike and ends with about 136 stone steps down to the bottom of the river canyon.
Brad Peak — Google review
Stunning! The views during the entire hike were incredible. Rope assisted hike/scrambling and the climbing is world class.
Jace's Cheap Trips — Google review
Pleasant surprise! Nice gem in AL. Little River Trail very nice. It’s rocky and a nice river at the end to jump in. The scenic rim route also very nice. A couple of volunteer rangers on site too.
Todd Nolan — Google review
A must see! Short hike to a wonderful creek and fall. There is an ADA access ramp to see the fall too! Beautiful peaceful location.
Sydney K. — Google review
This place is absolutely beautiful. I definitely recommend if your ever in the area go take the time to check this place out...! I am so glad I did and I happened to run across this place by mistake honestly on my way to visit family. Lol
Brooke Trout — Google review
Spectacular views. Good birding opportunities. Especially beautiful in fall. The falls can be very impressive especially after a big rain.
Joe Watts — Google review
What a gorgeous and underrated National Park unit. It's not a "National Park", but the canyon is just as spectacular. We were able to find a shady spot in one of the overlooks and had our picnic.
Jenn LaVine — Google review
This is a very beautiful waterfall with different swimming holes to choose from. The most popular swimming hole is called “hippie hole” and is about a mile down from the big waterfall. Lots of adrenaline junkies go here to jump off of the cliffs. Lots of fun to be had here. Just be extremely careful if you go. Also avoid bringing alcohol, the game warden will write you a hefty citation if he catches you drinking around here. Be sure to take lots of pictures and help keep this area clean!!
Josh Stockton — Google review
Wow. Can’t wait to visit in the summer — Watch the video in the main entrance!
Baylee Adkisson — Google review
Decent park, not a lot of hiking trails. Have been twice, this time the falls were dried up, but still nice.
Little River Canyon Parkway had pretty overlooks and plenty of pull offs for trailheads. Unfortunately, most of the pull offs and picnic areas were overgrown and not maintained much at all.
Cole — Google review
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4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Lookout Mountain, a historical battlefield of the Civil War, boasts scenic views, rock formations and caves for exploration. The Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain offers an exciting ride with its steep 72.7% grade that makes it one of the world's steepest passenger railways. Visitors can purchase a ticket package that includes the railway along with Rock City and Ruby Falls to save money.
I love it so much that I made it my home.
There is more beauty here than you will have time to take in.
HelloI'm KnightFury68 — Google review
If you are looking for rock city and Google tells you to go down tower road that is the wrong way and address. Although that road is very off road and little streams and jeep worthy so if you are into that sorta thing go for it.
The address is actually
1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
See my photos below. This place is a blast
Kenneth Palesh — Google review
It's a must see! Definitely wish we had made this an entire day trip. I believe I remember a restaurant, but there is definitely and a little shop with snacks, souvenirs and a bar. There was even a singer/guitarist performing! We saw signs about a bird of prey show but time didn't allow us to stay.
Elizabeth Bowers — Google review
An excellent trail and view at the top were highly worth it. I recommend using all trials to ensure you don't take a wrong turn.
Steve Hernandez — Google review
Was well worth the trip! Lots of fun family friendly amusement. Phenomenal view once you get to the top. Definitely recommend! You have to pay to get in, and the trails were not as difficult nor long because there was so many beautiful distractions. Time flies fast here.
MzPebbles Stone — Google review
If you love Civil War history this is a must stop while in Chattanooga. The view is why I rated it 5 stars. Veterans get a discount to enter the military park. There are other sires nearby relating to civil war history that are worth seeing, especially the Gordon Lee mansion and battle of Chickamauga in Chickamauga Georgia.
Shad Strom — Google review
The fall colors on the way to the top of the mountain on the Incline Railway were beautiful!
M R — Google review
Definitely worth the trip. We drove up to the top and were glad we did.
Lookout Mountain was great, such beautiful views.
After that we drove around and were surprised to how many homes are up there.
Sherry King — Google review
Beautiful view. Suggestion visiting the place when the weather is not hot. October would be best time.
Novak Sh — Google review
Loved this place! My wife and I were in town for a softball tournament with our daughter. We had about 4 hours in between games which was a perfect amount of time to grab lunch at Big Rock Grill, see the rock city gardens, lookout mountain and the shops. Although we ate at the Big Rock Grill just inside the gate I would recommend holding out to eat at the Cafe 7 located right by the overlook (about halfway through the Rock City gardens tour). The view there is way better while your eating! This is a tour that anyone can like, all ages. All of the trails are paved and definitely easy to navigate, unless your in a wheel chair. There were quite a few tight squeezes that may be scary for those with claustrophobia but otherwise fun and enjoyable. If your in town do what the signs say.....SEE ROCK CITY!
J Shaw — Google review
It's great place to get some fresh air and see some scenic views. The history here is something worth learning. We watched the video which was helpful in understanding the different informational posts. My only downside is that there is no railing for the steep drop offs. Other than that great location with beautiful drive to the top.
Bethany Irizarry — Google review
Absolutely loved it!! One of the coolest places I've been... great it you love nature. it was a magical experience!
Romanda López — Google review
This is a great family experience. You can even bring your dog on a leash. At the end, there is a winery that has some pretty decent ones. There’s a gift shop as well. Try not to walk through too quickly. We kind of rushed through without realizing how short it was. I love the lighting and the scenery. There was also a spot to stop and see seven different cities from one point. The waterfall is pretty, but you cannot get into it from this path. Follow my Instagram @rosadivina29 for more places I’ve visited!
Ashley B — Google review
My best friend, her daughter (who was getting married in four days), and I decided to take a day trip to Lookout Mountain. First, the drive itself is beautiful- especially during the season when the leaves are all changing colors. It’s almost unreal because it looks so picturesque.
We dined at a Cafe in town then did the Lookout Mountain tour (along with some souvenir shopping!)😊
This is one of the best places to visit for a fun day trip with family, friends, or just to get away! The sights are stunning, the other features offered along time tour are extremely interesting, and the history is amazing. I’m a huge history buff so I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the ‘See Rock City’ campaign- when over 700 barns were painted red then adorned with the ‘See Rock City’ logo.
And of course I brought home the iconic birdhouse as my souvenir. Love it!
The walk itself is very mild- anyone, regardless of fitness level- can complete the walk and enjoy every step!!! Multiple viewing areas (with chairs and benches) are available as well as other resting points along the way.
If you haven’t been to Lookout Mountain, or is been a while since your last visit, definitely plan a day trip! It’s well worth it- I’m already looking forward to visiting again with my son and husband!
Mountaintop 3,502-acre state park with waterfalls, a nature center, pool & 25 mi. of trails.
A beautiful place. Many trails and waterfalls to look at. The store is a bit sparse so bring what you need. Come with a full tank of gas because the gas station is far. Also some of the trails are extremely easy and short and some are more challenging so most people can visit and take advantage of the beauty.
Kristey — Google review
The park is beautiful, clean, well-maintained. The staff and rangers are polite and helpful. The country store needs to address the mildew/musty smell as it clings to one's person when one visits for long. Not pleasant. The area is amazing though with trails, views, waterfalls. The pull through spots with full hook ups are fantastic. We are 38 foot with a toad and there was plenty of room for us. We will be going back.
Robin Small — Google review
Stayed at the campground, we loved our visit. The campground was great with spacious sites, bathhouse was clean and well maintained. The park had lots of wonderful trails and beautiful waterfalls. A positive or negative depending on you is cell service very limited. I already booked labor day weekend to camp again.
Carl Rochford — Google review
Awesome well-developed park. DeSoto Falls were closed. Fun hike to area below the falls. Stayed in Chalet 23. They are far apart and offer privacy. Many interesting hiking trails to explore.
Galina Difort — Google review
Great weekend at Desoto State Park. The campsites were amazing! Large, private and level. We walked around the entire campground and didn’t see one bad site. The pet owners needed some lessons in picking up after their animals, that was surprising for such a nice park. Camp Hosts were absolutely lovely. There weren’t any dedicated paved bike trails, all of the roads through the park were “highways” so not a relaxed bike ride but nice roads with great views
There were many opportunities for hiking. All trails were moderate to rugged due to all of the rocks (mountains s?) and tree roots but not to terribly different. The facilities were all clean and neat. WiFi was questionable only one bar on cellular.
I was very disappointed in the offerings at the gift shop. Was looking forward to a nice t-shirt but after checking 3 times and told that they had the stock but hadn’t put any out because they hadn’t been marked for sale we gave up. We would have really liked to have a souvenir shirt but I guess it was t meant to be.
Desoto Falls was absolutely beautiful and all the other “minor” falls were a hike away and worth every step to get to them!
Judy Vernon — Google review
We grew up going here. The cabins are wonderful. Not fancy, but very comfortable. The scenery is great! It’s really lovely in the fall when the leaves are changing, but spring is wonderful as well. Blooms, green everywhere and lots of spring migrating birds. The lodge/hotel is okay,but the cabins are really great.
Joe Watts — Google review
Stayed in one of the chalets, and it actually exceeded my expectations. So nice and quiet and clean. The hikes were short, and the waterfalls are very rain dependent. Indian Falls is the only one that has decent water normally. Their map needs to be updated a bit, as they are not to scale, but they are informative. The staff at the lodge is amazing! In my opinion, the Yellow Trail was the prettiest, as it runs along the West Fork of the Little River.
Charly Becoming — Google review
This is truly a beautiful place. You can kayak, hike, rent cabins to stay in, or just drive up and go see the beautiful waterfalls. They also have a really good restaurant up there called the Mountain Inn. If you ever go through Fort Payne, you need to stop and see this.
J B — Google review
Beautiful park! We enjoyed our stay in cabin 7. Despite being adjacent to the lodge, it was very private in the backyard. Lodge Falls is right by the cabin. So peaceful, relaxing on the back porch & listening to the waterfall! ❤
Also loved that there's a trail behind the cabin, which takes you down to Little River. Trails are well-maintained & well-marked. Such a wonderful, peaceful getaway--highly recommend!
