Unique Getaway in Georgia

Fairyland Caverns, Epic Views, and Waterfalls 2 Hours from Atlanta

To say I am a little obsessed with Rock City and the stunning landscapes around northwest Georgia and Walker County would be an understatement.

This area of Georgia is incredible because it offers a little something for everyone -- outdoor adventures, unique places to stay, and lots to do! I explored it solo this time, but it's also perfect for a romantic couples getaway or a family vacation. And with Chattanooga just minutes away, you can enjoy all the natural beauty without sacrificing city amenities. It's the best of both worlds!

I focused on the small towns around Walker County because I am on a lifetime mission to visit every community in Georgia and try as many local coffee shops as I can. Thankfully, my friends at Walker Rocks gave me some great recommendations, and I am sharing them all (and some travel tips!) with you below in my 3 days/2-night itinerary to this magical corner of the peach state.

*Disclosure: This content was created in partnership with Walker Rocks-- as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting this page!

Cloudland Canyon, John Ross Commons, and Rock City.

DAY ONE: Rossville & Rock City Magic

12 PM: Arrive

One of the best parts about traveling to this area is it's far enough away from Atlanta to make you feel like you're getting away, but at only 2-ish hours, it's an easy road trip. And, if you've ever wanted to stop at a Buc-ees, you'll find one perfectly situated at the halfway point -- no judgement, I hear the beaver nuggets are good.

My first stop was Rossville for some coffee, lunch, and wandering.

• Lunch Stop: Cesario's Pizzeria (321 McFarland Ave, Rossville) - good service, excellent pizza, and a great atmosphere. The only challenge is choosing which pie to get since they have so many interesting combinations. I got the Pollo al Limon because I absolutely needed to try lemon on pizza. I can see why my server said it was her favorite.

  
  

• Coffee Break: (be) Caffeinated (200 Chickamauga Ave, Rossville) - I love a good signature drink, and this coffee shop has lots to choose from in addition to their more traditional offerings. I had the Honey (bee) latte with honey and vanilla, and since it was a beautiful day, I took it with me to the next spot.

  
  

• Local Exploration: Located in the center of Rossville is John Ross Commons, a lovely green space with a pond, playground, picnic tables, and the historic John Ross House. The pond is open for fishing on the last Saturday of each month from sunrise to sunset.

  
  

(be) caffeinated, John Ross Commons with picnic tables and playground and Cesario's Pizzeria

3 PM: Check-In

The Chanticleer Inn has been on my bucket list for years, not only for the beautiful stone architecture that makes it look like an English cottage and the lovely swimming pool, but for the incredible location on the top of Lookout Mountain directly across the street from Rock City!

I loved the idea of being able to walk to Rock City from my room. This gave me the option to visit during the day, come back and rest, and then return for dinner and the evening lights. And the inn itself is so charming. One of my dreams is to have a bed and breakfast someday, and this is exactly the kind of place I picture when I dream.

Note: Children over the age of 12 are welcome at Chanticleer Inn. If you're traveling with younger children, I recommend Candlelight Forest -- we stayed here several years ago and loved it.

The charming Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast is directly across the street from Rock City.

4 PM: Rock City

Anytime is a good time to visit Rock City! But if you want to be a little strategic, arrive late enough to avoid the crowds and early enough to enjoy the daylight hours. Then, you can return to your room to freshen up if you want and head back to have dinner, see the sunset, and see the park lit up at night (evening hours vary seasonally).

• Rock City: This may be the most unique place in all of Georgia! From the art, flowers, and charming paths to the swing bridge and fairyland caverns, you won't find a place like this anywhere else. It's truly something you must experience for yourself.

  
  

• Dinner: Cafe 7 is located at Lover's Leap and offers a great vantage point of the seven states. Embracing this theme, the menu serves favorites representing each state, and they source their ingredients from within 100 miles. I had the catfish tacos (Alabama) and they were delicious. I wasn't expecting the food to be such a selling point, but I look forward to trying more. I hear the brisket is the first thing to sell out -- so try it if you can. Beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, and coffee/tea are also available.

  
  

• Rock City After Dark: Starting May 23-August 2, you can enjoy the park until 10:30 PM! I highly recommend this -- I pretty much had the whole garden to myself once the sun went down. It was an experience I will never forget. [Check their website for the most current times. The park is open until 9:30 PM April 1- May 22]

Rock City during the day and at night -- you must experience this for yourself!

DAY TWO: Waterfalls & Epic Views

8 AM: Breakfast

Breakfast is included during your stay at Chanticleer Inn and served each morning in their dining room, sun room, or outside on the stone patio overlooking the beautiful garden. They have a standard menu with items like eggs made to order or fresh fruit bowls, and also serve a daily chef's special.

Coffee on tap, the sun room dining area, and chef's special waffles.

