day trips, museums & outdoor activities near Marshfield Farm
Looking for Something Fun?
We've left lots of regional brochures and flyers in the basket on the dining table. We thought we'd let you in on some of our personal favorites, too.
In this informal (and evolving) guide you'll find swimming holes, annual events, hiking trails and day trips to help you enjoy your farmhouse getaway.
Please make sure to Google or call the individual locations before planning a trip. External factors can affect hours and accessibility.
In most cases, we ' ve specified how far from the farmhouse each attraction is. Have fun planning, and...
Enjoy your getaway!
Destinations
Fort Mountain State Park
Swim in a 17-acre lake, located approximately 40-minutes from the farm, on nice backroads. The park includes: hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, horseback riding and is near a number of historic Native American sites. Park Hours, 7 am – 10 pm, Office, 8 am – 5 pm. Fees & Passes: $5 per day for parking. Park Office: 706-422-1932. Located at: 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, GA. Please Google "Fort Mountain State Park" for more details and to ensure the most up-to-date information.
Haig Mill Lake
Pristine new park surrounding a water-quality management reservoir, 12 miles from the farmhouse. No swimming or pets, but paddle boats and canoes are allowed, with some rentals onsite. The park is known for a 3.5mile walking/biking trail, fishing piers, a dock, a picnic pavilion, and a nature-themed playground. Only non-motorized boating. Open dawn to dusk, during the season. Please call before traveling, as occasionally the park closes for water treatment. Address: 652 Haig Mill Lake Rd. Dalton, Georgia. Park Number: (706) 529-8622. A valid Georgia fishing license is required for fishing.
Nob North Golf Course
Ten minutes from the farmhouse, Nob North Golf Course is owned by the City Of Dalton, and opened in July of 1978. A picturesque and challenging 18-hole layout offers both a challenge to the expert golfer as well as a pleasant afternoon out for the casual player. 298 Nob North Drive, Cohutta, GA. (706) 694-8505
Destinations, continued...
McLellan Island
Located approximately 30 minutes from the farmhouse, in Chattanooga, on the Tennessee River. Accessible by water only, and managed by the Chattanooga Audobon Society. You can rent a stand-up paddleboat or kayak at L2 Outside (l2outside.com) in Coolidge Park, in downtown Chattanooga, and paddle to the island, which has quiet, pristine shores. There is no running water or electricity on the island, but you'll enjoy the primitive, natural location and the cool water. Google "McLellan Island Chattanooga TN" for additional informaiton.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park, on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, is one of the most scenic parks in the state. Just a 45 minute drive from Dalton, this beautiful park features thousand-foot deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, two waterfalls, creeks, dense woodland and abundant wildlife. There's hiking, tennis and disc golf, among other activities. 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA. (706) 657-4050
Rock City
Massive ancient rock formations that's been a classic tourist destination for almost 100 years. Features include a 90-ft waterfall; a 180-ft long suspension bridge; Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, a raptor show and live music on summer weekends. Gardens with over 400 native plant species. Panoramic views. Cafes, gift shops, art installations. About 40 minutes from the farmhouse. 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA. (706) 820-2531.
Destinations, continued...
Ruby Falls
See the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore the cave ' s ancient formations. Zip line adventure atop Lookout Mountain. Cafe and gift shop. Reservations for cave walks, lantern tours and zip line are required. Tickets at rubyfalls.com. Located about 35 minutes from the farmhouse at 1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN. (423) 821-2544.
Sunday Funday - The Chattanooga Market
Producers who come to sell at the Market include local and regional farmers, food artisans, wood-workers, photographers, artists and craftsmen of all disciplines. Topping out at nearly 200 vendors each week, there is always something new to see and enjoy. Includes about a dozen food trucks to choose from each week. The local eats include cafestyle sandwiches, empanadas, authentic Mexican, Lupi’s Pizza, Cajun food, low country seafood and many other types of cuisine. Live music. Every Sunday during the season - please Google for exact hours. Located at First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Carter Street, Chattanooga TN.
Hiking
The farmhouse is located in a community that's nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. As result, it is surrounded by excellent trails for hiking and walking. Our co-host and chief greeter, Megan, is an avid hiker and makes the following suggestions:
Megan's Picks
Rocky Face Ridge Park –
2209 Crow Valley Road NW, Dalton
Recently opened, this 1,000-acre park is a beautiful place to spend your time. Ten mile loop of single track mountain bike trail that circles the ridge. Numerous Civil War trenches and fortifications dot the sides of the ridge (complete with placards) and the former Grant Farm, where the parking lot and trailheads are located, was the site of two Civil War skirmishes. There is a 5K hiking trail that loops around the park and goes up to the top of the ridge. There are also more paths for a leisurely stroll.
Dog Friendly Kid Friendly
George W. Disney Trail – 2325 Chattanooga Road, Dalton
This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a good 2-hour adventure. The trail starts out easy but quickly ascends (walking poles are beneficial) and becomes steep and challenging in places (a few locations require climbing over boulders). Once at the top the view is breathtaking and there is the grave site of George W. Disney, a Confederate soldier.
