Appalachian Foothills Meet Artistic Flair In This Georgia Gem Full Of Trails And Creative Vibes

The sprawling Appalachian Mountains are dotted with countless charming little cities and towns, each with its own unique personality and things to do. However, none of them has the unique distinction of being known locally as the "Carpet Capital of the World." But Dalton, Georgia, does. That's right, this quaint municipality tucked away among the Appalachian foothills has a long and storied history as the location of a lot of major carpet and flooring companies. That's not its main draw, though. Luckily, those who visit Dalton will be treated to a city filled with outdoor trails for the adventurous and art for the creatively inclined.

Dalton is pretty easy to get to because it is only about 30 miles away from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, and roughly 90 miles north of Atlanta, a city that is home to the largest aquarium in America. Like much of the American South, the city can be pretty hot and humid in the middle of summer, so it's recommended that you visit between spring and early summer or late summer and fall. There are quite a few comfortable places to stay in Dalton, such as Home2 Suites by Hilton, the Carpentry Hotel, and the Loom Room Retreat, to name a few.

Despite being located in a secluded area in the Appalachian foothills, Dalton is quite trendy when it comes to food with something for everyone. Start your day with a hearty egg sandwich or breakfast burrito with gourmet coffee at The Perfect Cup. Mosey on over to D Food Collab and order yourself a tasty wrap or, considering you're in the South, some fried chicken. Then, finish off the day with a craft beer and savory pizza at Cherokee Brewing and Pizza Company.

Dalton is surrounded by an abundance of forested landscapes, making it a veritable heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to stick to something a little more on the easy side and that's closer to civilization, stroll down Eagle Walk at Mill Creek on Chattanooga Avenue. At just over half a mile long and with a fairly level path, this is a great way to get your steps in for the day and catch some quaint creek views without venturing too far into the wilderness. But for those who are on the lookout for a more formidable mountain workout, there's Raisin Woods, which consists of a series of bike trails that range from under a mile to over 2 miles in length, and are of varying levels of difficulty.

As far as outdoor adventures go, Rocky Face Ridge Park has it all, including an 8-mile mountain bike trail, multiple hiking trails, and a 5K running course. The park also has bathrooms and picnic areas for those who just want to have a relaxing time among the stunning views of the surrounding hills. History buffs will appreciate Rocky Face Ridge Park, as well, as it is the home of several major Civil War battles. Another great place to hike in Dalton is Potato Hill Trail. It's less than a mile long and is only moderately difficult, so you can bring the young ones and dogs (as long as they're leashed). The George W. Disney Trail is longer and more challenging with rocky and steep terrain, but offers spectacular views. For even more outdoor adventures in Georgia, check out this sacred Native American national historic park that offers scenic trails and mound climbing.

Dalton may be a small city, but it's big on creative energy. At the center of Dalton's arts scene is the Creative Arts Guild, an organization that provides classes in a variety of art forms, hosts arts events and live performances, and supports local artists through exhibits and shows. The Creative Arts Guild is also responsible for the Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden, a large-scale outdoor art project that's free and open to the public and features an array of striking abstract works highlighting the artistic talent of Dalton. Dave and Pauli's Art Emporium is another important pillar in the city's creative community; the downtown location doubles as an art gallery showcasing local and regional artists and as a space for artists to create and collaborate. Mayelli Meza is an acclaimed artist whose massive murals have garnered considerable praise. Her Dalton-based studio isn't just where she works on her craft, but is where she hosts Sip and Paint events, creative team-building workshops, and art camps for children.

In addition to the visual arts, Dalton is home to the performing arts. One of the town's standout venues is Burr Performing Arts Park, a large outdoor space and amphitheater that is used for all kinds of live shows. This is where the Off-the-Rails Downtown Dalton Summer Music Series takes place. Dalton's history with the performing arts goes back a long way, with the Dalton Little Theatre presenting its first production in 1869. The organization still exists today, putting on shows and providing educational theater programs for children. If you'd like to continue your travels to artsy cities in Georgia, check this renowned mountain city that's a wildly charming, scenic, and artistic paradise.