Lisa Whitman — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. I could stop there but I won’t. Large, well spaced camp sites with BBQ grill, (rock) fire pits, and cable TV. Bath houses are modern, SUPER clean, but still rustic enough to feel like camp. Too many trails, falls and fantastic vistas to count. Activities for all ages from adventure to playgrounds to leisurely walks. Cabins, Lodge, Swimming Pool. Wildlife abounds. Waking up on a misty mountain morning with deer grazing next to your campsite is magical. A beautiful fox. Very friendly skunks too! This Alabama State Park truly has it all. The surrounding area (Little River Canyon National Preserve) is breathtaking. Drive along the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway. Stop as many or as few times as you are able. It can be enjoyed entirely from your car, or you can stop and explore. NOTE - Many of the attractions (DeSoto Falls and other geographical features) require moderate to difficult hikes. Do a little research before you head out to make sure you are prepared and have what you need. You can spend a full week here easily. Book early. The online reservation system is convenient, but causes parks to book fast and early for most weekends and especially holidays. Don’t miss DeSoto State Park. Absolutely Beautiful. I’ll stop with that.
Carmen Hall — Google review
Excellent state park. The campground has large, well spaced sites with full hookups. There are back in and pull through sites, all with a fire ring and picnic table. There is a dump station and a super clean bath house. The camp store is for checking in, information and souvenirs only. The park also has a lodge with a restaurant and individual cabins. There are miles of excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. Many of the trails have waterfalls on them. I highly recommend this park and will definitely return.
Bob Gegenheimer — Google review
Very nice place. Was there on sat feb 3rd at 10am ...
Restrooms were locked and its miles to nearest store. This State park had a way for you to pay to park. Just no access to use onsite restrooms. Also park attendant should cut the ugly tree stubs just inside the fence. Ruins most pictures of the falls.
Teddy Boston — Google review
Very nice state park. Plenty of activities available such as camping, hiking, picnicking and more. There are both RV and primitive camp sites. We stayed in the RV section the sites are nice with picnic tables and full hookups. Some of the sites are asphalt and others are gravel.
Wayne Anders — Google review
My husband and I chose to come here to celebrate our 41st Anniversary. We absolutely loved it. The room was great. We enjoyed the restaurant a few times. And there's also a wonderful ice cream shop, not far from the park.. We went to the pool. We went kayaking for the first time ever, we loved it. We walked almost all the trails and saw the beautiful waterfalls. We ziplined for the first time ever. It was amazing, fun and we both said we could do it again. He's 63 and I'm 59. We were able to see many deer in the area and a few squirrels. We both said that we would definitely love to come back again.
Tammy Abbott — Google review
Thanksgiving at Desoto State Park. A family tradition!
We have had our family thanksgiving twice at Desoto State Park. Both times… EXCELLENT! This time it was dinner. And even after what I know had to be a hard day, our servers were AWESOME! Super friendly, and in a great mood. Food was great! Turkey was moist and ham was great too. We will continue to make this a family tradition. Oh, and a park ranger took our family group photo. What else could you ask for?
adam st john — Google review
We really enjoyed our visit here and the campground was great. The hiking options were amazing. We came for the waterfalls and fall foliage, had I thought about it waterfalls are a little less impressive because of the drought this year, but we still very much enjoyed the foliage, wildlife and the hiking experience.
Rock City Gardens is a beautiful garden with stunning views located on Lookout Mountain. The gardens are home to over 400 different plant species which provide stunning views of the surrounding area. The gardens are also filled with amazing rock formations and panoramic views of 7 states.
Beautiful walk on a very creative trail between boulders, over bridges, above bluffs and waterfalls, crisscrossing in imaginative ways. The overlook view of the valley below is breathtaking. Right to left you can see almost 180 degrees. You really can see 7 states. The walk is worth the time and visit. It is a great family adventure, with the walk ending in Fairyland Caverns. The park is not without gift shops and restaurants. Great food. Great gifts. Handicap access is limited to a small percentage of the park area, but access is available to the overlook. The park Vista is different each season of the year. I took hundreds of photos but Google only allows 50. Be sure to carry your camera.
Larry Henry — Google review
This is must see! Love Love Love!!! Beautiful walk on a very creative trail between boulders, over bridges, above bluffs and waterfalls, crisscrossing in imaginative ways. The overlook view of the valley below is breathtaking. Right to left you can see almost 180 degrees. You really can see 7 states. The walk is worth the time and visit. It is a great family adventure, with the walk ending in Fairyland Caverns. The park is not without gift shops and restaurants. One thing that’s good to know about this place is that if you take your time exploring this place, any amount of crowd will pass you by and you will have a moment or two to yourself to take it all in. And the mother goose/fairy gardens is worth seeing even as an adult, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane to your childhood. More importantly, you escape the heat because it’s air conditioned!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good view, likes a little adventure and is able to maneuver stairs, ramps and bridges and maybe a surprise or two.
Virginia Norford — Google review
So this is our first visit from Bristol Tn/Va and this place is Gorgeous! The views were amazing and the Gardens are awesome with a cool backstory of the founders and amazing art and engineering to create such a magical place!
They also have a cafe with alcohol beer&wine you can take with your around the park you can even buy an a tire bottle of wine but you have to finish before you leave the park!
They also have wine tastings that are free!
Free parking it wasn’t bad neither was the crowds in as we went last week of July and the first week of august!
Prices for a family of 6 was like $151 and some change but well worth the experience I highly recommend to stop and check this place out!
The Wilfords — Google review
Drove 5 hours to go camping and see this place! If you are thinking about it, DO IT! It’s worth it and pictures don’t do it justice.
They have adorable little gift shops, the food isn’t anything crazy but the little cafe on the edge of a cliff with that view makes sitting down for a bite mid-way worth it.
You’ll spend atleast 3 hours here walking and enjoying it. Everytime I thought it was about to end it got better. If you have low stamina there are exit pathways throughout but if you can make it through its worth it. It’s nothing too demanding, but there are some tight spots here and there that may not be so friendly for my thicker ladies.
I recommend coming during a weekday if possible, If it was any more busy it would have made it hard to get nice pictures and just take my time and enjoy it all.
They’re also dog friendly! This is a perfect little couple date but it’s a place you will want to revisit again with family.
sarah evamarie — Google review
Such a fun experience! The views are gorgeous from the top! We ate at the cafe located on top and had the most beautiful views for lunch. We went at the best time, during the week in the middle of the day, so it was extremely peaceful because hardly anyone was around. If you’re in the area, this is a must. Perfect for everyone. Couples, families, and even dogs since it’s pet friendly here.
Sadie Silvestro — Google review
We took our two dogs here for a day trip and loved it! The staff were super friendly and greeted us and our dogs when we got there. We didn't know what to expect and were surprised at how much we enjoyed it. It's not a long walk, but there is plenty to look at. I love the creative ways they formed the rocks. The fairy cavern was also very interesting (and a little creepy)! The dogs seemed to enjoy it, too,and that made the trip worth it. I recommend going early in the morning (we did 0830). It was nice to get there before the crowd and be able to take pictures without a lot of people in the background.
Lauren Cromer — Google review
Super fun! Reminded me of being in the movie Labyrinth with David Bowie! It was better than i had hoped, and seemed like a magical place. My families favorite was the rock gardens! The gift shops didnt have anything that really felt as cool the place if that makes sense. Overall, it was well worth the cost and we will definitely come back!
Jennifer Rhea — Google review
This is our second of many future visits to this incredible place of joy, inspiration, and true beauty! We were vacationing with our family and had the pleasure of bringing our 3 year old grandson along for the trip.
He loved every part of this trip. Every step was filled with adventure, excitement and joy. He didn’t want to leave. He especially enjoyed the Aesops Fable land as well as all of the great sites.
The staff is friendly. The facility and paths are clean and well maintained. And the price is very affordable.
We definitely are coming back again.
Chris Neel — Google review
Rock City Gardens was a disappointingly expensive tourist trap. While the rock formations, the falls, and the views are beautiful (when it isn’t foggy and humid), everything else is a sore. There’s constant music playing to sound “whimsical” but instead interrupt any enjoyment of the nature. The “fairy tale cave” is musty and full of dusty sculptures into the rocks depicting old fairy tales that gave me trouble breathing because of the mustiness. Weird art litters the rest of the experience. It took us 45 minutes to get through a “tour” that is supposed to take 1 1/2 to 2 hours. We got there at opening at 8:30 on a Saturday and it already had a number of people there; by 9:30 when we left it was already packed. The coolest parts were the rope bridge, the falls, and the concrete overlook as well as the entryway into the goblin caverns. The rock formations are truly beautiful, and it’s no wonder the original owners went with this fairy tale theme as you make your way through the mystical and twisted rocks; but the theme did not enhance but detracted from the beauty. Overall, there isn’t much to write home about here. Much more money can be spent inside in gift shops and cafes and wine tastings, but the $30+ entry price does not validate spending any more money there. Maybe if it was $5 with all of the additional bells and whistles you can add, it would be worth a walk through and a stop; but not $30+.
Nathan Wranovsky — Google review
Such a fun, quirky place! Not difficult to walk at all. Unbelievable views from the top! Just a couple narrow passages between rock formations. Most people can squeeze through without touching by turning sideways. Maybe 24-30 inches wide? Caves had pretty lights and fun little fairy tale scenes lit up. Fun for kids and adults! Really glad we went! Buy tickets in advance! We bought them the day before and they were sold out the next day.
Dre N — Google review
We took 3 grandchildren-14,10,8. We ended up here because Ruby Falls had sold out the days worth of tickets at 12:30. Picked up a pamphlet on Rock City and decided to go. It was absolutely amazing- the views are breathtaking, the walk through mother goose display and gnomes were very well done. The kids and adults all loved the experience- we spent 2 hours there. Would highly recommend A+ experience.
JoEllen Tapalman — Google review
This experience was so great! I had a great a few wonderful times! There are many different things to do and buy at rock city gardens. It's such a great trail all paved and not too rocky, just right.
Brad Neese — Google review
This' place is so amazing. The trail is easy to follow, the views are amazing. Lots of Rick bridges, you walk under and over and through things. It's so fun. The waterfall is beautiful. There's plenty of bathrooms and a place to eat or grab a new water 1/2 way through. We stopped and took our time we spent about 3 hours here. We had a great time. Two adults. But this is a family friendly adventure.