Dog Friendly
Megan's Picks, continued...
Mount Rachel Hiking – West Park Street, Dalton
This is a wooded 1.6-mile out-and-back loop with washroom and picnic seating at the trailhead. It’s a nice hike that takes about 40 minutes. Located on the outskirts of Dalton's historic mill village, a neighborhood in the beginning stages of revitalization.
Dog Friendly Kid Friendly
Additional Trails
Cascade Trail / Roadrunner Trail - Dalton State College Campus
A 4-mile trail on the Dalton State College campus that is open year round to hikers and runners. The Cascade or Roadrunner Trail features miniature waterfalls and mountain streams and is within easy and accessible reach of Dalton. (Located just off I-75 at Walnut Avenue.
Pinhoti Trail - GA 136 to Dug Gap Mountain Road
Looking for an all-day hike? This 15.3-mile point-to-point trail near Dalton is generally considered a challenging route, and takes an average of 6 h 46 min to complete. Part of the 335 mile Southern Appalachian Pinhoti trail system that connects Alabama and Georgia. Google for details and trail entrances.
Parks & Rec
Dalton offers extensive parks and green spaces, with amenities including picnic tables, playgrounds, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, disc golf, grills, bandstands, pools and splash pads, mountain bike trails, and more.
For details please visit: https://www.mydprd.com.
NOTE - Raisin Woods park is a mountain bike park named for Dalton's own pro cyclist, and is located at 145 Raisin Way in Dalton.
Looking for specialized activities? Consider these nearby options available at State and Federal parks and wildlife management areas, or private venues. Please Google for up-to-date information before traveling, as weather, events, crowd sizes, renovations, and other things may affect availability and access.
Shooting -- Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range
Located within the Johns Mountain WMA, this area has shooting benches for rifles and handguns, a covered shed over the benches, and accessible benches. Chestnut Mountain is a 100 yard shooting range with intervals of 25, 50 and 100 yards. Bring your own unbreakable targets. Gravel parking for 10 vehicles. Gravel path to restroom and shooting shed.
Horseback Riding -- Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club OR Peavine Creek Stables
Trail rides can be booked at Hidden Hills or Peavine Creek, both of which are located about half an hour from the farmhouse. Reservations required. Please check websites for details, at: www.saddlebred-horses.com OR www.hiddenhillsfarm.com.
Websites for Additional Activities
Please check the following websites for additional specialized activities in the region, such as caving, rock climbing, tennis, disc golf, geocaching, paddling and more:
www.outdoorchattanooga.com
www.whitfieldcountyga.com/rec/parks/outdoor.htm
www.mydprd.com
www.gastateparks.com
www.tnstateparks.com
Parks & Rec, continued...
Off the Beaten Path
Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel
The historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel was built from 1848 to 1850. 1,477 feet long and built entirely by hand, it was the final link that connected the southern railroad from Atlanta to Chattanooga. Tours available with a local afficionado. Small museum. 215 Clisby Austin Road Tunnel Hill (706) 876-1571
Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden (CAG)
Small walkable sculpture garden with over 40 works of art, on the grounds of the Creative Arts Guild (CAG) in Dalton. Free and open to the public. 520 W Waugh Street (706) 278-0168
Downtown Dalton's Farmer's Market
The Downtown Dalton Farmers Market is a small open air market on the Dalton Green, every Saturday from June 1st through October, from 8 am2 pm and on Tuesdays from 10 am - 3 pm. The green is located at 117 N. Selvidge Street in Downtown Dalton, GA. The market offers locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, and more.
Chattanooga Dinner Train
Like stepping back in time. Join the Tennessee Valley Railroad for dinner trains on select Fridays and Saturdays, March through October. The trips include a three-course dining experience onboard restored dining cars that travel at a leisurely pace through portions of urban East Chattanooga. www.tvrail.com
Local History
Chief Vann House
Less than 20 minutes from Downtown Dalton, Cherokee Chief Joseph Vann’s historic plantation house and grounds is a connection to the early 19th Century Cherokee assimilation efforts that ultimately led to the Trail of Tears. Please call to verify open hours. Located at 82 Highway 225 N., Chatsworth, GA. (706) 695-2598.
New Echota
About 25 minutes from the farmhouse, New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the nation and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began. Features 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Council House, Court House, Print Shop, Missionary Samuel Worcester's home, and an 1805 store, as well as outbuildings such as smoke houses, corn cribs and barns. Please call to verify hours. Located at 1211 Chatsworth Highway NE Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 624-1321.
Etowah Indian Mounds
An hour from the farmhouse, the Etowah Mounds State Historic Site preserves the historic landscape that drew Native Americans of the Mississippian Culture to this location. Exhibits and interpretations show the high level of artistry and craftsmanship of the native tribes, as well as daily and ceremonial life in the villages. The 54-acre site protects six earthen mounds, a plaza, village site, borrow pits and a defensive ditch. The park allows leashed pets on the nature trail but not in the buildings. Please call to verify hours and fees. 813 Indian Mounds Road SE Cartersville, GA. (770) 387-3747.
