Scott & Kristy Nilsson's Travels

Cartersville & Kennesaw

These two locations are closer to Atlanta than most of our

mountain destinations - great for a Short Day of Sight-seeing!

The Etowah Indian Mounds    This 52-acre area was the home of a tribe of Mississippian Indians from 1000 AD to 1500AD.  It is the most well-preserved and impressive remaining Mississippian structure in the Southeastern United States.  The mounds are surrounded by a waterless "moat," created by the tribe for protection and the beautiful Etowah River. The area includes a small, but well-designed and interesting museum and you are allowed to climb staircases to the top of the mounds (for a spectacular view), the tallest on which is over 6 stories high.

Visitor Information:  In order to view the mounds close-up a walk of several hundred yards is required.  To visit the fantastic view from the top of the mounds, visitors must climb a very long staircase equaling 6 stories.

Entrance Fee:  $2-$3

Walking Path Length:  Several hundred yards

Accessibility:  Mounds are visible from the museum itself, which is accessible. Lack of paved trail and long staircase may make it inaccessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments.

Restrooms:  On site, in the museum.

Pets:  Not allowed

Directions:  From Atlanta, take I-75 to exit #288, Follow the brown signs through the quaint town of Cartersville to the Etowah Indian Mound Site,

Kennesaw Mountain    Big & Little Kennesaw Mountains were the site of the historic Civil War Battle of Kennesaw.  It is a beautiful hike with a spectacular view located close in to Atlanta & Marietta.  It gets splendid fall color and some unusual flowers all Spring & Summer.  There are many different paths so you can visit many times without seeing the same stretch of land. The path from "Burnt Hickory Road" that leads to the Missouri Memorial is a rugged, rocky path with a strong incline that has some of the most unusual rock structures in North Georgia. There is a shuttle bus to drive visitors to the top of the larger mountain where the best view can be seen, but a short staircase is required to reach the absolute summit. There is a small, free Civil War Museum at the Visitor's Center with artifacts and information about the various battles of the Civil War.  Actual canon from the battle are still in place atop the Mountain and on display at the Museum. Because it is a battlefield, certain activities are prohibited, such as picnicking, sunbathing and playing ball, but pets are allowed.

Hiker Information:  This is a moderate hike that is well-maintained.  A few short parts are quite steep and more strenuous. Those who cannot hike the trail because of time or physical limitations can enjoy a shuttle bus to drive visitors to the top of the larger mountain where the best view can be seen, but a short staircase is required to reach the absolute summit.

Parking & Entrance Fee:  Free

Trail Length:  Several different trails. The longest trail is 10 miles one way.

Accessibility:  Lack of paved trail and grade may make it inaccessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments, however a shuttle bus is provided.

Restrooms:  On site, in the visitor's center

Pets:  Allowed, on a leash

Directions:  Not available at this time (Google, then Mapblast or Mapquest)

Sweetwater Creek    Sweetwater Creek, in addition to being a beautiful walk and park, is home to the ruins of a fabric factory that was destroyed during the Civil War.  The ruins are a great destination. We also loved the walk along the stream - lots of beautiful views - and a "fall," which is really low, lovely shoals.  There is a lot of incline on the walk and lush vegetation.  We did see two snakes on the trail though - one in the river that had just caught a fish, and a poisonous copperhead snake, crossing the trail, so look out!  Sweetwater State Park is one of the most beautiful parks truly close to Atlanta, so it's a wonderful choice for a short day.

Hiker Information:  Moderate difficulty with lots of incline and decline.  Fairly short trail to the ruins, but miles of trails are available as well

Parking & Entrance Fee:  Unavailable at this time

Trail Length:  Exact trail-length to mill is unavailable at this time: Under 2 mi.

Accessibility:  Steep grade and lack of a paved trail may make this trail inaccessible for those with movement impairments.

Restrooms:  On site, in the visitor's center

Pets:  Allowed, on a leash

Directions:  From Atlanta - take I-20 west for 15 miles.  Sweetwater State Park is at #12, then follow the brown signs.

Please take me to:

"Waterfalls of Georgia"

Scott & Kristy's Photo Page of The Georgia Mountains

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