Points of Interest between Cartersville, Georgia to Benton, Tennessee

picture of Cartersville, Georgia

A Road Trip from Cartersville, Georgia to Benton, Tennessee

If you're looking for a scenic road trip through the South, look no further than the drive from Cartersville, Georgia to Benton, Tennessee. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful parks and landmarks the South has to offer.

An interesting fact about this route is that it passes through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which covers over 866,000 acres across 26 counties in Georgia.

The halfway point of this road trip is Chatsworth, GA. This small town is located in Murray County and is famous for its antique shops and local restaurants.

The total length of this road trip is just under 150 miles, which can be completed in approximately 3 hours. However, we recommend taking your time and stopping at some of the top destinations along the way.

Top 5 Places to Visit

  1. Red Top Mountain State Park - This state park is located in Cartersville and is known for its beautiful hiking trails, camping facilities, and stunning lake views. A must-visit spot for nature lovers.

  2. Fort Mountain State Park - Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this park offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, and mountain biking trails, as well as a 17-acre lake for fishing and swimming.

  3. Chief Vann House Historic Site - This historic site, located in Chatsworth, GA, was once home to a prominent Cherokee leader and offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Cherokee people. The house is a beautiful example of early 19th-century architecture and is surrounded by stunning gardens.

  4. Rock City Gardens - Just outside of Chattanooga, TN, this attraction is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The gardens feature stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Make sure to visit Lover's Leap, where you can see seven different states on a clear day.

  5. Ruby Falls - Another Chattanooga landmark, Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall located inside Lookout Mountain. Visitors can take an elevator down 260 feet underground to see the beautiful falls up close.

Points of Interest

  • While at Red Top Mountain State Park, make sure to check out the Homestead Trail, which takes visitors through the remnants of a 19th-century farmstead.
  • Fort Mountain State Park has a beautiful Fire Tower Trail that leads to a fire tower at the highest point in the park. The tower offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
  • At Chief Vann House Historic Site, visitors can take a guided tour of the house and learn about the Cherokee way of life. The gardens also offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life.
  • Rock City Gardens is home to several quaint shops and restaurants, as well as a bird sanctuary. Make sure to stop by the Starbucks for a coffee with a view.
  • Ruby Falls offers several different tour options, including a lantern tour for those feeling adventurous. The falls themselves are truly breathtaking and are a unique experience that can't be missed.

Conclusion

This road trip from Cartersville, GA to Benton, TN is a beautiful journey through some of the South's most stunning landscapes and landmarks. With stops at Red Top Mountain State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, Chief Vann House Historic Site, Rock City Gardens, and Ruby Falls, there's something for everyone on this trip. While the drive can be completed in just a few hours, we recommend taking your time and fully experiencing everything this route has to offer.