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Cedartown offers a refreshing mix of outdoor recreation, local history, small town character, and Northwest Georgia scenery. Located in Polk County along the Silver Comet Trail, the city makes an appealing destination for cyclists, couples, families, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking to explore beyond Georgia's larger cities.
From riding one of Georgia's best paved trails and visiting a remarkable natural spring to exploring historic downtown and taking a day trip into the surrounding countryside, here are some of the best things to do in Cedartown, Georgia.
The Silver Comet Trail is one of Cedartown's signature outdoor attractions. The paved trail stretches more than 60 miles across Georgia and passes directly through Cedartown before continuing west toward the Alabama state line, where it connects with the Chief Ladiga Trail.
Cyclists can ride west from Cedartown through the quieter countryside of Polk County toward Alabama or travel east toward Rockmart. Walkers and runners can simply choose a shorter section and enjoy the wooded scenery at a slower pace.
While you're in town, stop at the Cedartown Depot and Welcome Center, located directly beside the trail. The depot provides a convenient stopping point for trail information and also introduces visitors to Cedartown's railroad heritage.
Just minutes from downtown, Big Spring Park is one of Cedartown's most interesting natural and historic landmarks. The park surrounds a large natural limestone spring that produces an average of approximately four million gallons of water per day.
The site is significant for more than its natural beauty. The area has deep connections to Cherokee history and was associated with Camp Cedar Town, where Cherokee people were detained during the forced removal of 1838 that became known as the Trail of Tears.
Take time to walk through the park, see the spring, read the historical interpretation, and appreciate how this natural water source influenced the development of Cedartown.
Spend some time walking through downtown Cedartown, where historic architecture provides a glimpse into the city's past. The Cedartown Commercial Historic District includes buildings dating primarily from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Local restaurants, shops, historic buildings, and community landmarks make downtown a worthwhile addition to a day spent exploring the Silver Comet Trail and Big Spring Park.
Cedartown's history extends beyond its commercial downtown. Several residential areas contain historic homes representing architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A leisurely drive or walk through these neighborhoods provides another perspective on the community's development and makes an interesting addition for visitors who enjoy historic architecture and small town streetscapes.
For another opportunity to spend time outdoors, visit Peek Forest Park. Its wooded surroundings provide a change of pace from downtown and can be incorporated into a relaxed afternoon exploring Cedartown's parks and green spaces.
Combine a park visit with Big Spring and a walk along the Silver Comet Trail for a day focused on the natural side of Cedartown.
Cedartown has connections to the history of Coca Cola bottling, and local memorabilia provides a nostalgic look at one of America's most recognizable brands.
For travelers interested in roadside Americana, advertising history, and local collectibles, Cedartown's Coca Cola memorabilia adds an unexpected element to a visit and provides a different perspective on the city's commercial past.
For an old fashioned night out, check what's playing at West Cinema. A local movie theater can be a welcome addition to an itinerary after a day of cycling, sightseeing, or exploring Northwest Georgia.
It is also a good indoor option when the weather doesn't cooperate with plans for the Silver Comet Trail.
Part of exploring Cedartown is slowing down long enough to enjoy its local restaurants. Look beyond national chains and try locally owned establishments serving burgers, sandwiches, Southern favorites, and familiar comfort food.
A casual lunch also pairs naturally with a Silver Comet ride. Spend the morning on the trail, stop in Cedartown for something to eat, and use the afternoon to explore Big Spring and downtown.
Cedartown's location makes it a useful base for exploring more of Northwest Georgia. Several interesting destinations are within driving distance, allowing visitors to combine a Cedartown stay with waterfalls, caves, historic communities, and additional outdoor recreation.
Located outside Cedartown, Hightower Falls combines a scenic waterfall with historic ruins and a picturesque Northwest Georgia setting. Because the property is privately operated and access may be limited by events or scheduled visits, check current availability before making the drive.
Nearby Cave Spring, Georgia, is one of the most interesting small town excursions from Cedartown. The community is known for its natural spring, cave, historic downtown, and Cherokee history.
Cave Spring and Cedartown also share an interesting geological connection: both communities developed around significant natural springs. Visiting the two provides an opportunity to better understand how water, limestone geology, and human settlement shaped this part of Northwest Georgia.
Follow the Silver Comet Trail east and you'll eventually reach Rockmart, another important trail community. Historic downtown Rockmart, Riverwalk Park, and nearby sections of the Silver Comet make it an easy extension of a Cedartown visit.
Cyclists can incorporate Rockmart into a longer ride, while other travelers can make the short drive and explore both communities.
Cedartown doesn't need large amusement parks or heavily commercialized attractions to make it worth visiting. Its appeal comes from the combination of the Silver Comet Trail, Big Spring, Cherokee and railroad history, historic architecture, local parks, and the surrounding Northwest Georgia landscape.
Ride the trail in the morning, explore Big Spring and downtown in the afternoon, enjoy dinner locally, and use Cedartown as your starting point for exploring Rockmart, Cave Spring, and the countryside of Polk County.
For travelers searching for things to do in Cedartown, Georgia, the city offers something increasingly valuable: an opportunity to slow down, get outside, learn a little local history, and experience a quieter side of Northwest Georgia.
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