I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

Red Clay is not the type of state park that I would normally seek out. Why? It's not in the…read moremountains and the trails are tame. Nonetheless, something about it lured me in for a visit and I'm glad I ventured out here (on Indigenous People's Day coincidentally). Historically, it's really interesting that this was the last meeting site for the Cherokee tribe's council. The signs claim it is "where the Trail of Tears really began." I was really intrigued by the natural Spring called "the Blue Hole." I've never seen a spring that appears bright blue in a forest setting. Seeing this cool natural sight was pretty awesome. Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before. Trail wise: Pretty flat and easy trails. It's not very challenging. But, it makes up for it because it's a calm place with beautiful forest. I loved walking around. Also, since this is small and off the beaten path, it's not crowded at all. Overall: highly recommended. Worth a visit!

My experience here was very good the people were nice and the campsites and campgrounds are nice…read more The fishing ponds and rivers ere really nice but the only downside side is the algae and the seaweed that gets caught in your luwer

Beautiful Park with a Great Lake for fishing. They also have a beach, tent sites,RV sites. several…read moreboat ramps and a couple of pavilions to host small picnics. Amazing trails, hiking, bring your own kayak or boat, great wildlife. There is a small fee for the day I believe it's $5.00 it's alcohol free park and there's always plenty of Park Rangers there that are very nice and very helpful.

Tony and I ventured to Fort Payne in Alabama to hike in DeSoto State Park to Azalea Falls. It was…read moreearly in the season around March so the weather was still sort of dreary. The area was lovely. No cost for the park. Plenty of parking and very few people on the trails. We had a very nice day. Trail is fairly easy to walk and navigate. Definitely recommend if you are in the area to check out and share your adventure.

Beautiful falls at the beginning of the hiking trail. Boardwalk to falls made it an easy walk. No…read morehiking gear needed.

Beautiful and informative. They even have a small gift shop. Make sure to watch the short movie…read moreabout the canyon.

One of the best visitor centers we have been too. The staff is so nice and informative. They told…read moreus the best trails for kids and the gift shop is really nice as well.

Great state park. Excellent camping! Very clean and staff was great. There are some great hiking…read moretrails. If you are hiking to the falls, be aware when you climb down all those stairs, you have to climb up them to get back to the rim. The west Rim trail is great as well, not quite as strenuous as the tail to the falls.

So many great trails to choose from here! There are some that aren't super advanced and have a…read morequick route and others that might take you several hours.

Hi this park is clean. Don't forget to be safe. The views are awesome. Huge water fall and a two…read moreswimming holes. Don't for get to bring a towel.

I live somewhat close to this park but I do not usually take my child here unless I'm running short…read moreon time and can't drive a couple of mins to our favorite park. The good things about Etowah park is that there is a track that I will walk around sometimes, several good tennis courts, a golf driving range up the hill, and a small playground with swings and a couple of slides. There is also a short trail that runs through the woods with a couple of bridges. The bad things about Etowah, there is a little skate park that seems to attract seedy, obnoxious teenagers who smoke and cuss no matter who is around including young children. Also, part of the track that my son would ride his bike on runs right beside Wilshire Rd. and I don't really like that for several reasons. We go here sometimes, it's just not our favorite park, Ridgeferry is much better.

Exploring the cave was so much fun -- and surprisingly cold inside! While the cave itself isn't…read morehuge, it's absolutely worth the visit. Admission is just $2, and kids five and under are free! Outside, there's a beautiful creek where you can splash, explore, and even catch crawfish -- which we did a lot of! You can also feed rainbow trout in the nearby stream, which the kids loved. One of the most unique and special things about this place is the fresh spring water. Locals and visitors line up to fill gallons of it because it's clean, natural, and totally drinkable right from the source. Of course we tried it -- and it really is some of the best-tasting water we've had! This place is a hidden gem and we'll definitely be back!

This place is nice, but BE AWARE. they dont have it posted anywhere that swimming pool in this park…read moreis only open thu-sun. I drove all the way from HENRY county and was sadly disappointed. I would come back, but please call before you go unlike me

Sorry didn't want this to be my 13th review…read more This was my favorite place to relax during my first year of college. An excuse to look at ducks and have a refreshing drink is always lovely, granted that's easy to do back home for me too, but lucky for me, there was something wonderful open. The cave of cave springs was beautiful, the atmosphere was eye opening, and the natural shapes were beautiful, it was short, but it was beautiful, next time it's open, you should go there, and bring the family.