Heather Davis — Google review
Amazing experience amidst a peaceful and magical landscape all leading to some fabulous views from the top of Lookout Mountain. Parking is free and plentiful and the entry process was easy. There is actually a Starbucks across the street. So many neat little treasures and spaces to find along the walk with easy paths and bridges and great sights around every corner. Kids will love this, especially Fairyland at the end. There is a great cafe and some relaxing seating and benches throughout. Would definitely visit again.
David Frattare — Google review
Prepare to come to this place and take your time. There is so much to see! There are many many steps. We brought our two dogs and they did great. If your puppy or company doesn’t do well with stairs, heights and tight spaces you might not get to experience all the fascinating stuff this place has to offer. We went first this in the morning at the end of June. It was perfect temperature and less crowded. There are drink vending machines and cafes if you don’t bring your own refreshments. I’ll definitely be back!
Ashley M — Google review
Best place to visit if you're in Chattanooga, the view it's worth it. I would say it's not stroller friendly if you plan to take your little one, we got a baby carrier and it was helpful. Some areas are a tight squeeze so be careful with kids. Overall my family and I loved this place and would love to come back and visit.
Angel Sanchez — Google review
We had a great time. Tickets have to be purchased online in advance. I would recommend booking a time after 6 PM so it is dark. We went on a weekday and got the discount for weekday visits. We spent about 3 hours there.
There is an enclosed area to sit, drink hot chocolate, and warm up a little bit if it is cold. We had dinner before going, but they do have food service available.
If you enjoy Christmas lights and family fun, then I recommend you put a visit to Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights on you to do list.
Bill Powell — Google review
Living in the Chattanooga area, the majority of my life, Rock City, isn't a new experience for me. I have been there several times. However, fall is definitely my favorite time to visit. All of the fall colors never disappoint! Even the drive up the mountain is absolutely beautiful this time of year.
The park is always in immaculate condition. It is well taken care of. The employees have always been cordial and professional even though the majority of them are high school/college age young adults.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star review is because the cost to actually get into the park is, in my opinion, way too expensive. It is $26 for an adult and around $16 for children. Although I understand that it takes money to keep the park looking as beautiful as it always does and also pay the employees, I think that they probably could come up with a way to cut the price of the tickets so more people can enjoy it. There were several employees there who were not really doing anything. Maybe not have so many employees working to cut payroll and, in return, cut the admission price. There can't be that much overhead for a park.
I just find it unfortunate that there are families who can't afford to take a trip where they can enjoy the day together, learn about nature and have the opportunity to teach young children to appreciate and respect nature and the animals that call it home.
tina lowery — Google review
I don't remember how I came across Rock City, but it was added on my want to do list on Google maps. We are traveling back from spring break. Rock City just happened to be the halfway point. We thought it'd be a great idea to stop here stretch our legs and check things out. Rock City did not disappoint. The walkways were very well maintained. The one way path was pretty easy to follow. The views very great. A lot of work went into the fairy caverns. I enjoyed the sculptures and decorations along the path. My only "complaint" is that tickets we're a little more than I would have liked to pay. Overall, I'm happy we made the stop.
Sherry Knack — Google review
I wasn't sure this place would be worth the cost of the ticket, but my family and I ended up having a great time doing Rock City. I didn't realize there was such an elaborate historical setup (Fairyland and Mother Goose...world or something).
One of the funniest things I saw (you can see in my pictures) was a statue giving us the bird. No really, it's reaching out with a bird in its hand...color me immature, but I found it hilarious.
My sense of humor aside, the view was beautiful and there's a cafe on top where you can order adult beverages or non-alcoholic...plus a cafe with food...so you can eat and drink while enjoying a fabulous view.
The rocky structures in the beginning were beautiful, but really, there's so much more to this place. It has a lot of interesting details, quirky music and sights. Kind of reminded me of my childhood again when I got to Fairyland and saw scenes of classic children's stories.
Oh, one of my favorite things to see was the walls full of quartz. That was beautiful!
I'd like to go back again sometime when I have the chance and spend a little more time lingering. It was a rainy cold day when we went so we tried to hustle through the outdoor portions quickly.
My dad sped up particularly quick when making his way through "The Squeeze", a narrow path through the boulders. As long as you can tolerate a narrow space for a short distance you'll be fine.
My dad has claustrophobia and a fear of heights and still survived/had a good time...and that was in spite of my brother and I trying to toss him off the 7 states viewing platform. Not to worry, we'll get him next time.
I'd recommend checking this place out. In a way, it kind of summarizes the essence of the Chattanooga area. Great views, rocks, cute water features, a waterfall, history, quirky art, good times. I don't think you'd regret it unless you can't appreciate art, geology, scenic views, spending money on tickets...that kind of thing
Have a wonderful time! 👋
Alexandria Hockeborn — Google review
Beautiful grounds and a lot of fun walking through the stone features. Would have been a five but the Fairyland Caverns are in strong need of some love. I have to admit though, outside of that this is a great place for photographers.
John Fischer — Google review
Such a beautiful experience! A great place for adults and children. So much detail was put into fairyland caverns! Definitely take an opportunity to visit here one day. Amazing views and the swing a long bridge is also a great bonus! We really enjoyed ourselves and it consumed most of our day. Lots of walking and there are restaurants around, but we didn’t eat. They have smoking areas and it is pet friendly. The restrooms were ok and there are shops around that you can buy all the things. We certainly plan to come back!
Clarke Eads — Google review
As a young boy I would see signs along the freeway with just 3 simple words. 'See Rock City'. Nothing more and nothing less. That was pure mystique to me, and I have wanted to SEE it almost my whole natural life. Well, today I finally got to See Rock City, and even though the skies were gray and overcast, it was still absolutely wonderful. It was everything 10 year old me could have ever hoped to be, and was still awe inspiring to the adult me. If you live in the region, then I STRONGLY recommend going to See Rock City if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed, I promise you. We are already looking forward to going back this Summer.
William Hutchings — Google review
A definite must see when in the area and worth making a trip JUST to see Rock City! Beautiful views, amazing boulders, and cool art. Don’t miss the Hall of the Mountain King sculpture. Several people walked right past it. So many flowers blooming and the water features were lovely as well.
The historic Walnut Street Bridge, commonly referred to as 'The Walking Bridge,' is a revitalized pedestrian bridge that provides access to museums and city parks. It is the second longest pedestrian bridge in the United States and offers a vehicle-free environment for walking, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque riverfront.
Worth the visit. At first I wanted to visit Chattanooga but Read some comments on fb about the city and desisted. We decided to go to Knoxville and gatlinburg. But still curious we decided to drive also to this city. The views are very pretty, the city is around mountains. Definitely love it. We decided to park the car and walk around. This bridge offers lots of nice views and good pictures. Take water with you, long walk. It has a few benches and you cross to one part of the city to the other part so its fun.
Lee D — Google review
Pretty cool to walk this bridge. There's also a nice outdoor artificial waterfall about Indian Trail of Tears nearby. Bridge overlooks an island & has a nice park on the far end away from the city. Also beautiful at night. Even caught a couple musicians! It's a little hard to get to but if you pay close attention to GPS you can find a path to it.
Brad Caldwell — Google review
Nice view over the river. Had a couple of buskers playing music & lots of dog friends. Safe for the family. There’s a lot of interesting history to read about too. I recommend stopping by to check it out if you’re in the area! The downtown life is great in the area too.
Jencie Anthony — Google review
It's a really beautiful bridge but currently could use some TLC as far as paint and rotting wood. But it's a fantastic way to get some exercise and get from Bluff View/the art museum to the fun shops on Frazier. Don't sleep on the Ice Cream Show on the downtown side and all the sculptures in the area.
Sara Beth Wade — Google review
I enjoyed walking on this historic bridge. Beautiful views of the river and the city!! Plenty of restaurants, shops, gift shops, nearby parks and outdoor art displays such as in the Bluff View Art District are accessible via the Walnut Street Bridge. You can get to the local museums and learn about the local history from the art displayed throughout the area including in Coolidge Park located on the North Shore. I was able to see the Ed Johnson Memorial as well and took some time to learn and reflect. I highly recommend a stroll across the bridge and taking some time to take in the scenic views.
J Miller — Google review
I enjoyed walking the Walnut Street Bridge. I've never walked along a major pedestrian bridge before, so this was a cool experience. Lots of people. There's also a bridge parallel to this one that both cars & pedestrians use. Walnut Street Bridge is cooler looking though. Good times 👍
Todd Vaughan — Google review
Perfect pedestrian bridge for people (and fur babies) of all ages. The views all of the way around are beautiful! During the fall/winter, it can be a bit breezy and cold, but with a coat on, we were all still very comfortable. It is taken care of well and you learn a lot as you walk!
Bailey Elkins — Google review
Nice bridge to walk across the river. There is not much scenery from either end, so I am not sure the wow factor or if this is a must do in the area, but it’s a decent walk that will take less than 30 minutes both ways.
Y B — Google review
Very cool bridge only made for pedestrians. This pretty much connects two different areas of the city that are extremely different. You could easily travel from the aquarium, across the river by this bridge. Lots of things to see and it's not too far of a walk. Once you cross there are lots of little shops and restaurants to explore and a beautiful park underneath the bridge.
Casey Nicole — Google review
Great area to walk during the day and great views at night. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. Nice architecture throughout downtown.
David Webb — Google review
A nice relaxing place to sit, walk, snap a few pictures! Nice views to see, watch boats pass, and just relax for a bit!
Michael Lee — Google review
Gorgeous bridge and easy walk, very safe and good views. There is good busking--one guitarist I stopped for played with bell harmonics. On the north side there is a cool bookshop, giftstore, and other places to stop in before turning around (if coming from the south like I was).
My *biggest* recommendation is to come here to watch sunrise. Absolutely beautiful, worth the early waking, no ragrets.
Erin Tilley — Google review
Love the view from this bridge! It's a beautiful walk to the other side of town. Makes getting around easy.
Brandis (07) — Google review
Loved this! It's a walking bridge. And what a great Atmosphere. People walking & Musicians playing. I highly recommend checking this out. If you enjoy outdoor activities.