9:30 AM: Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you haven't been to Cloudland Canyon State Park (122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA), this is your sign to visit. This is one of Georgia's most beautiful state parks and has everything from thousand-foot canyons to waterfalls. Even if you only have a few minutes to spend here, you'll enjoy the 1-mile Overlook Trail with impressive canyon views. (Please note they were doing work during my visit, so the overlook trail was closed, but you can still see the view from the main overlook.)

If you have more time, check out one of the many trails, including the Waterfalls Trail, where you can see not one, but 2 incredible waterfalls. It's 2 miles and includes about 600 stairs, and if you can manage it, the views are spectacular (especially after it rains)!

Note: Parking is $5 cash. The Interpretive Center is open Saturday-Sunday and weekdays as staffing allows.

TIP: I travel with a sundress so I can quickly change in the park bathroom before heading to lunch.

Cherokee Falls, the trail to Hemlock Falls, and a quick outfit change before lunch

1:30 PM: Lunch

McLemore is one of Georgia's newest resort communities and one of the most beautiful golf destinations in the southeast. It's also home to Stay Cloudland, a Curio Collection hotel and spa with several wonderful dining options and some of the best views you'll find anywhere.

For this trip, I dined at Croft, which serves "high-country picnic, American fare with a twist." Menu options range from shareable starters to salads, sandwiches, and mains. You can eat in the dining room or on the outdoor patio -- either way, you're in for a treat with the view. I had the bl(fg)t, a fried green tomato version of a BLT -- and it was so good! I also had the brownie for the sake of research. If you also like doing research, you won't be mad about this choice.

TIP: Make a reservation in advance to enjoy free valet parking.

Stay Cloudland main lobby, the bl(fg)t, and jewel box dining room at Croft.

4 PM: Relax

What's a getaway without a little relaxing? It was unseasonably chilly during my stay at Chanticleer Inn, so unfortunately, the pool wasn't open yet, but I enjoyed my time sitting in the common area and reading their collection of books about Lookout Mountain and Rock City. The inn also puts out complimentary snacks and cookies every afternoon.

Chanticleer pool, sitting room with games and books, and daily afternoon treats.

6 PM: Point Park & Sunset Rock

After some downtime, I wanted to see more beautiful views and catch the sunset. If you're looking for some easy options nearby, both of these are incredible:

• Point Park (110 Point Park Rd., Lookout Mountain), a 10-acre memorial park that overlooks the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and the city of Chattanooga. The park is open from 8:30 AM to half an hour after official sunset. There is a $10 admission fee.

  
  

  TIP: Street parking is $9, but there is a small free lot behind the visitors center.

  
  

• Sunset Rock (405 W. Brow Rd, Lookout Mountain), a short walk for west-facing views on top of Lookout Mountain. Please note, parking is very limited -- if you have time during the day and find yourself nearby, grab parking whenever you can to enjoy this quick hike and view!

Point Park entrance, view inside Point Park, and a rock climber on Sunset Rock.

DAY THREE: Small Town Charm (with Options)

8 AM: Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at Chanticleer Inn before heading back home. If you have time, you can do a little exploring in Chickamauga and Lafayette, GA,

10 AM Chickamauga

• The Grind Coffee Shop (104 Crittenden Ave., Chickamauga: Grab a coffee to go at this cute little spot for some wandering around downtown Chickamauga

  
  

• Tour Chickamauga:

  • Lee & Gordon's Mills (71 Red Belt Rd, Chickamauga) - A historic 19th-century gristmill that played a significant role during the Civil War's Battle of Chickamauga.

  • Shopping: I was there too early to enjoy any shopping, but I did notice some cute boutiques, a comic book store, and a teeny tiny cupcake shop!

  • Gordon Lee Mansion (217 Cove Road, Chickamauga) - A home built in 1847 with preserved architecture and period furnishings.

    
    

The Grind Coffee Shop and downtown Chickamauga.

12 PM: Visit LaFayette

• Lunch Stop: Visit Station House (123 N Chattanooga St., LaFayette) or Wardlaw's Lucky Eye Q (103 N Chattanooga St, LaFayette) -- they say this is some of the best barbecue in the state of Georgia.

  
  

• Sweet Ending: Grab a coffee from The Great Awakening (111 N Cherokee St, LaFayette). I got the French Toast Latte, and OMG, I would drive back just for this.

  
  

• Photo Op: Before heading out of town, make sure to capture a photo at the Walker Rocks mural (108 E Villanow St, LaFayette) or The Matchbox Drive-Thru (125 N Chattanooga St, LaFayette), a micro drive-thru wedding venue with cute murals.

  
  

The Station House, The Great Awakening French Toast Late, and the Matchbox Drive-Thru in Lafayette.

2 PM: Depart

Until next time, Walker Rocks!

Mural outside the adorable Matchbox Drive-Thru Wedding Chapel in Lafayette, GA

I used the Walker Rocks website to help plan my trip. There is SO much more to do here, so use the above as a guide and make sure to check out their website to tailor the itinerary to your interests!

Thank you again to Walker County for sponsoring this trip and supporting this page!

xoKerry