Tunnel Hill GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tunnel Hill, Georgia.
1. Historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel
CIVIL WAR RAILROAD HISTORY
The Historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel is a 1,497-foot tunnel built in the late 1840s that gives Tunnel Hill its name. This historic site served as a strategic point during the Civil War and now features a museum with exhibits on railroad and Civil War history. Visitors can walk through the restored tunnel and learn about its significance in American transportation and military history.
2. Tunnel Hill Heritage Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Tunnel Hill Heritage Center offers a fascinating glimpse into over 160 years of railroad and Civil War history. The center houses artifacts, exhibits, and educational displays that tell the story of Tunnel Hill's significant role in American history. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the town's heritage through guided tours and interactive displays.
3. Clisby Austin House
CIVIL WAR HEADQUARTERS
The Clisby Austin House served as a hospital and field headquarters during the Civil War. This historic home provides visitors with an authentic look into 19th-century life and Civil War operations in the region. Tours of the house highlight its architecture and historical significance in the context of American military history.
4. Tunnel Hill Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Tunnel Hill Golf Course offers golfers a picturesque setting among the rolling hills of Northwest Georgia. The course features well-maintained greens, challenging holes, and beautiful natural surroundings. Golf enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy a round while taking in the scenic views of the area.
5. Grumpy's
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Grumpy's is a beloved local eatery in Tunnel Hill known for its home-style cooking and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves up classic Southern comfort food that attracts both locals and visitors passing through the area. Diners can expect generous portions, friendly service, and a taste of authentic Georgia cuisine.
6. Raccoon Mountain Caverns
UNDERGROUND CAVE ADVENTURES
Raccoon Mountain Caverns features an extensive cave system with spectacular formations just a short drive from Tunnel Hill. Visitors can choose between walking tours of the Crystal Palace Room or more adventurous wild cave expeditions that explore undeveloped portions of the caverns. The site also offers gem mining, camping facilities, and other outdoor activities for families and adventure seekers.
7. Rock City
ICONIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Rock City is a renowned natural attraction featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and the famous See Seven States panoramic view. The site includes Lover's Leap, Fairyland Caverns, and the enchanting Mother Goose Village that delights visitors of all ages. Rock City has been a must-visit destination in the region since it opened to the public in 1932.
8. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers visitors the chance to experience rail travel as it was in the golden age of passenger trains. The museum features restored vintage locomotives and train cars that operate on regular excursions through the scenic Tennessee Valley. Train enthusiasts and families alike can enjoy rides ranging from short trips to full-day journeys, along with exhibits on railroad history.
9. Amicalola Falls State Park
TALLEST CASCADING WATERFALL
Amicalola Falls State Park showcases the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, with a dramatic 729-foot drop. The park offers numerous hiking trails, including access to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail via the Approach Trail. Visitors can also enjoy camping, lodging at the Amicalola Falls Lodge, zip-lining, and wildlife programs throughout the year.
10. Southern Belle Riverboat
TENNESSEE RIVER CRUISES
The Southern Belle Riverboat offers scenic cruises along the Tennessee River with stunning views of Lookout Mountain and the Chattanooga skyline. Passengers can choose from sightseeing cruises, dinner voyages with live entertainment, or special event sailings throughout the year. The authentic paddlewheel riverboat provides a nostalgic way to experience the natural beauty and history of the region from the water.
11. Lookout Mountain Attractions
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Lookout Mountain Attractions encompasses several world-famous sites including Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Visitors can marvel at the 145-foot underground waterfall at Ruby Falls, ride the world's steepest passenger railway, and enjoy panoramic views from various lookout points. The mountain straddles the Tennessee-Georgia border and played a significant role in Civil War history, adding historical interest to its natural beauty.
12. The Lost Sea Adventure
AMERICA'S LARGEST UNDERGROUND LAKE
The Lost Sea Adventure features America's largest underground lake, located within the historic Craighead Caverns cave system. Visitors take a guided tour through the caverns that culminates in a glass-bottom boat ride across the four-acre Lost Sea. The attraction also includes a nature trail, gem mining, glassblowing demonstrations, and a restaurant serving American classics.
13. Dalton Freight Depot
HISTORIC MARKET AND MUSEUM
The Dalton Freight Depot is a restored 1847 railroad building that now serves as a museum, marketplace, and event venue. The historic structure houses exhibits on local history, particularly focusing on the region's railroad heritage and its carpet industry. Visitors can browse local crafts and products at the market while learning about Dalton's significant role in Southern industrial development.
14. Chief Vann House Historic Site
CHEROKEE NATION LANDMARK
The Chief Vann House Historic Site preserves the 1804 home of James Vann, a wealthy Cherokee leader and entrepreneur. The two-story brick mansion features fine architectural details that blend Cherokee and European influences, showcasing the sophisticated lifestyle of the Cherokee elite before forced removal. Guided tours of the house and interpretive center provide insights into Cherokee history, culture, and the tragic Trail of Tears era.
15. New Echota Historic Site
CHEROKEE CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION
New Echota Historic Site preserves and reconstructs the capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 until the forced removal in the 1830s. The site features reconstructed and original buildings including the Supreme Court, Council House, Print Shop, and the home of missionary Samuel Worcester. Visitors can walk the grounds where the controversial Treaty of New Echota was signed, leading to the infamous Trail of Tears.