Raymond Waddle — Google review
Great pedestrian, walking bridge. Lots of people, bikes, and dogs. Easy to walk across and went to the park nearby. Overall a good walk and good experience.
Lisa Osborn — Google review
This bridge is in the upperclass part of downtown Chattanooga. The tourist attraction is biker and pedestrian friendly. You’ll often find people busking and sometimes artists on the bridge.
Gideon LaFlair — Google review
What’s good? No vehicles allowed–making it an excellent stroll for pedestrians. The wooden deck is aesthetically pleasing–it looks, sounds, and feels good. With both the original road deck and sidewalks available, it is generally not crowded–plenty of room for everyone.
What’s bad? While the wooden deck is fun for pedestrians, I would imagine this to be an uncomfortable ride for cyclists.
Overall, this is a fun bridge to cross and is an asset for the city.
Troy Windhorst — Google review
This is most beautiful bridge I have ever seen and walked end to end.
We also waited to see the sunset with ice cream. You can buy the ice cream from the corner shop at the start of the bridge. The bridge is quite old and it’s maintained well. Sitting chair with multiple dustbins available for trash. Very clean and great place for photo shoot and hangout.
Loved the bridge. Parking is free after 6 with coin parking street areas near to the bridge.
Kavita Tawadarre — Google review
Good view there, but it because it have poo onthe walk way. Be careful while you walking, Parking need to paid
Tangmo SJ. — Google review
The best time to visit this historical landmark is right before sundown. Leave your car in the Coolidge Park area and enjoy a stroll across the bridge as the colors change from orange glow to glittering city lights. If you work up an appetite there are many places to eat at the end of the Market Street bridge.
The Tennessee Aquarium is a waterfront complex that showcases a wide variety of sea and river animals, birds, and butterflies. With interactive shows and cruises, visitors can explore two buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. River Journey features exhibits about the diverse fish and wildlife found along the Tennessee River as it flows from mountains to ocean. Highlights include playful otters and a seahorse exhibit. In Ocean Journey, visitors can enjoy a butterfly garden, penguins, sharks, and other ocean dwellers.
I love aquariums and this one did not disappoint. It is divided into two buildings, one for ocean one for river. It takes you through the museum in a specific path so you aren’t going in circles. The buildings are huge. But very fun to explore. My favorite part in the ocean building was seeing the sea turtles and my son loved the sharks and penguins. In the River building we both loved the giant river fish and all the turtles. He even got to touch an animal in its tank. Great family experience. The gift shop is even moderately priced
Evian Lawson — Google review
We all know that if I rate this place any lower than this, it will be shuffled out of sight because negativity isn't popular on this platform.
But here's the truth: it's underwhelming. If you've visited Florida, have been on any deep sea fishing trips, live near a river or spent any time near aquatic or riparian environments, you've seen all this and more. The best I can say is it does provide an adequate insight into water wildlife. If you have not been able to spend time near any bodies of water, it's a decent overview at best.
The ocean section of the aquarium leaves you with the feeling of "that's all?"
I CAN say that it's clean, well managed, and the staff is friendly. The layout and design is nice. It's relaxing and scenic. The buildings themselves are architecturally pretty. Beyond that though, it gets a ho hum shrug. If the tickets were any pricier, I'd say it's not a good value at all. For the current cost, it's a "fair" value at best, and that's being kind.
The pics I've included are seriously the stand out sights. Sorry to be so honest, I can tell they work hard, but the true rating would be a two point five.
Ultra Violet — Google review
Great aquarium and very easily accessible. One of our group members needs easy access ramps to get to things and they had absolutely no problem getting to every exhibit in the buildings. The aquarium is very kid friendly and I highly recommend bringing children here. We saw the scuba divers playing rock paper scissors with some of the kids while they were cleaning an exhibit. There is so much to see to give yourself a few hours to experience everything. You have to get tickets in advance!
Lorantz Rogers — Google review
I went with my kids and extended family. Let me tell you, it's a must to visit when in Chattanooga. They have interactive pools for touching fish. The staff was inviting and the place was very clean. Just go, don't even think about it. It's good for everyone.
Kory A — Google review
This was a fun experience! I have so many questions! I certainly got my steps in!
The price of the tickets covered the River Journey. Both were very interesting and entertaining. Some parts are interactive.
On this day the penguins seemed to protest our being there... they had their backs to us... (giggles) and the Otter didn't show up at all.
I saw fish I'd never seen and I watch all things nature all of the time.
Masks are required... however not enforced. All employees wear masks.
Parking is tight because it's the only lot in the center of a business intersection. We walked from our hotel.
The food. Food is served, or should I say sold near the aquarium. The place was dirty and well, we ate cuz we were hungry and thirsty... that won't happen again. And just be aware, see the pic, if you order a salted pretzel... a SALTED pretzel is what you get.
The Aquarium and the river Journey are well worth the money. I do suggest you take lunch.
Paula DeeSer — Google review
This is a fantastic date spot! I went with my boyfriend and some of his family and we all had a blast. The journey is easy to follow and the experience is beautiful. It's clean, staff are friendly, and it's an overall interesting experience. The gift shop is expensive, but the tickets are well worth your money. The website is still terrible for buying tickets, but we got in quickly with no trouble at the ticket booth.
Mya Spradlin — Google review
Aquariums are always on the to-do list, and the one definitely didn't disappoint!
We arrived without really looking online about the tickets, but when we got there, you buy your ticket for a certain time slot. So we had to wait 45 minutes to get in, but it was not an issue cause there is so much to do outside the Aquarium that the time went really fast!
They have 2 different buildings, which are both extremely wheelchair accessible.
They have 2 pools where you can touch the animals, a beautiful butterfly room, lots of interactive things to do with kids, and so much more.
It's definitely worth the trip, and definitely worth the money!
Krystal R — Google review
A beautiful and educational experience. You can take the whole family, and there's something everyone will enjoy. There is a man-made creek out front, public access, and anyone is welcome to splash and play. The exhibits are spectacular, from glorious gardens and a butterfly room to the land of glowing jellyfish. I really enjoyed the river side, as it helps to teach our children about the place they live. There are several exhibits on being respectful to our planet. Most importantly, our 2 younger children got away from us in one of the areas with little lighting. The staff was awesome! They were ready to lock that place up tight the moment we told them what was going on. Luckily, the kids turned up about 30 seconds after that. It was very reassuring that the staff took it so seriously.
Plus, you're in downtown Chattanooga! You can grab a bite to eat at any of the numerous delicious restaurants within walking distance after you tour the museum!
Give yourself 3-5 hours to fully enjoy. We will be back. It's already our 3rd trip.
Magye Zaulet — Google review
Little pricey but it's a great aquarium! The river portion alone is massive and the size of many other aquariums we've been to. Plenty of exhibits and fun for the family. Kids love the stingray petting exhibit in the ocean side of the aquarium!
Recommend buying tickets in advance so you don't have any wait and have a spot ready for you.
Zach Wilson — Google review
I have been to aquariums in 20 states. This was the first time I have seen a cold water river display. Very unique multi-tiered building. Freshwater side seems newer. Impressive. Perhaps my new favorite aquarium. Many species I have never seen. Saltwater side has one super large very clean tank that winds all through the building. A few impressive tanks on the salt side. But you are done before you want to be. The fresh water side is worth driving or flying in to see. We really enjoyed it.
Ryan Dyal — Google review
Nice aquarium with plenty of interesting exhibits. Sadly, the penguin exhibit was being renovated so we didn't get to see any penguins, but everything else was interesting. The butterfly garden was very nice. The staff were very friendly and pointed out interesting things in the exhibits.
Sybyl Stringer — Google review
We were actually quite late entering and we're not given any issues. We had a lot of fun. The exhibits are perfect condition. The animals all seem happy. I swear some of the fish pose!
Christi Davis — Google review
This is an amazing aquarium! It's comparable to aquariums in Florida possibly even better. I love that they have the exhibits set up to reflect the location. For example, the penguin exhibit is cold while the alligator exhibit is humid and set up like a swamp. I also like that they separate the saltwater and freshwater into 2 different buildings. It truly is a fantastic experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Brooke Shorter — Google review
A very unique take on an aquarium but worthwhile. Some construction/renovation has areas unavailable. The seperation of fresh & salt water exhibits is good & gives time to enjoy, read about them & mosey along. The atmosphere & staff are very chill & helpful. The restrooms were well maintained and clean. The gift shops were also clean and organized.
The staff that would provide insight at various displays were knowledgeable and courteous.
We split the tour with lunch in between (we ate at Burger Republic across the parking lot from the aquarium & within easy walking distance. It is Veteran owned and operated and i highly recommend). I do suggest starting your tour in the freshwater exhibit as it will take longer to see. The saltwater exhibit is rather quick but take your time in the lemur enclosure, butterfly room and penguins. Lots of laughs to be had!
Overall a great afternoon spent with family!
Mr. C PJR — Google review
Our favorite aquarium we’ve ever seen! We drive almost 4 hours just to visit for a day trip when possible. We love how clean and how well the animals are taken care of. Today we got to see divers cleaning the tanks. One diver was so very sweet when he saw my autistic son holding a river toy and signed for a photo with him! That definitely made our day!
Mamanik13 — Google review
There are 2 buildings and a beautifully designed space in between. You start from the tops of the buildings and work your way down, so it is a very easy and accessible attraction. It takes about 3 hours to do both buildings if you don't stop to read all the informative educational plaques or try out the touch tanks. The River building does have more tanks to look at, but the Ocean building has equal amount of entertainment. You do have to pay for parking and there are lots of places around to go eat at afterwards. Great for all ages.
Solanine Eustoma — Google review
An absolutely wonderful experience! The freshwater exhibits are spectacular and they cover so many species. The saltwater aquarium is equally as cool and it also has a butterfly atrium on top
Kevin Parker (KPKev) — Google review
Impressive! Parking could be tricky but we got lucky and were able to park on their lot. I’ve been to a lot of aquariums but this one is so well done. You really feel like you are experiencing the world under the water. Two buildings, one for freshwater (lots of local river info and rivers around the world) and the ocean building. The staff was feeding and explaining everywhere. Really allowed you to see the animals in action. Touch pool as well. Butterfly garden. Admission was around $40 for adults but well worth it for the experience. IMAX movies were available for extra fee.