Chickamauga Battlefield
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was the first park of its type in the country. It was dedicated in 1895 and has since served as a model for most national military and historical parks. It encompasses 9,000 acres of battlefields, monuments, outdoor activities and more. Excellent visitor center with exhibits, bookstore and film. Check visitor center hours - it is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Located about 25 minutes from the farmhouse, at 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
Red Clay State Historical Park
The last seat of Cherokee national government before the 1838 enforcement of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 by the U.S. military. Eleven general councils were held here between 1832 and 1837 Scheduled educational tours on everything from Cherokee weapons to medicinal plants. Hiking trails. About 18 minutes from the farmhouse. Google or call for details. 1140 Red Clay Park Road S.W. Cleveland, TN, (423) 478-0339.
Local History, continued...
Museums
Tennessee Aquarium
Otters, penguins, turtles, sharks and more at this state-of-the-art aquarium. There's a River Journey and an Ocean Journey, as well as a Butterfly Garden and IMAX theater. Located on the riverfront in Downtown Chattanooga. Reserve tickets recommended. One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN. (800)-262-0695
Hunter Museum of Art
The Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga collects, preserves, and presents American art. Paintings, photographs, works on paper, sculpture garden. Gift shop and cafe. Lots to do in the area. Combine with lunch or brunch at a downtown Chattanooga restaurant for a full day trip. We love Old Gillman Grill, Easy Bistro and Alleia for upscale brunches.
Creative Discovery Museum
An award-winning children's museum in the heart of Chattanooga. Kids can unearth the curiosities of the world through play, immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Tickets required. 321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN www.cdmfun.org.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Small, detailed museum on Chattanooga's African-American history (as well as Native American history). Engaging exhibits, art and artifacts. Educational and child friendly. Gift shop features jewelry and art from local black artists. Excellent event venue. Please call to verify hours. Located at 200 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403. (423) 266-8658
Local Events 2023
Off the Rails Summer Concert Series
The Off The Rails Live Series has returned to Downtown Dalton! The Burr Park Stage will feature a wide range of free, live entertainment - from concerts, festivals and more! Join in every Friday Night in June, July and the 3rd week in September for great performances you won't want to miss6:30 pm - 10 pm.
Moonlight and Moonshine
On October nights in Northwest Georgia, when the leaves have changed and the weather’s crisp, you feel the history that fills the valleys of the Appalachian foothills. The Dalton Distillery and the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center Museum will bring an evening of history and mystery when history will come to life! Moonlight & Moonshine is held on the grounds of the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center located at 215 Clisby Austin Rd, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755. On-site parking will be available. Only for guests 21+
Prater's Mill Country Fair
Prater's Mill Historic Site
500 Prater Mill Rd NE, Dalton, GA 30721
October: Exact Date TBA
Prater’s Mill Country Fair is an annual show where all exhibitors must hand-make their items out of only natural materials. The fair features southern food, mostly prepared by local groups. Live music and performances.
Adult admission is $10.00 cash; children 12 and under, military ID, parking & shuttle service, all free. CASH at GATE only. No advanced tickets. No cards accepted for entry.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Creative Arts Guild
520 West Waugh Street, Dalton, GA 30720
October: Exact Date TBA
A traditional Hispanic celebration of ancestry, incorporating color, art and ritual. Participate by bringing a photo or memento of a loved one you wish to honor and placing it at our community ofrenda (altar). Photos will remain up throughout the event.
Traditional dancers will offer a blessing. Catrina/Catrin attire and kids costumes are welcome! Free Admission.
Local Events 2023 continued...
4th of July Celebrations
Heritage Point Regional Park - Dalton (15 minutes from farmhouse)
1250 Cross Plains Trail, Dalton, GA 30721
Exact Date: TBD
Town of Cohutta's Firework Celebration (15 minutes from farmhouse)
254 Wolfe Street, Cohutta, GA
Exact Date: TBD
The main area is located next to Cohutta Elementary school near the play ground. Food vendors will be set up in the community building parking lot within walking distance of the park. Craft vendors, vintage cars and tractors. Face-painting under the pavilion. Live band. Bring your own chairs or blankets for sitting on.
Local Events 2023 continued...
Local Events 2023 continued...
Downtown Dalton Trick or Treat
Late October - Exact Date TBD
Annual Holiday Open House
Downtown Dalton
Exact Dates TBD
Every year, on the first weekend of November, downtown Dalton kicks off the holiday season with an open house. Most shops have storewide sales, are decorated with holiday decor and serve refreshments.
Kiwanis Club Pancake Day
Downtown Dalton
Exact Date: TBD
Join the Kiwanis Club of Dalton for their annual Pancake Day at the Dalton Green from 6 am-12 pm rain or shine. Ticket price is $7 before event and $8 at the door. A tradition since 1960. Thousands come to enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage (Combine Pancake Day with Holiday Open House for a full day in Dalton.)
Downtown Dalton Holiday Parade
Exact Date: TBD
mydprd.com
visitchattanooga.com
outdoorchattanooga.com
exploregeorgia.org
tnvacation.com
Websites
visitdaltonga.com
