Get Outdoors Dalton!

(Trails and Such in Town!)

As the weather turns warmer, I thought it only proper that this article should reflect some of the outdoor places that Dalton has to offer (you know, should you want to get off that dreadmill and head outside). 

Places like Collegedale, Ooltewah and Chattanooga have all recently made pushes for their citizens to be able to have great places to walk/run/bike/hike and exercise in general. Dalton, as you may have noticed, has not made a push to create these sorts of things. 

Woah! Woah, wait! It's because they didn't have to. Dalton has had many of these things for years, and has improved upon the existing facilities. Not only that, they have indeed added a few new hiking trails and such. Let's see some of what there is here in Dalton!

The Civitan Park

Civitan Park is a 6 acre park located off Shugart road within the City Limits of Dalton.

The park could not have happened without the enormous generosity and effort of the Dalton Civitan Group. The park is maintained by the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department. 

505 Shugart Road

Dalton, GA 30721

Park amenities include:

• Walking Track
• Playground
• Water Fountains
• Picnic Shelter
• Restrooms
• Parking

Civitan Walking Track Information

• Length: .4 Miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Open to: Foot Traffic
• Surface: Paved

Potato Hill Park

See the undisturbed earthworks atop this anchor point that formed a part of the Confederate defensive line across Crow Valley. Comprised of artillery platforms and infantry entrenchments, this site under the overall command of Major General Carter Stevenson withstood spirited assaults from Brig. General Jacob Cox's Union division on May 9, 1864. 

However, if the history of it makes you yawn... it's one of the most enjoyable running trails that Whitfield County has to offer. It is a single track, switchback, trail that runs up the entire side of the hill and terminates at the top. It's a pretty sweet view at the top.

2261 Reed Rd.
Dalton, GA 30720

Park amenities include:

• Single Track Hiking/Trail Run Trail
• Picnic Shelter
• Parking
• Historic Feature

Lakeshore Park

Lakeshore park is a 45 acre property that has recently seen the above renovation. The addition of a turf soccer/American Football field and rubber track have been a tremendous boon to the community! Lakeshore Park was dedicated on June 14, 1975. The park was constructed with a grant from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation which matched local funding.

1212 Dennard Drive
Dalton, GA 30721

Park amenities include:

• Two Multi-Purpose Ball Fields
• Artificial Soccer/Football Field 
• Batting Cage
• Playground
• Open Green Space (Perfect for some Ultimate... just sayin')
• Dog Park (Bark-in-the-Park) 
• Picnic Shelters
• Victory Garden Club Area
• Spring Fed Pond
• Nature Areas
• Walking Track 
• 14 Championship Tennis Courts
• Restrooms
• Tennis Center House
• Full-Time Tennis Pro

Heritage Point Park

Quite possibly the crowning jewel to the parks here in Dalton! This park is laid out beautifully and holds the largest sporting events in North Georgia. Namely, the SPA World Championships every September. This event, alone, brings in over $1 Million to the community over three weeks of play. Now, to the park! It is a 300 acre property. Also, it's home to one of the most insane Disc Golf courses that I have ever chanced to play. Don't let that map up there fool you. It's a small workout just traversing this course. There is some pretty substantial elevation change! 

1275 Cross Plains Trail

Dalton, GA 30721

Park amenities include:

• Ten (10) 310' Fence Softball/Baseball/Kickball (THATS RIGHT!) Complex
• Concessions (During games/tournaments)
• Restrooms
• Staff Office
• Two (2) Walking Tracks (.6 miles)
• Rotary Pavillion with Stage and Seating for 500-700 (By Reservation Only) (To reserve call Jason Shattuck (706) 278-5404)
• Two (2) Playgrounds
• Open Green Space
• 18 Hole Disc Golf
• Picnic Areas w/ Grills
• Parking for up to 1000