Also check out the Trail of Tears memorial and the river right outside. Lots of places to sit and enjoy a beautiful day outside.
Heather Winder — Google review
Customer service was very friendly at the front desk, we had to wait for the 1:00 p.m. tour, so we had 45 minutes where we walked around the outside and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Very nice view by the river made the time go by fast and we even walked through the gift shop and grab some concessions from the snack shack.
The tour is beautiful, everything seemed to well kept, we enjoyed all of the exotic fish as well as all the information that is posted throughout the exhibit. My favorite was the butterfly exhibit, I was told that they had more butterflies in previous moments but I understand during the winter time they can't have a ton of butterflies out. But they were very nice and there were quite a few of them to watch.
Highly recommend coming here, all the animals seem well taken care of and there wasn't as busy as I thought it was going to be on a Saturday.
Michael Todd — Google review
We really enjoyed our time at the aquarium, it was fun for all ages. We loved the crawl spaces, it made us feel like we were in the tanks. The collection of animals was diverse making it more interesting. We loved how the River building flowed and wished that continued in the Ocean building. Overall it's somewhere we'd visit again!
Christen Francescone — Google review
Saturday crazy busy!! I looked online before traveling. Nothing said to purchase tickets in advance. We had to wait 3 hours before we could even schedule a time to enter the aquarium. On top of that, we had to pay 15$ to park. Ended up having to purchase tickets for the next day and come back because the next scheduled time would not give us enough time to view both fresh and salt water sides. We are not local. Hopefully, this will be worth the return trip tomorrow!!
Follow up, we drove back to Chattanooga and visited both sites. We had to pay another 15$ to park. The salt water side was okay. The older fresh water side was very nice. I have to be honest, it was NOT worth 110$ for 3 of us, but it had been over 10 years since we had been. Probably will not return for another 10 years. The city was clean and there were a lot of places to eat.
Steve Obermeyer — Google review
Fantastic Aquarium. The split buildings were a cool way to physically transfer you from Fresh Water to Salt.
The Ocean bottom walk through was the best I've ever experienced. Multiple areas to view fish 360° and spots to sit/lay and enjoy.
The river walk was very unique, haven't seen any other Aquariums that focus on rivers in particular. Getting to pet a sturgeon was awesome.
Ken Sales — Google review
Great Aquarium! We had a blast. There is a lot to see between the two aquariums that are very different one being the ocean and the building next door has native and river fish. Traveled with toddler and was a great space to walk around. Went Friday during the day and there was not many people. Highly recommend stopping. With having picnic outside before we spent three hours here.
All the tanks and fish are well kept. Tanks are clean and spacious.
Ashley Gutowski — Google review
My wife and I visited the Aquarium on a rainy Tuesday. We did everything except the IMAX show and it took us about 3 hrs to get through all of it. It was one of the best aquariums Ive been to. This is on par or better than the Boston and Miami aquariums. The design of the buildings makes it easy to navigate all the exhibits and so you can see everything efficiently. If you’re visiting from out of town, don’t miss this place! and of course if you live around it, and haven’t gotten there yet, make it a point to go and check it out, you wont be disappointed!
Ruby Falls is a 145-foot underground waterfall inside a limestone cavern in Lookout Mountain. It's one of the most stunning sights you'll ever see, and it's definitely worth the cost of admission. The elevator ride down is amazing, and the waterfall itself is enhanced with lighting and stirring music to make it that much more thrilling.
I came with my boyfriend and we enjoyed our experience! The tourist was very informative, the walk was not moderate, the views were stunning, and we left overall satisfied with the trip!
Siya Patel — Google review
Dougie D was our guide and it was well worth the entry cost just for him. He made the guided walk super fun, knew lots, and handled crowds and kids awesomely.
If you’ve been to any caverns, it’s not much different except the waterfall here is a treat. It’s accompanied by a light show. The overlook is nice as well and there is a zip line option if you’d like. They also have a night guided option during certain months.
Wear nonslip closed foot gear. It gets slippery and wet down in the cave. Also purchase tickets in advance they sell out fast. We went on Saturday at noon and it was sold out for the day, we had to purchase for next day tickets and return. Enjoy!
Tiffany Hill — Google review
Really cool experience, 1200 feet underground which you take the elevator to. The cave tunnels have cool formations with names on the signs near them (however, our guide didn't really say much about any of them), and the tunnels are lit with neon colored lights. Note: the pathway is pretty slippery, the ceiling is only about 5'11 ish high, and the light show at the waterfall only lasts 10 min.
Laurel Dogger — Google review
Ruby Falls was such a fun experience. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, as well as arriving 10-15minutes early.
Individual ticket prices (plus tax):
Adults $25.95
Kids (3-12) $15.95
We visited on a Wednesday morning in June at 11am and had a full tour for our time slot. Parking is free but seems to be slightly limited. There were only a handful of spots left by the time we arrived that morning.
The elevator takes you down approximately 260 feet (26 stories) below the surface. The path in the cave takes you deeper into Lookout Mountain, the farther you walk. By the time you reach the waterfall, you'll be 1120ft below the mountain's surface. It is also the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall that's in the US and open to the public. Leo Lambert discovered it in 1928, after crawling for 6 hours/650ft and then walking/climbing an for an additional 11 hours, knowing that there was something hidden away. He then named it after his wife.
It was an incredible and fun experience. I'd highly recommend visiting. If I'm recalling correctly, it took somewhere between 60-90 minutes for the whole tour, light show at the waterfall, and elevator rides.
Erin Bacher — Google review
Such a cool cave walk, took our group about 90 minutes total. An elevator takes you straight down into the cave where you begin. The experience starts with a group photo that can later be purchased and a short video of who and how the cave and falls were discovered. The falls is on a timer, so when we entered it was dark and then the lights came on and it was sooo beautiful! Highly recommend!!
Lisa Meminger — Google review
This was an awesome experience, the underground elevator, the caverns and the underground fall was worthy. Buy the tickets in advance, online is faster, there is no wait time. Tickets 25.95.
The Adventurers — Google review
Bought 8 am Tix, hoping to avoid crowd, and still had 20 or so on tour ( but it was Spring break?). Had a great tour guide, Emma ♥️. We have a slow poke, who required cane assist to walk, and they gave us time we needed. Mile walk to falls, hand rails available in parts, some slick but grooves in path, some steps, but mostly level (for a cave). Stories of discovery, formations and falls come with tour. Recommend to all who can manage a walk, great experience for young and older. Tickets online available. Cafe on site. Visitor center/gift shop. Observation tower. Kid friendly. Kennels on site. Zip lines closed when we visited, 🙄.
Nicole Wade — Google review
Never seen a waterfall inside a cave before. This place is super awesome. There is like 15-20min tour inside the cave with the guide explain the history of it. The waterfall is a must visit if you are around Tennessee. Please buy the ticket online if you want to save your waiting time.
Gayan N. Wimalarathna — Google review
Walk up to counter to pay for the tour. You get access to the viewing tower and a guided tour of the cave and falls.
You enter the cave via an elevator ride a couple hundred feet down, then there's is an approximately 1/4 mile walk to the falls through the cave.
The cave itself is beautiful and the falls are gorgeous.
Parking out front is easy and accessible for all.
Discounts for military/veterans.
William DeArmon (Bill) — Google review
We stopped by here for a little stop to stretch our legs so we didn't end up going in the caves but we did go up to the tower to get a look at the view. It was a beautiful place to stop even if you don't do all the activities provided.
Kye Guynn — Google review
I purchased our tickets online per their website recommendations and left about 1 hr in between attractions.
WARNING!! That was way too much time! BUT they were very accommodating and were able to move up our reservations.
Perhaps it has to do with the time of day or the day of the week. We had to push all our activities up by 2.5 hrs. With that said keep in
mind that Ruby falls and the Zip line are on the same property.
Our guide really made the cave walk a fun experience. Joe, was very personable, knowledgeable and had tons of insights about the falls and the area in general.
We started at 12:30, with a group of 13 & that was the smallest group we encountered. We completed the tour at 2 pm (1.5 hr) total. We proceeded up the tower but not much to say as you can see it was a very muggy day.
Mag Ob — Google review
I visited Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee and found the tour and cave experience to be nice, but I can only give it three stars. The tour felt quite rushed, with limited time to stop and take photos of the stunning formations. Additionally, the cave was quite crowded, and there were instances where one tour group had to pass another, making it challenging to navigate. Seeing the cave and the waterfall was cool, but the overall experience left me unsure if I would do it again.
Jonathan Richards — Google review
Great place overall but when I went here there was a baby crying so we didn’t really hear a lot of what the tour guide was saying but the our guide was awesome loved him but we went here last here on July 3rd, 2023. Recommend buying tickets in advance of course!!
Alice — Google review
It was very beautiful with lots of interesting rock formations. We really enjoyed our visit. It is a little bit of a long walk and might seem longer because you’re welcome slow and some areas have low hanging rock. I think it might’ve been longer this time because the elevator was broken and we had to walk extra. Definitely worth a visit.
Kristen Burch — Google review
OK. The waterfall is magical and worth the visit. HOWEVER the group sizes are too big over 30 people per group. We were constantly stopping to let other groups pass. It was annoying and too many people in the groups to fully enjoy the experience. We preferred raccoon caverns. Just an honest review from our experience.
Jillian Struble — Google review
Ruby falls a nice experience. It was different and kind of cool to see the cave and the falls. In my opinion a little expensive to pay 25 dollars to go under grown to see a small fall with a lot of people for one hour and walk one mile round trip.
Gio M — Google review
Spectacular! Fabulous place for a fun date or a day out with the kids. Wear good walking shoes and bring a light jacket because it gets a little chilly down there.
Angela Highsmith — Google review
Lovely place to take a family trip to and enjoy something new. Drove up during the weekends and had a great time exploring the caves. The staff are competent and humorous and the overall location is easy to reach. Just be careful on the drive up the mountain, lots of sharp turns and speeding cars.
Avery Who — Google review
Ruby Falls was an underground adventure like no other! As I descended deep into Lookout Mountain, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders hidden beneath the earth's surface.
