Outdoor
Adventures in ‘ Georgias Rome
GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION IN GEORGIA’S ROME
Rivers
R ome saw its first steamboat in 1836, marking the beginning of a thriving river
ECO Center
he ECO River Education Center’s mission is to inspire children and adults to experience the ecology of Northwest Georgia. The aquaria inside the center features fish, turtles and frogs native to the Etowah, Coosa, and Oostanaula (ECO) River Basins. Indigenous plantings are located outside the center.
trade. Steamboats measuring up to 170 feet in length navigated the rivers over the next century carrying cargo, mail and passengers. Today, the rivers of the area are part of North America’s most biologically diverse river system with dozens of rare and imperiled species of fish, crayfish, snails and mussels. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the rivers for their scenery, canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing.
T
Located in Ridge Ferry Park, the center is designed for use by school groups to learn about the rivers in this area and for general public education. The city’s cruise boat, the Roman Holiday, is based at the dock of the ECO Center. For programs, hours and booking information please www.romefloyd.com.
rental visit
Trails Visitor Center
R ome & Floyd County’s rolling hills provide a scenic experience for walkers,
hikers and bikers. Trails cut throughout the county connect to regional trails that flow into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of Historic Downtown Rome’s greatest assets is the Heritage Trail System which winds alongside the Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa Rivers as they converge in the center of Rome. Discover the unique flora and fauna in Georgia’s Rome by foot or peddle.
Vmore isit the Rome - Floyd Visitor Center for information on the trails, rivers and parks of Georgia’s Rome. The visitor center also has information on geocaching, camping and equipment rental throughout the area.
Rome - Floyd Visitor Center 402 Civic Center Drive Rome, Georgia 30161 (800) 444 - 1834 www.RomeGeorgia.org
Eco-Tourism
Bike! Walk! Northwest Georgia www.bwnwga.org Cave Spring Cave 706-777-3382 Rolater Park, Cave Spring Memorial Day - Labor Day City Labyrinth Jackson Hill 402 Civic Center Drive Labyrinth for walking and meditation Coosa Nature Preserve 706-234-5001 Located at Lock & Dam Park Observation deck & trails Coosa River Basin Initiative 706-232-2724 408 Broad Street Group events and individual rentals Coosa Valley Cycling Association www.cvca.org Marshall Forest Off Horseleg Creek Road Largest virgin forest located within city limits in the United States. Includes interpretive braille and walking trails. Roman Holiday Riverboat 706-622-6435 elindberg@romega.us 48 Passenger Excursion Boat Hourly rental for private charter Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association www.NWGAsorba.org Cycling events on mountain trails
Geocaching
Geocaching is a worldwide game of hide and seek. A geocacher searches for treasures hidden by fellow geocachers by pinpointing its location using GPS technology. Surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, intriguing history, and architecture, Rome offers over 1,400 caches hidden within 50 miles. Visit www.geocaching.com for a full list of caches in the Rome & Floyd County.
Equipment
Cedar Creek Park 706-777-3030 6670 Cave Spring Road Kayaks, canoes, tubes, rafts, open 7 days a week Cycle Therapy 706-235-4866 608 Broad Street www.cycletherapy.us Lock & Dam Park 706-234-5001 181 Lock & Dam Road Fishing license, bait & tackle, boat launch Green Bike Rentals Downtown Development - 706-236-4520 Hawthorn Suites - 706-378-4837 YMCA - 706-232-2468 $5 daily rental Rome-Floyd Recreation Authority 706-291-0766 1 Shorter Avenue www.rfpra.com
Camping
Cedar Creek Park 706-777-3030 6670 Cave Spring Road Lock & Dam Park 706-234-5001 181 Lock & Dam Road Rocky Mtn. Recreation Area 706-802-5087 4054 Big Texas Valley Road The Pocket & Chattahoochee National Forest 706-695-6736 Everett Springs Road State Mutual Stadium 368-9388 755 Braves Blvd RV Campsites Only
Swimming
Cave Spring Lake 706-777-3382 Rolater Park, Cave Spring Memorial Day - Labor Day Northside Swim Center 706-291-0766 501 Kingston Avenue June - August Rocky Mountain Recreation Area 706-802-5087 4054 Big Texas Valley Road 7 days a week, 7am-7pm Rome YMCA 706-232-2468 810 E 2nd Avenue
Horses
RV Dump Station located in the parking lot of the Rome - Floyd Visitor Center
Gunby Equine Center 706-236-2266 Located on the mountain campus of Berry College. Must be at least 12 years old; Reservations required 2 weeks in advance. Must have Trail Ride Permit to ride horses on Berry College property.
Golf
BEAA Country Club 706-234-8010 227 Eden Valley Road Callier Springs Country Club 706-234-1691 2653 Callier Springs Road Public play weekdays only Classic Par 3 Golf 706-234-3331 75 Huffaker Road Lighted; open 7 days a week Etowah Park Golf Driving Range 706-291-0766 1325 Kingston Highway Kraftsman Club 706-235-9377 284 Kraftsman Road Plantation of Horseleg 706-506-5607 127 Winding Road Stonebridge Golf Club 706-236-5046 1-800-336-5046 585 Stonebridge Drive 18 hole public course, practice facility, golf shop and grille. www.romestonebridge.com West Rome Golf Center 706-235-2266 40 Shorter Industrial Blvd
‘ ias
Georg
Rome
Where the rive ... and th rs meet n i e mountains beg
B
etween the winding banks of the Oostanaula, Etowah, and Coosa Rivers, lies the community of Rome & Floyd County - a land of plentiful parks, trails and streams. While Rome has developed into a thriving center for business, education and the medical industry, the land and water have been preserved to offer a natural escape for residents and visitors alike. Discover the natural oasis of Georgia’s Rome “where the rivers meet, and the mountains begin...”
Rome - Floyd Visitor Center 402 Civic Center Drive Rome, Georgia 30161 (800) 444 - 1834 www.RomeGeorgia.org This guide partially funded by:
Bike! Walk! Northwest Georgia 8-11