Exploring the cave was so much fun - and surprisingly cold inside! While the cave itself isn't…read morehuge, it's absolutely worth the visit. Admission is just $2, and kids five and under are free! Outside, there's a beautiful creek where you can splash, explore, and even catch crawfish -- which we did a lot of! You can also feed rainbow trout in the nearby stream, which the kids loved. One of the most unique and special things about this place is the fresh spring water. Locals and visitors line up to fill gallons of it because it's clean, natural, and totally drinkable right from the source. Of course we tried it - and it really is some of the best-tasting water we've had! This place is a hidden gem and we'll definitely be back!

The Reverend Howard Finster Man of God and Man of Vision. In painting bicycles I'm sure as part of…read morea ministry, he saw a face in paint on his fingertip and it was a sign from God that forever changed his earthly path! I had the pleasure of visiting Paradise Gardens when The Reverend was still alive and even got to sign his casket he hand painted which was on display at the time for all to see. An "outsider artist" not to be confused with folk artists he is completely untrained. Yes his REM album cover shot him to a lot of fame and he did another album cover maybe the B 52s? I believe it was an Athens GA based band. And his famous coca cola art and has others have referenced he has a permanent display at the High Museum in ATL. So not too shabby! The gardens are stunning in their down to home feel and do with what you have mentality which strikes a very stark contrast with his signage all done in capital print about how specifically stole what piece of art or to look out for (insert children's names) who will copy his art and claim it at their own. This place is a must see. I didn't have the pleasure of actually meeting Howard. The time there was wonderful and his home (not open to the public at that time) was humble. I bought a piece of his art which I still treasure and delight in his simplified messages of good and evil in his outsider art. God put it on his heart to do a certain number of pieces before dying and I think he suppasssed the number producing something like 20+ thousand works. All signed and with his personal icon of a dove with a branch in it's mouth. I saw a YouTube of him dancing and singing on a late night show in the 80s or 90s. Howard was full of life, full of the Lord and full of himself. A larger than life figure. I'll upload photos soon Rest in peace and rise in glory Sir, I'm certain you are dancing with Jesus and making God so proud you honored Him and definitely spread His kingdom on earth. Thank you for sharing your God given gifts! I

This is a massive collection of artwork, architecture, sculpture that merges all into the amazing…read moreexperience that is Paradise Garden where you can learn all about the visions of Rev. Howard Finster. My first visit was back when Reverend Finster was still alive and they still had quite a nice selection of his art available for purchase and everything was still in pretty pristine shape. The years have caused some deterioration of Paradise Garden but there are now efforts underway to preserve and maintain this amazing collection. This is one of the most fun and quirky displays of American folk art you can experience anywhere. Even if you think you've never heard of Rev. Finster you probably know some of his art so prepare yourself for surprise and amusement. My video review of Howard Finster's Paradise Garden is here: https://youtu.be/1DMCR5jk12Y

Excellent park Lots of trails for every level of ability,…read morebike trails too. The primitive camp area is really nice. Good improved area as well. I'll be staying in the lodge for the end of my trip but the restaurant is good. Country store has all your gear and poughy bait, ice and fire wood. There's zip lining on site and watching a group go it's really fun. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Compared to some of the national parks I've visited, this is much nicer. Really glad I can't up here for the week to unwind.

Lots of waterfalls to see and trails to hike in the area. The park is clean, and their sites are…read morediscos and long pull throughs (#52), but their WiFi is virtually non existent! This hampered our enjoyment considerably because it was difficult planning our days to research the area for things to do. We had to make 2-3 daily trips to the office to connect to WiFi. If I parked even 100' away from the office there was no service. And don't expect GPS accuracy. We often went into town about 8 miles away, but we were detoured a few times in the wrong direction trying to make our way back to the park - not the parks fault. If you have a mobile router, you will be fine and be able to enjoy all that Lookout Mountain has to offer.