The highlight was, of course, the stunning 145-foot waterfall, Ruby Falls, named after the discoverer's wife, Ruby. It's a geological marvel, with its underground formation dating back millions of years.
Did you know? Ruby Falls was accidentally discovered in 1928 during the excavation of a cave. It's now one of the tallest and deepest commercial underground waterfalls in the United States.
The guided tour was both educational and thrilling, offering insights into the cave's history and the fascinating rock formations. Stalactites and stalagmites adorned the cave like natural sculptures.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the tour and be prepared for some moderate walking. It's a surreal journey into the heart of the earth and a testament to the wonders of nature. A must-visit for explorers and history buffs alike! 🌍🕳️🏞️
Sahaj Parekh — Google review
Ruby Falls was a really cool experience and I would definitely recommend it! The total tour is approximately 1 hour (underground). The walk is a little more than a mile round trip and is easygoing. It’s mostly flat, with some minimal stairs. I saw several limited mobility persons on the tour, although it was a longer walk and you could tell they were tired by the end. Minor limited mobility would be alright. Those who have difficulty with walking long distances should avoid the tour because it is walking for an hour with no stops to sit and rest.
The falls themselves are beautiful. Depending on how dry or wet it has been (rainfall) will determine the strength of the waterfall.
Some tour guides are really funny and point out great things. Try to be at the front of the tour or you’ll not hear everything and miss what is being said.
I’ve done several cave tours and this was definitely worth doing. It’s a cool experience for kids too because it doesn’t take very long and there’s a lot to look at.
Jennifer Hunziker — Google review
Second visit to Ruby falls after 17years. I have better cameras now so took better pictures :). The experience has been pretty consistent so I would say nothing much has changed and it is good. There are zip lining activities which I am not up for. So adventurous ones can try
Chitrak Gupta — Google review
They are open until 8pm. I have been here multiple times. It’s good for a one time visit and if you have not seen any other under ground caves. The staff and the tour guides are knowledgeable. I still wonder the source of water. I have never seen the water flow increase or decrease its always the same during my multiple visits. The stalactites and stalagmites are many. Worth a visit one time. Beauty of this place is it’s 260 feet below. Only thing disappointing is they really do not give enough time to spend and click pics at the main fall. It is close to a mile walk so can get a little for elders and people who cannot talk much.
Sydney Dmonte — Google review
It was an interesting underground Falls, and the cave was interesting, but the tour guide literally runs you through, the only place you get to actually stop and take photos is at the Falls, but there are plenty of other interesting items in the cave that you miss. Groups can be upwards of 38 people and they do many group tours a day.
LaDonna Henslee — Google review
We had heard about these falls and wanted to see it for ourselves and it's very impressive! It's fun to see different rock formations and the cute little names they have for each. We had a tour group of about 20 people, it can get kind of narrow, but I never felt claustrophobic. Seeing the falls at the end, it's actually very soothing to listen to. I do wish we had some more time to take pictures at that spot.
Guy Lin — Google review
Decided to stop on the way to FL. Well worth the side trip. Really enjoyed our guide and the beauty of the caves.
John Fischer — Google review
2024-Feb. We arrived here on a Saturday afternoon. We previously bought tickets and reserved our tour time.
There was a small parking lot in front of the entrance and more parking spaces on the side of it.
We went through the souvenir shop. A restroom is located at the back. There is no restroom in the caves so better visit the restroom before you go. Also at the back of the souvenir shop is the electronic sign that shows the tour time that needs to fall in line. You have to go through the corridors under the e-sign because the actual entrance is at the end of the corridor, beside the restaurant.
When your tour time is next, the staff will allow you to fall in line where our tour guide meets us. After an elevator ride, the tour begins.
The cave is well-lit with different colored LED lights. The atmosphere is quite nice- not cold or warm. You are not allowed to touch any of the formations.
There was also a flat-screen TV where you had to watch the history of the discovery of the cave.
I believe it took us 30 minutes or so to get to the falls. We had to make a few stops to make room for the people who were heading back to the elevator.
The cave ground surface has been cemented- flat in some areas and with staircases in other areas.
The falls is spectacular. With the lighting installed, the visibility is great! The water under the falls is about 5-ft (according to our guide). She didn't mention how big that area was when it was discovered.
After the falls, you get to see your green-screen photos. I believe it was $35+, with digital prints.
We visited the castle after the caves. There is an elevator that will take you from the 1st floor to halfway up the tower. We only took a few minutes on top of the tower. There's nothing to do up there aside from seeing downtown Chattanooga.
It was a good experience if you can stop by.
Happy caving 😊 and give this review a thumbs up if it helped you in any way.
Cindy Rose — Google review
4.5
(4003)
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4.0
(7309)
Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA
28
Fall Creek Falls State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Parks
Vast recreation area with a lodge, camping & a restaurant, plus an 18-hole championship golf course.
This park was BEAUTIFUL and well worth the multi-state drive it took to visit. From multiple, breathtaking waterfalls and rock formations to swinging suspension bridges and delicious takeout from their lakeside restaurant, this state park is now among our favorites in the Eastern United States. There were handicap accessible views of both main waterfalls, conveniently located (and clean) bathrooms, well posted and maintained hiking trails, and various picnic areas. There were several other available activities in the area as well, but we didn't have the time to experience those. (We chose to stay about an hour away in a historic cabin at Cumberland Mountain state park to save money). We can't wait to return and see the falls here again!
T C — Google review
I recently had the opportunity to visit Fall Creek Waterfall State Park, and I must say, it was an incredible experience! One of the most remarkable aspects of this park is that it's absolutely free to enter. Upon arrival, we embarked on the woodland trail, which led us to the base of the falls. Although it presented a moderate challenge, it was definitely manageable for my family, who are used to the city lifestyle. The effort was entirely worthwhile, as the sight of the falls was breathtakingly beautiful. I highly recommend wearing water shoes. My kids were particularly thrilled with the opportunity to play in the waterfall near the nature center, creating memories they'll cherish for a long time. One of the highlights of the park is its numerous waterfalls and trails, which are suitable for both kids and avid hikers. It provides a perfect opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of nature while challenging experienced hikers to explore new paths.
Shweta Yadav — Google review
Great state park! The woman at the counter of the gift shop was knowledgeable and personable. The shop was fine and had a few things to see inside. The gems, of course, are the waterfalls. Some of the overlooks aren't that great. But the waterfalls were amazing. And if you don't mind some stairs the very strenuous section that gets you to the bottom of the big waterfall is worth it (it isn't THAT strenuous but you can't be terribly out of shape - it's essentially like going down and back up 10-15 flights of stairs that aren't well made).
Danny Westfall — Google review
Highly recommend! Get outta that car and hit the trails! So worth every moment! The nature is beautiful the trails are well kept! Lots of fun for the whole family! The restaurant has an attentive staff and very friendly. And not highly expensive. Enjoy nature!
Amber Pedersen — Google review
Fantastic state park with five beautiful waterfalls along very accessible trails or observation decks.... for all levels of fitness! We made the two and a half hour drive from Huntsville for the day and absolutely loved all the hiking, playground and very well kept state park areas. It was well worth the visit, and top of our parks list. We hope to return in the summer for more water activities and camping.
Junell Shue — Google review
Absolutely beautiful park! Have traveled here twice, May 21 and May 22. There's a handful of trails of varying length and difficulty- all are worth it!! Lots of waterfalls and rock formations throughout the park. Lots of rocky stairs down to the base of the main waterfall- definitely a workout and should not be attempted in poor health but so worth it! One of my favorite parks of all time.
Amanda Bird — Google review
I absolutely love that Tennessee parks are free. What a wonderful way to be able to experience the great outdoors. We really enjoyed the snack shop and the visitor center was very informative! We hiked the woodland trail and the base of the falls. The base of Fall Creek Falls was strenuous but doable for an urban family and completely worth it. I recommend water shoes if you're wanting to explore the waterfalls. My kids loved playing in the waterfall behind the nature center. There was a golf course, a pool, snack shop, restaurant and many campgrounds as well. We will be back to try out camping, what a wonderful park!!!
Betsy Anders — Google review
Beautiful place with incredible views. Small trails that take you to a huge waterfall with crystal clear water and a lot of peace. You can cross an extremely safe movable bridge. (from there you also have an incredible view) free and secure parking, market store to taste, restaurant, goal field, camping area overlooking the lake, and goal field. incredible! This beautiful place is just 2 hours from Nashville, you will enjoy the road
Sandy Royberth — Google review
One of Tennessee's top state parks. Beautiful water falls. Good swimming areas. Hiking trails are short but some have strenuous portions. Beware of slick rocks.
Visitors Center has little to offer. Better stop is the Nature Center with its suspension bridge and overlook.
Steve Cook — Google review
One of the best places to visit in TN. You won’t find many more beautiful places to Covid in TN than FCF. My wife and I have been going there multiple times a year for over 30 years. We camp, golf, fish, hike, bike, swim, play pickle ball, nap, kayak & this year we did their lake nature tour. Great for the whole family and they’ve recently completed the new lodge and welcome center and they’re amazing. You should definitely plan to spend a few days but a day trip is totally worth it as well.
PAPAWSPROJECTS — Google review
Really nice park. The storms had knocked down a lot of trees and they have been quick to clean it up. We really like the area and the amenities here. The only downside is side is the spot we have in camping area C #132 is really steep. If you get this spot bring extra leveling supplies. We had to get creative to make it work. The spot is pretty narrow with some trees close to the paved entrance.
Paul Pytlik — Google review
Beautiful area for hiking and suitable for all fitness levels. Dog friendly, and you can customize your day easily around each waterfall you want to see. We did around 5 different short 1 mile hikes around the park and took us around 1/2 a day exploring. Winter is the best time to go as you can really see the falls open up!
Cara — Google review
Amazing park and facilities. The overlook to the "main" Fall Creek Falls is easy to get to and makes for a very awe inspiring sight. The trek to the base of the falls is fairly strenuous and can be very rocky so exercise caution. The visitor center is very nice and feels very modern. The general store is larger than expected and has lots of food, snacks and other camping and recreational items. If you are camping (especially with a larger RV) not all the RV sites are angled appropriately for easy entry. No cost for entry or parking, donations are accepted at the main falls via a drop box.
