Floyd: Forests, Lakes and Cave Spring

Floyd County in Georgia features a variety of natural and local landscapes: mature mixed forests, lakes and managed waterfowl impoundments in the Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area sit alongside the expansive Berry College Wildlife Management Area and the spring water of Cave Spring. This offers several options for planning your trip—from trails and wildlife watching to fishing and seasonal swimming. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Floyd, you can start by considering which experiences you want to shape your days.

Forests, Water and Trails

The 338-acre Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area is mostly covered by mature mixed forests of pine and hardwood trees. The area includes lakes and managed waterfowl impoundments. Listed activities include hiking, geocaching, hunting, wildlife watching and youth fishing. Geocaching is subject to seasonal restrictions and restrictions during managed hunts.

Fishing is also a distinct focus at Arrowhead WMA: it is available year-round at the lakes and ponds. Adults aged 18 and older must be accompanied by a child or teenager aged 17 or younger. Check current regulations before fishing. This allows you to factor in this special age requirement before deciding on a fishing day.

The Berry College Wildlife Management Area is also in Floyd County and covers 15,609 acres. This makes it much larger than Arrowhead WMA. It has biking, horseback riding and hiking trails. Biking, hiking and wildlife watching are available; a permit issued by Berry College is required for horseback riding. Trails may close seasonally, including during some hunting seasons. Keep this restriction in mind when planning your activities.

Cave Spring: Spring Water and History

Cave Spring is in southwestern Floyd County, at the western end of Vann’s Valley and 75 miles northwest of Atlanta. The 1.5-acre, spring-fed Rolater Lake is open for swimming; the swimming season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check current local information before you go. The spring also feeds a reflecting pool and a shallow creek where young children can splash. Cave Spring therefore offers both seasonal swimming and a shallower place to enjoy the water.

Cave Spring also offers specific points of interest for trails and cultural history. The Pinhoti Trail passes through Rolater Park. U.S. Bicycle Route 21 runs through Cave Spring, connecting Atlanta with Chattanooga. Separately, the Vann Cherokee Cabin tells the story of the area: Avery Vann of the Cherokee Nation built it in 1810.

Recreation Spots and Choosing Where to Stay

The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority offers 27 parks, pavilions and six recreation centers in Floyd County, including in Lindale, Armuchee, Shannon, Coosa, Garden Lakes and downtown Rome. Since facilities and offerings may change, it’s worth checking current information before planning a specific visit.

You can use these differences as a guide when choosing a vacation rental: Cave Spring combines spring water, seasonal swimming and cultural history; Arrowhead offers forests, lakes, waterfowl impoundments and fishing; Berry has trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, subject to permit and seasonal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Washington County, Monroe, Walker County, Muscogee, Fayette, Oconee, Telfair County.

Go to the main travel overview: Georgia.