Hamilton GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hamilton, Georgia.
1. Callaway Gardens
NATURAL WONDERLAND RETREAT
Callaway Gardens is a 2,500-acre resort complex and botanical garden nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Hamilton. Visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens featuring azaleas, hollies, and butterflies, as well as recreational activities including golf, tennis, and water sports. The gardens host special events throughout the year, including the Fantasy in Lights holiday display during winter months.
2. F.D. Roosevelt State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR PARADISE
F.D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia's largest state park, spanning 9,049 acres of forests, streams, and mountains near Hamilton. The park offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Pine Mountain Trail, and was a favorite retreat of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Visitors can explore historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and enjoy camping, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
3. Dowdell's Knob
ROOSEVELT'S FAVORITE OVERLOOK
Dowdell's Knob is a scenic overlook within F.D. Roosevelt State Park that was frequently visited by President Roosevelt during his trips to nearby Warm Springs. The site features a life-size bronze statue of Roosevelt sitting on a car seat, commemorating where he often came to picnic and contemplate while enjoying the panoramic views. From this 1,395-foot elevation, visitors can take in breathtaking vistas of the valley and surrounding Pine Mountain ridge.
4. Blanton Creek Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Blanton Creek Park offers access to Lake Harding with facilities for boating, fishing, and camping near Hamilton. The park features boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping sites for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lake activities. Visitors can catch bass, catfish, and crappie in the 5,850-acre reservoir created by Bartlett's Ferry Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
5. Lake Harding
SCENIC RESERVOIR PARADISE
Lake Harding is a 5,850-acre reservoir on the Chattahoochee River offering water recreation opportunities for residents and visitors around Hamilton. The lake features 156 miles of shoreline with numerous coves and inlets perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports. Many lakeside restaurants and marinas provide services for visitors enjoying this popular recreational destination.
6. Chipley Historical Center
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Chipley Historical Center preserves and showcases the history of Harris County and its surrounding communities. Housed in a historic building, the center displays artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development. Visitors can learn about local heritage, notable citizens, and the area's connection to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
7. Man O' War Trail
SCENIC HIKING PATH
Man O' War Trail is a popular hiking path in Harris County offering a moderate outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts. The trail winds through diverse forest landscapes with opportunities to observe local wildlife and native plants. Hikers can enjoy well-maintained paths with scenic viewpoints along the route.
8. Pine Mountain Trail
PREMIER WILDERNESS HIKING
The Pine Mountain Trail is a 23-mile main trail with multiple loop options traversing the picturesque ridges of Pine Mountain. Maintained by the Pine Mountain Trail Association, this premier hiking destination offers everything from easy day hikes to challenging backcountry camping experiences. Hikers can discover waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and diverse ecosystems while exploring one of Georgia's most beloved trail systems.
9. Harris County Recreation Department Sports Complexes
COMMUNITY ATHLETIC FACILITIES
The Harris County Recreation Department Sports Complexes provide modern athletic facilities for local teams and tournaments. The complexes feature baseball fields, soccer pitches, tennis courts, and multipurpose areas for community sports activities. These well-maintained venues host recreational leagues, youth sports, and special sporting events throughout the year.
10. The Harris County Boutique
LOCAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Harris County Boutique offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts in downtown Hamilton. This charming specialty shop features unique merchandise with a focus on local artisans and Southern-inspired items. Visitors can find distinctive souvenirs, fashion pieces, and home décor that capture the spirit of Harris County.
11. Wild Animal Safari
DRIVE-THROUGH WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Wild Animal Safari is a drive-through wildlife park where visitors can observe exotic animals up close from their vehicles or on guided bus tours. The 500-acre park is home to over 75 species of animals including zebras, giraffes, bison, and various antelope species that roam freely in naturalistic habitats. After the safari drive, guests can explore the Walk-About Adventure Zoo with additional animal exhibits and interactive experiences.
12. The Bulloch House Restaurant
SOUTHERN COMFORT DINING
The Bulloch House Restaurant serves authentic Southern cuisine in a historic home setting near Hamilton. Known for its all-you-can-eat buffet featuring fried chicken, country-fried steak, and an array of traditional sides and desserts, this dining establishment has been a regional favorite for decades. The restaurant occupies a Victorian house built in 1893, adding historic charm to the dining experience.
13. Little White House Historic Site
ROOSEVELT'S GEORGIA RETREAT
The Little White House Historic Site preserves the personal retreat where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought treatment for his polio and eventually passed away in 1945. The modest six-room cottage remains much as it was the day Roosevelt died, with original furnishings and personal items on display. Visitors can tour the house, museum, and grounds to learn about FDR's connection to Georgia and how his experiences in Warm Springs influenced his presidency.
14. Warm Springs Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Warm Springs Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in a charming setting near historic Warm Springs. The family-owned winery produces a variety of wines including muscadine, fruit-infused, and traditional grape varieties that reflect the regional terroir. Guests can enjoy tastings, tour the production facilities, and relax on the patio overlooking scenic countryside views.
15. The Bakery & Café at Rose Cottage
QUAINT DOWNTOWN EATERY
The Bakery & Café at Rose Cottage is a charming eatery located in a historic building in downtown Pine Mountain near Hamilton. This popular establishment serves fresh-baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and specialty coffee drinks in a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the homemade desserts, friendly service, and the opportunity to dine in a piece of local history.