Jesse Bowen — Google review
First visit since the new Inn was built. It’s really nice. We loved our room. Continental breakfast was fresh and they had outdoor seating. Had pasta for lunch - didn’t disappoint. Will visit again. Don’t forget to see the falls while on your visit.
Ramona Hogan — Google review
I came here for hiking and to see the waterfalls, and I couldn't be more pleased. Walking down the path by Fall Creek Falls was a magical experience, made more fun by how challenging it was (very uneven rocks and steep). The suspension bridges were so fun, I saw some deer and other wildlife, and just enjoyed being out in nature. The park is very well maintained and has a good energy about it. I think it would be fun to explore it through the different seasons, so I will be back for sure.
Silver Rain — Google review
My brother and I camped on the grounds here for four days and had an amazing time! The campgrounds facilities were very clean, the staff was very helpful, the waterfall was beautiful, the hiking trails with overlooks were very scenic, and there was A LOT to do on the site of the Falls! There’s an Olympic size pool, general store that had anything you could ever need, a lodge that has a restaurant on site, different places to do campfires outside of your campground, and a falls creek fall ranger staff that were very good at doing their job!
Margie Dougherty — Google review
Beautiful. Lots of campground spots, but be mindful as many of them are not flat. More info is available online when reserving.
I did the full loop and hike down to the falls. Was really awesome and Beautiful. The fall colors are gorgeous.
Alexia Hines — Google review
It's such a pretty stroll through the mountains. Whether you go just for the overlooks or down the trails, you're guaranteed to see some amazing views. The hike down to the falls is less than a mile but very strenuous, with most of the trail being slanted rocks kinda like steps. We have been in a drought, so the water was not flowing like normal. They have shops, snack bar, pool, and other activities within the park as well.
Kali Myers — Google review
We stayed in the park at one of the fishermen's cabins. The cabin was very modern, with heated floors on the main level, clean bathrooms and showers, and a fairly well-appointed kitchen.
The falls were nice, though not enough rain led to a diminished amount of water coming off the falls. There are a lot of trails to hike as well.
Paula Mills — Google review
Went there to see the FALL LEAVES fall but they had already fallen. We were blown away at how much damage a horrific tornado did to the park three months ago BUT more blown away at how quickly things are getting back to normal! We stayed in the Lodge and highly recommend it!!! Everyone that we encountered were so nice and helpful. Even the food in the restaurant for lunch and dinner was great! Breakfast was a continental breakfast but probably the worst we’ve ever been to. I would have paid for a good country breakfast but understood they are still understaffed. Ask for Room 317 - fabulous!! The state park is huge but very easily mapped. We definitely are going back♥️
Debbie Barbato — Google review
This park is the absolute best. So many beautiful waterfalls. Lots of beautiful trails and wildlife. Easy hiking trail to explore as well as long strenuous ones. Everything is just a short distance from each other. Kid friendly. Lots of playgrounds. Great RV and camping areas. Has a beautiful scenic loop to drive around with lots of pull overs to take in the beauty. Nature Center is awesome. A must see. Eagles soaring are absolutely breathtaking. Soooo many hiking trails ! 8 beautiful waterfalls. It is by far one of the most beautiful parks I’ve visited. I highly recommend you visit for a vacation or weekend.
Terrie Clayton — Google review
If your in the area this is a must see. You do have to take the trail back to see the best fall. It is worth it. Most of the best falls you have to walk back deep to see them. But it is the best. It is vary relaxing walking through the woulds with the views you see in the mountains are breathtaking. They mountain views are just as good as the waterfall itself.
We had a amazing time walking through all the trails in the area and watching all the waterfalls. The best time to see watefallsis are after a rain.
David Uhl — Google review
This park was great. The water falls were beautiful. We started out just walking to Fall Creek Fall and the suspension bridge. Well, 4 hours later we walked 4-1/2 miles.
The views at the top of the falls were cool and the bottoms were spectacular. The walk was rough down and up so if you have hiking poles, I suggest you bring them.
Peter Robben — Google review
Falls Creek Falls! It's one of the very few waterfalls that I have not seen locally....until today! The distance is fairly short to the bottom to experience a powerfully beautiful up close and personal view. You'll even feel the water droplets blowing in your face as you watch from the nearby rocks.
It was dry today. However, I can certainly see it being slippery if it's recently rained if you are trekking down.
Coming out, be prepared for huffing and puffing as you make your way up the stairs unless you are in top shape. However, it is very manageable. There were all abilities, ages, and fitness levels making the hike down when I was there. I was there on a weekday, and there were more people than I expected to see with tourists, so I can imagine the weekends get really packed here. I highly recommend coming out during the week it you can.
The nature center is a great spot to check out. The trail from the nature center to the falls is relatively easy. If you are checking out the over looks the cane creek falls overlook is definitely work the extra elevation steps. I would skip Cane Creek Gulf overlook. There wasn't really anything to see here. Rocky point overlooks lives up to its name. If you're adventurous, you can do some rock hopping to a fairly nice view. However, it does take some dexterity to scramble those rocks, so if you aren't up for that, you can skip the extra elevation steps here, too.
Overall I would my experience here a solid 4.5 but we'll round up to 5 stars. Happy hiking!
Shane Wilson — Google review
Such a hidden gem. Beautiful nice place to hike and relax. We would love to come back in the summer time to jump into the water and do more hiking. The restaurant in the park was nice too.
J T — Google review
The variety of falls were mostly dry during our November visit, but were really great flowing falls this trip in February! Though we loved them both times, greatly flowing water is always better. We also went out on Rocky Point. Very tough to get to if you're older or not in good shape but we did it and it was invigorating!
I first came here on a elementary school field trip almost 30 years ago. This place is truly amazing and should be experienced by everyone. We bring our kids every few years to see the beauty that this cave has to offer. Highly recommend and our guide Justin did a fantastic job.
Benjamin Dillon — Google review
We booked reservations several days prior to our visit. On arriving, there is paved parking and a really nice visitor center / gift shop with nice and clean restrooms.
Our tour group left promptly at our scheduled time. Depending on your hike, it’s a pebble / gravel path to the entrance of the cave. I would not recommend it for someone in a wheel chair or with a physical limitation. Once you entered the cave, there is a smooth sidewalk for the first 1/3 or so of the trail. It gets steep, windy and narrow for the last 2/3 and there are about 50-100 stairs you will traverse. It is an out and back for the East and about 1.5 miles total. It was so amazing to see the different “rooms” in the cave (they even have concerts down there!!).
Our tour guide Victoria was awesome. we loved her personality, jokes and stories.
This was one of the best parts of our trip!!
Jackie Schmoll — Google review
Great place to visit if you want something different.
Have you ever been to a cavern and just wanted to go climbing on the rocks or slip down a crevice? Well, you actually can at Cumberland Caverns. This is a great experience. Jay was our tour guide and we had an amazing time. We can't wait to do it again.
Brittany Polk — Google review
We did the Discovery Tour and our tour guide Derek did a fantastic job for his first solo tour. We had our three year old grandson with us and Derek did a great job explaining things to him also. The light show was great and even held our grandson's attention. A must visit when you're in the area!
Michael Placido — Google review
Markie did an amazing job! Highly recommend both the tour and the tour guide! So many things to see, great information about every part of the cave (and its inhabitants), and we even got a song to cap off the cavern experience!
Paul Carman — Google review
This was a petty cool cave to see. They have different routes from the nice and clean to crawling around in the mud. Ha. We went on a scouting event so we stayed the night. That was cool. The only draw back was that they got back just before midnight. Yikes. We had a good time and the guides were perfect.
Herb Busler — Google review
Great experience! Good place to walk through Beautiful caverns and enjoy the nature! Good for kids. My boys 5 and 9 really enjoyed this place. Our guide was awesome! Nick gives us good tour and we had great time.
Alexander Shyshla — Google review
The cumberland caverns was my first experience of caves and it was absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide, Victoria gave us sufficient knowledge about various aspects like how and who discovered and how long it took. She also shared with us some fun facts along the tour. The chandelier in one of the cave halls was unimaginable and amazing. Thanks to her for making our tour a wonderful experience.
Anusha Pai — Google review
It was fun-enough. I did the discovery tour, I'm sure the adventure tours are much more exciting. Our tour guide was mildly funny, but knowledgeable, and the price was fair. I just don't see an appeal to a second time, the light show is ... meh, but it looks like an awesome venue for a conference, wedding, birthday.
Danny Westfall — Google review
We took the 90 minute tour and it was so much fun. Our guide Macy did a great job sharing educational facts as well as keeping us laughing. There are some steep stairs going up and down that are slick so keep that in mind when booking. The views were worth the stairs though. The cave is gorgeous.
Christian Rodriguez — Google review
This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide Rissa was very knowledgeable and informative! We took the 45-minute basic tour and it was just right! I can't wait until they bring back concert events! The venue was very cool. If you're in the area it is worth taking the tour.
D. Bell — Google review
This is a great place to go as a trip or to go when you are bored.
The caves are amazing, has many cool parts, and is fascinating with it's natural formation.
The guides are super funny, knowledgeable, safe, and explain + answer everything.
(Shout out to Nick for a interesting and amazing journey we had today)
There is a nice shop with cool geodes and some other cool stuff (to which I do not know the name of)
It was a weekday, so it was not too crowded
There are specific times when the tour starts, so you might have to wait a bit for it. For us, it was around 15 minutes.
Overall it is an fun place to visit to see how caves are made and learn some funny historical moments of it.
I attached some images
DanJack23o5 — Google review
Great cave tour. I am glad our small group went in. A little more than I expected to pay, but the guide Briana did a great job of explaining the history of how the cave was found and the geology of it. It was nice and cool inside and a great relief from the hot summer day! I think it would be exciting to see a concert there. Perhaps they should have some special "bargain" days you can come in to see it. But the hour and a half tour was well done.
Michelle Honles — Google review
Always a fun experience and this time we brought our grandchildren for the first time and they loved it. Briana was a GREAT guide! She was fun and answered all questions and knew a lot about the history of the cave.
