Spring is a new beginning. Longer days allow us to enjoy the warmer temperatures and explore outdoors. No more heavy layers – a light breeze and warm sunshine helps awaken our souls. The birds are singing, colors are brighter, and tiny new flowers peek out of the soil, as trees begin to sport new buds and leaves. Just as in nature, we are ready to be outdoors and on the move. Get the inside scoop on what to do and where to go this spring in Cherokee County!
Hiking and Mountain Biking with friends
photos by Dashing Images
Whether it’s a leisurely stroll, a hike along gorgeous mountain trails, or a bike ride over one of our many paths, Cherokee County offers an endless range of options from beginner to extreme to take a hike or mountain bike with friends. One of our most popular places to run or mountain bike is Blankets Creek trail system. The seven trails are easily accessible, have beautiful views, and are labeled based on trail rating, fitness, and technical difficulty. In addition, walking, running, or biking options are available at the many parks throughout the county.
Etowah River Park (Canton), Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails (Woodstock), Reinhardt University Hiking and Biking Trail System (Waleska), and Robert’s Lake Trail (Ball Ground) provide varying levels of difficulty for all adventurers. Etowah River Park trail in Canton, GA has lots of green space, access to the river, and engaging playground make it a favorite with people of all ages. There are two paved trails; a circular trail, and a connecting trail to Heritage Park across the Etowah River. SORBA Woodstock maintains the Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails. This trail was built for mountain bikes and has been divided into ten loops. Hikers are welcome yet must yield the trail to bikes and travel in the opposite direction (direction information available on SORBA Woodstock’s website). Reinhardt University Hiking and Biking Trail System takes riders on a 7-mile system of interconnected trails located on University property and accessible all year long offering gorgeous views and excellent terrain for mountain biking, hiking, or running . Roberts Lake Trail is a hiking trail of moderate difficulty that provides the only access to Roberts Lake Park, a 45-acre green space tract along Long Swamp Creek. Bring your fishing license and pole to enjoy Long Swamp Creek while you’re there!
No matter what area of Cherokee you are visiting, our parks and recreation are available for your enjoyment! See all the options at www.DestinationCherokeeGA.com | Recreation | Biking & Hiking.
Golf
Looking to play some great golf? Seven public golf courses and three disc golf options are available in Cherokee County. Bridgemill Golf and Country Club is built on rolling hills with nice cart paths and friendly staff. The Club at Bradshaw Farm has a beautiful course, outstanding service, and the “Best Ice Cream in America”. Woodmont Golf and Country Club was the first course in Georgia to be designed by the renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones and has gorgeous views and many other amenities to enjoy. Fairways of Canton offers a beautiful course, along with top-tier Stratus Kitchen & Bar. Town Lake Hills Golf Club has gorgeous bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens that are skillfully designed and always impeccably maintained with its rolling green hills and lovely wooded countryside in Woodstock. Eagle Watch Golf Club, also in Woodstock, is situated amid a beautiful natural setting in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is consistently ranked one of the top courses in Georgia, See more options at www.DestinationCherokeeGA.com | Recreation | Golf.
If you’re looking for Disc Golf, then try your luck in Waleska on the campus of Reinhardt University for a picturesque course that winds beside the cascading ponds and popular Lake Mullenix. There are two other alternatives, Sequoyah Park and Dupree Park. Sequoyah Park (Canton) has walking trails and an 18-hole disc golf course that winds their way through the park. Dupree Park (Woodstock) is the city’s oldest park and home to 18 holes of disc golf on the Prodigy Par2 Challenge, two open fields to fly kites, picnic tables, and restrooms allow for a relaxing family day.
Dixie Speedway
Experience high-octane excitement at Dixie Speedway, the only dirt track in metro Atlanta and a must-visit for racing fans looking for things to do in Cherokee County, GA. Feel the roar of the engines on Friday nights as cars slide around the clay track, delivering adrenaline-filled entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss meeting Speedy the mascot, a fan favorite who brings energy and fun to every race night. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway near Atlanta or searching for family-friendly attractions in North Georgia, Dixie Speedway offers a one-of-a-kind motorsports experience.
Gibbs Gardens
USA Today Readers voted Gibbs Gardens the #1 Flower Festival in the USA for the second year! Flower Magazine says Gibbs Gardens is one of “The World’s 10 Best Places to See Daffodils”. Some of the most beautiful views and amazing gardens in Cherokee County can be seen at Gibbs Gardens near Ball Ground. The look of the garden changes every two weeks, spring boasts over 20 million daffodils and 40 million tulips, summer blooms include azaleas, water lillies, and acres of wildflower gardens, plus fall color is prevalent in the Japanese gardens with a color display of gold, orange, and red. Simply stunning world class gardens spread across 356 acres with mature trees and rolling hills and ribbons of color. The seamless integration of Gibbs’ artistic design provides a breathtaking canvas including the nation’s largest Japanese Garden. In addition to the feature gardens there are 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings, 19 waterfalls, natural springs, and many artistically designed structures making it one of the top things to do in North Georgia for day trips, weekend getaways, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Open March – November.
The Mill on Etowah
The Mill on Etowah offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment along the scenic Etowah River. This historic mill redevelopment features local favorites like craft breweries, restaurants, boutique shops, arcade experiences, and outdoor gathering spaces. Throughout the year, The Mill hosts seasonal festivals, live music, markets, and signature events like holiday celebrations, creating a lively atmosphere for families, couples, and groups. The Mill on Etowah delivers a perfect blend of history, culture, and community.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the tasty ice cream scoops at Sweety’s Cafe.
Hot Air Balloons
See Cherokee County from a unique aerial perspective – as the sun rises, look out over Lake Lanier, Kennesaw Mountain, the Atlanta skyline, and the beginnings of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountain ranges from a Hot Air Balloon. Sunrise or sunset hot air balloon rides are an enchanting and exciting way to explore. The perspective from above is very different than what you’ll get adventuring on foot, and while rides can be pricy, the experience is usually worth the cost. Three locally owned and operated balloon companies, Balloons Over Georgia, Balloon Atlanta, and Fly Wendy Fly, offer rides in Cherokee County. Private, shared, or tethered options available.
Horseback Trail Riding
Georgia Frontiers offers western-style horseback riding for all levels ages 9 and up. Trail rides are in a natural setting and can be reserved online for 1 hour, 1.5 hours., or 2 hours. Friendly instructors lead the ride on beautiful wooded trails, across open areas, and along the creek in the mountains.
Or take to the trail with your own horse at Garland Mountain Horse & Hiking Trails and create your own adventure. These trails wind their way through 940+ acres in northwest Cherokee County. Enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills.
Plan Your Getaway
From scenic hiking and biking trails to relaxing rounds on local golf courses, Cherokee County offers endless ways to explore the outdoors and create unforgettable memories. Discover world-class beauty at Gibbs Gardens, enjoy dining, shopping, and events at The Mill on Etowah, take in breathtaking views from a hot air balloon, feel the thrill of racing at Dixie Speedway, or unwind on horseback along scenic trails. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway near Atlanta or searching for the best outdoor adventures in North Georgia, Cherokee County is where adventure, relaxation, and Southern charm come together. Checkout events near here with Destination Cherokee GA.