Raisin Woods Mountain Bike Park

New trails have recently been added to this park full of awesome mountain biking loops. There are seven separate loops. In increasing difficulty we have Bear, Grizzly, Whitey Woo, Gray Ghost Holler, Holey Coley, Rootie Tootie and Whitey Titey rounding things out as the most difficult. As is with so many things in life it is up to you to choose what level you'd like to tackle and take off! However, please be considerate out there. There are often a lot of green riders, so be sure to show them consideration and encouragement. You were once a beginner too! It is free to ride all you want, but please consider using the donation box to support our local chapter of SORBA (More info Here)

145 Raisin Way

Dalton, GA 30721

Park amenities include:

• Seven (7) Courses for All Levels
• Parking

Skate Park

Maybe you are more of an urban adventurer accustomed to four wheels instead of two? How about the only skatepark in the city? Come and shred where it is legal to do so. Parking lots are not the place to sharpen your skill, but the skatepark is!

904 Civic Drive

Dalton, GA 30721

Park amenities include:

• 5,000 Square Feet
• Ramps
• Rails
• Shaded Sitting Area

Mt. Rachel

Though it has not received funding, as of yet, there is another artillery emplacement on top of Mount Rachel that was in the same defensive line as the one mentioned in Potato Hill. It's not marked and is difficult to find. Now all it overlooks is K-Mart. However, there is still quite a view off to the west if you ascend to the summit of Mt. Rachel. So whether you're into hiking or mountain biking Mt. Rachel is for you. However, be careful on the bikes! There are some pretty nasty gravelled switchbacks that might toss the most advanced of riders... trust me.

West Park Street

Dalton, GA 30721

Park amenities include:

• 1.6 Mile Hiking/Biking Trail
• Sitting Areas Along the Path
• Sheltered Picnic Areas
• Bathrooms
• Only 3 Parking Stalls
• Located IN Downtown Dalton

Bear Creek Trail

Bear Creek Trail has a lot of biking and hiking options, making it difficult and confusing to describe. The trail is a single loop (Bear Creek Loop) with a 1.5 mile spur trail. If you hike or ride the spur trail it is 4 miles of the total trip length, including the balloon at the end of the spur. There is a second spur trail south of the junction of the loop connector. I recommend using the parking area off FS 241 to start your hike/ride.

I do, however, implore you to please visit the Gennett Poplar (The second largest tree in North Georgia). Take a cool picture of looking tiny next to the giant tree. Please, please, PLEASE just take photos and leave it alone. Too many people have defaced the tree. The woods around it are some of the very rare virgin forests that are left in Georgia. The forest on the trail is how it used to be before it was all cut down and grow up with underbrush.

For more info on the Bear Creek Trail Click HERE!

The Disney Trail (No... not that Disney)

This steep trail is the most challenging trail in NorthWest Georgia, and the most challenging short trail in the state. It ascends Rocky Face Mountain (yeah, that's where Rocky Face gets its name) and wa the site of fighting from May 8th-10th, 1864. The trail gets its name from the grave of George Disney at the end of the hike. 

It is located off of Highway 41, behind the State Patrol Barracks. 

Snorkeling (No... seriously.)

The Conasauga River is a unique place that supports an outstanding diversity of aquatic life. There is  at least one particular place where this can be witnessed by anyone with a mask and snorkel. The Conasauga River Viewing Site in Cherokee National Forest is a place designated for wildlife viewing by snorkeling. Over 70 species of fish have been identified in this snorkel hole over the years, which is an area smaller than a football field. In addition to being able to witness the underwater activities of many aquatic species, you can experience the beauty of the mountainous Cherokee National Forest that surrounds the river. 

Click here to find out more!

Once again, a list of ten. Like last time, this is not ALL there is to do in Dalton. However, like the last post I am going to leave it up to you to look through the interwebs to find out the rest! If you have a favorite trail or activity in Dalton then please leave a comment. This, by no means, is the last post that will be done on all of the things to do in the great Dalton Out of Doors!

Now, put down, close or pocket your current electronic device and enjoy some sunshine and nature!