Tod Strain — Google review
We spent our 34th wedding anniversary touring the Cumberland Caverns today. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Our tour guide Victoria was very friendly and knowledgeable. She is such a sweet young lady. I would highly recommend taking this tour.
Crystal Vest — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyed our time at Cumberland Caverns! Our guide was entertaining and made the experience even better. Loved to hear about the history of the caves! I took my 10 and 12 year old along on the Discovery Walking Tour, and they both really loved it. We will definitely be back!
Janet Lowe — Google review
We had a great time! Booked a private tour for my husband and I. It was a very leisurely, non-rushed tour with Jay as our guide. He was very informative and personable. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!
Angela Thompson — Google review
The tour guides were amazing! Loved getting the history of the caves and seeing the unique features of this cave. They even have special events that I would love to come back and try. It was a great and memorable experience.
Maneesh Sanger — Google review
Had a wonderful visit- wasn’t too crowded, didn’t feel rushed, the cave was amazing, tickets were reasonably priced & our tour guide was informative and personable. I can’t believe I’ve lived within 2 hours of Cumberland Caverns my entire life and have not visited until yesterday- I took my 14 year old daughter & she loved it! Highly recommended this for a fun day trip.
Stacie Westmoreland — Google review
Jay gave us a great tour! He was down to earth
and informative. 10/10 appreciated his Jungle
Cruise banter. He also had very funny jokes and
would highly recommend🤣
Aiden Minenna (Radicalaiden) — Google review
Markie was an amazing tour guide! She was so knowledgeable. You can tell she really loves her job
The caves are spectacular. It is massive and so great to spend the time on the tour in the cave. The pictures don't do it justice.
Lee Metcalf — Google review
We had an amazing experience. We did the ADVENTURE TOUR, the Hall CRAWL. Our guide Macie was absolutely wonderful. She Very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Our expectations were blown away. Her trainee Rissa also joined us too. She was also very helpful and friendly. The Hall CRAWL was so much fun we can't wait until our kids are old enough to go on the bigger adventure tours. We'll be back! Our full experience can be seen on our YouTube channel ( Leggs Outdoors ). Thanks Cumberland Caverns for a one of a kind experience.
Leggs Outdoors — Google review
We had such a blast doing the Higgenbotham Adventure tour with Vera as our guide, and Josh as a training guide! They both were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, funny, and helpful. Our group felt safe and in good hands, and got to enjoy hearing stories and learning about the history of the cave as well as the ecosystem we were exploring. We definitely plan on coming back to do more adventure tours!
Emma Fritsch — Google review
4.8
(2911)
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4.5
(494)
1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110, USA
Burgess Falls State Park boasts of four waterfalls that cascade into a large pool via foot trails with varying levels of difficulty, ranging from moderate to strenuous. The park is incredibly beautiful and also features hiking trails, a butterfly garden, a playground for children, and a store in close proximity. Visitors are encouraged to visit the park at least once as it is an absolute must-see destination for waterfall enthusiasts.
This place is Incredibly Beautiful ❤ our first trip..about 2 hours 30 minutes each way but it was definitely worth the travel!! I'm sharing some of my pictures for everyone to see what we seen so you can judge for yourself! There is at least 4 falls but you do have to walk half a mile or so to get to the big tall one. They also have a Butterfly Garden, hiking trails, a playground for the kids, & a store very close.I encourage everyone to go see this but the people who are waterfall fanatics...IT IS A MUST!!!
Shannon Mason — Google review
This place is magical! Parking was available and not too crowded. There's a cute little playground for the kids and restrooms close by! There's a covered area behind the restrooms with tables and benches too! The parking lot is right at the trail entrance and as soon as you enter you are blown away by a tranquil waterfall! Stunning view of Burgess falls and super easy trail with only one part with stairs, maybe 30 or so stairs going straight up but if you can manage those you are golden! Not a super long hike but so worth the view! Love, love, love this little trail!
Mary Whited — Google review
We kayaked from Cane Hollow Recreation Area a few days after some big rainfalls. The trip to the Falls took a little over an hour and we took our time. The Falls were nuts given the large rainfall, but in an amazing way. This is a must do trip if you like waterfalls! Oh, nice launching area. Only porta-potties available and they are not on flat ground. Yikes!
Martie Guy — Google review
We love this park. If you take the lower trail you can see the lesser falls as well as the major one. They were all beautiful. The lower trail is harder with lots of roots that you have to be careful of and a large flight of stairs. There is an upper path that is mostly flat and much easier to traverse that leads to the main fall. From the main fall lookout there is also a path that goes down so you can look out from the top of the fall. My young adult sons loved that part. Also a ton of stairs on that path.
Jessica S — Google review
We walked the trail around 10am and the majority of it was all shady which made it very nice. The hardest part of the trail is if you decide to walk down from the view point to see the water up close. There are quite a few steps that are very steep! Beautiful hike and I loved the waterfalls!
Kimberly Krueger — Google review
Was a nice little day hike! It took about 1.5 hours total with stopping at the lookouts. We thought it was going to be more strenuous than it was. Not a lot of hiking but some. Mostly walking paths through the beautiful forests. There are two waterfalls on the hike! Would go here often if it was closer to home
Nathan Wranovsky — Google review
My pups and I really loved this park. The trails were easy to walk through. I have two small dogs and they did fine. It wasn’t busy at all and everything was beautiful. The falls were big and worth the walk. It’s so wooded, shaded and peaceful. It’s also close by to another state park that also has a pretty big waterfall. This was also dog friendly. I would suggest to anyone who wants to see some nature while visiting the city.
Devin Ganka — Google review
Spectacular views, well marked path and a gorgeous fall day to adventure. We went early and arrived before others so it was more peaceful but it is a highly trafficked area. The bathrooms were clean and there were picnic tables and grills both in the open and under a pavilion. It was a lovely short hike with amazing views! The park had railings and steps and garbage bins along the hiking trail. Dog friendly too.
Beth Rekoske — Google review
I had not looked this lake up before visiting, such a wonderful suprise. That waterfall that's hidden in that lake is amazing. It was about an hour kayak trip from Cane Hollow (lots of parking there) Very nice lake, lots of wildlife and the water was perfect for swimming.
April Smith — Google review
First off. No matter how many pictures you take, the sights don't touch the quality of the picture. It's breath taking. Absolutely gorgeous.
The hike itself. It's steep and strenuous, it makes a little easier since there's steps which doesn't make it seem as bad, (good cardio) but if you're a plus lady like myself with poor lung function, I advise you take it easy and slow, don't rush yourself. The end is so worth it and it's rewarding knowing you did it!!!
We all had a blast, it was great fun. You'll enjoy it. We took our dog too and she had a blast!
Shawntee Stuller — Google review
Fantastic scenic place. Park area at top of falls offers a nice view.
The bottom is accessible by kayaking about two miles and then hiking the final stretch (assuming the water level is down as was when we visited.
Visiting the base is amazing. Scenic waterways w stellar views. We saw a bald eagle on the water while kayaking.
When the water is low you’ll need to walk in sometimes rocky, muddy, and hilly areas. You’ll be forced to cross the water at times and climb over some larger rocks.
Do it. It’s amazing.
Randy Silver — Google review
Super cool hike to above the falls! If you like living on the edge, this is the place for you! You can walk out to the edge of the falls where there is rock and see it from the tippy top! Don't fall in though it's 135 ft down the falls. Pretty cool the history of the falls powering a mill to power the town back in the day.
Alieda Short — Google review
Beautiful area! The trail was not at all crowded on a Thursday even tho the parking lot had quite a few vehicles. Happy to check this state park off my list! We really enjoyed the walk to view the falls. Beautiful scenery every where we looked!
Dawn Williams — Google review
Absolutely beautiful hike. You get to see falls in many different areas which is incredible and there’s a designated viewing area for each. The whole walk you’re surrounded by trees which this time of year (April) were pretty much entirely green. A few trees contained flowers and were in full bloom.
Nicole — Google review
Beautiful waterfall and easy hiking trail. Dogs on leashes are allowed. There is water access at the cascade near the parking lot and I think the only way to swim at the bottom of the actual fall is via kayak or canoe.
Kimmie B — Google review
Beautiful park with a nice and mostly easy to moderate hike.
Walk right up from the parking lot to enjoy the cascading water immediately or take the journey down the easy to moderate path to the large falls. From there, you can view from the top or take the moderately difficult journey to the bottom of the falls.
Worth the drive from any distance!
Kenny Holland — Google review
Such a wonderful park. The trail to the top of the overlook was moderate, but mainly due to the amount of stairs and spacing between each step. There is an access road that you can walk down to make it easier, but you will still have some stairs to navigate.
JF — Google review
Nice moderate hike with beautiful falls at the end. It took us about 20 min to slowly enjoy the route. Multiple falls along the way to the main one. Restrooms are nice, dog friendly, picnic places, dog friendly.
Mary Valdez — Google review
Fun little hike and absolutely beautiful! It's dog-friendly and parts of the hike can get a little narrow with all the trees and large roots.
Because of the sections that can be slightly narrow, please please do not bring dogs that are not friendly toward other dogs. Ours was almost attacked by a larger dog that the owner couldn't handle and had slipped away from her.
Even with that, however, I would definitely visit again.
Kimberly S — Google review
Updated to add more pics and say that it is still incredible being in this park!! The park is beautiful and the falls are incredible!! We took our fur babies and did the hike to the Overlook, the entire trail was amazing!!!
Carrie Carter — Google review
Oh my goodness, this place was absolutely gorgeous! Several waterfalls throughout the hike and the last one is breathtaking. The hike was very nice, however, if needed, there is an easier way to access the waterfall by taking a road.
tracey sotelo — Google review
The 3/4 mile walk to the Big Falls was worth it. I walked on the gravel trail. It only had 2 moderate hills to walk up and had benches at the top of the hills if you needed to rest. 1.5 mile round trip.
tammy raines — Google review
One of the most beautiful waterfalls to hike to. The hike is about 1.5 miles roundtrip. Not a hard hike to do and well worth it. Multiple cascade waterfalls to view along the way. Burgess falls at the end is such a stunning waterfall to view from a platform and can walk down to the top of the falls afterwards. I recommend seeing this beautiful piece of nature.