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A newly released Travel Economic Impact study, prepared by Tourism Economics, shows visitor spending increased significantly in Walker County last year. The report found that visitors spent $51.9 million on lodging, food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transportation in 2024, resulting in a 19.1% growth rate compared to 2023. All four sectors posted year-over-year gains, with the largest growth occurring in retail. Travel demand in 2024 supported 450 jobs in Walker County, an increase of 64 positions, and generated $3.6 million in state and local tax revenue. The Georgia Department of Economic Development estimates tourism revenue replaced $137 in taxes for every household in Walker County last year. Walker County’s boost in tourism contributed to Georgia’s record year for tourism, helping the state rank fifth in the nation for overnight visitation for the fifth year in a row. “Georgia’s tourism success proves the power of partnerships,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Jay Markwalter. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kemp, our General Assembly, Commissioner Wilson, the Tourism Foundation Board of Directors, and the efforts of our statewide tourism industry, more visitors than ever before are choosing to spend their time and money experiencing everything that makes our state great. The local communities that bring these authentic experiences to life are a key reason why Georgia’s visitor economy continues to grow and thrive.” Georgia’s tourism industry is the second-largest economic contributor to the state, generating $82 billion in economic impact and supporting 470,570 jobs. Walker County and other parts of north Georgia are expected to receive another tourism boost next year, when  Atlanta plays host to the FIFA World Cup  from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026. International travelers are expected to stay outside Atlanta and/or make trips to locations beyond the big city during their visit. For more information about the economic impact of tourism in Georgia, read the full article here . About Walker Rocks Walker Rocks is dedicated to promoting the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities in Walker County, Georgia. Our mission is to showcase the unique attractions that make our county a destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. For more information, visit Walker Rocks .

In Chickamauga, a town steeped in history, a new walking ghost tour gives voice to the stories too often left untold. Southern Shadows - A Walker Rocks Community Spotlight Website : www.southernshadows.com Email: info@southernshadows.com In Chickamauga, Georgia, the streets carry echoes. Not just of cannon fire or battlefield marches, but of whispered names, unmarked memories, and stories that never made it into textbooks. And if you follow the flicker of a lantern down Gordon Street on a quiet night, you’ll find someone who knows how to hear them. Her name is Courtney McInvale , and she and her husband, Marty Reardon , give ghost tours. But not the kind with fog machines or guys in rubber masks. Their tours don’t rely on cheap thrills or jump scares. What Southern Shadows  offers is something else entirely: a walk through haunted ground, yes... but also through history . Because sometimes, the ghost story is the one that tells the truth. Where the Ghosts Are Human Courtney's not just a storyteller. She’s a historian. She studied war, memory, and Southern culture long before she ever held a lantern. Her classroom is the sidewalks. The stories she tells aren’t sanitized. They don’t skip over the uncomfortable parts. They shine a light on the cracks. On the women whose names weren’t recorded, on the people who laid the foundations of the town, on the soldiers who died far from home and never made it into monument marble. Some of those stories come with a chill. A shadow in a window. A face in the mist. The sound of footsteps on empty stairs. But what stays with you isn’t fear. It’s recognition . Courtney’s not trying to convince you to believe in ghosts. She just asks you to consider what we might learn from listening to the ones we’ve forgotten. A (Ghost Tour) Walk Through Chickamauga The Southern Shadows ghost tour isn’t long. Just a half-mile or so, looping through Chickamauga’s historic downtown. But in that distance, time stands still. Buildings speak. And the space between past and present feels paper-thin. You’ll hear about murder, war, fire, and folklore. But you’ll also hear about resilience. About what people left behind. About how the stories we don’t tell still linger, waiting for someone to notice. There’s no stage lighting. No scripts. Just a woman with a voice made for storytelling, standing beneath a streetlamp, helping you see a place you thought you knew with new eyes. From Connecticut to Georgia Courtney and Marty's path here wasn’t linear. As a child, Courtney's family lived in a unique house in Connecticut. It was investigated by none other than Lorraine and Ed Warren, the couple made famous by the Conjuring  movies. But even then, Courtney wasn’t chasing ghosts. She was paying attention. That attention turned into education, which turned into books, which turned into Seaside Shadows , the first ghost tour business she launched up North. And now, it’s Southern Shadows . A new chapter in Chickamauga. Courtney’s father is originally from Georgia, and it was during a trip tracing Civil War battlefields that she and Marty found themselves in Chickamauga. They fell in love with the town, its history, its stories, its people. It just felt right. She and Marty moved here not just for the history, but for the community . And like all good stories, theirs is still being written. The Tour That Chickamauga Didn’t Know It Needed Chickamauga is a town rich in history. It’s in the brickwork. In the battlefields. In the silences between passing cars. But for all its reverence, the town is moving and growing, shifting, asking itself who it wants to be. Southern Shadows fits in like a whispered story between neighbors. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t push. It simply invites. It invites locals to remember the stories their grandparents told on porches. It invites visitors to connect with more than just the battlefield. It invites skeptics and believers alike to slow down, listen closely, and walk the path anyway. Because the value isn’t in whether you see a ghost. The value is in what you feel  when the lights dim and the stories start. Truth, Told Softly In the end, Southern Shadows isn’t really about the supernatural. It’s about empathy. It’s about learning to see people, past and present, as layered, flawed, and worthy of being remembered. And maybe that’s the most haunting thing of all: the way a quiet little tour in a quiet little town can open up your heart without asking permission. So if you find yourself in Chickamauga on a dusky evening, take the walk. Not because you believe in ghosts. But because you believe in stories. And in the hands of someone like Courtney McInvale, stories have a way of sticking with you. Even after the tour ends and the lantern goes out. Behind the Lantern: A Rapid Fire Q&A with Southern Shadows We sat down with the folks behind Southern Shadows to ask a few quick questions. What we found was a business rooted in history, heart, and more humanity than you might expect from a ghost tour. What inspired you to start Southern Shadows here in Chickamauga? We visited here and instantly fell in love with the city and its history. Chickamauga has layers, some beautiful, some painful, and we wanted to share in something that honors that complexity. What makes your ghost tours different from the usual kind? We focus on telling stories, on research, and on tales that haven’t always made it into the history books. If it’s not grounded in the past and in real places, we’re not talking about it. Are the stories based on historical research? Yes! The stories we tell are drawn from public records, oral history, and local archives. Sometimes we dig up something new. Something that even longtime locals haven’t heard before. Is the tour family-friendly? Definitely. It’s spooky, sure, but never inappropriate. We’ve had parents, kids, and grandparents. All walking together, all leaving with something to talk about. What kind of stories do you include? We highlight everything from Civil War tales to the lives of enslaved people, early settlers, and overlooked characters of the community. We believe every era, and every voice, is worth preserving! What kind of reactions have you gotten from the community? Honestly, it’s been amazing. Locals have thanked us for sharing stories, a part of their history, that they had never heard about or learned about before. That’s the best feedback we can get. What’s your background before this? We started Seaside Shadows in New England over a decade ago. I (Courtney) am a historian and author, and I’ve always been drawn to the way ghost stories carry emotional truth. This is our way of teaching history in a way people remember. How can folks join a tour? Tours run regularly in downtown Chickamauga. You can sign up and learn more at southernshadows.com . Private and group tours are welcome, too. Join Southern Shadows for a guided walk through time, exploring the legends, battles, and spirits that still whisper through this historic town. Perfect for history lovers, thrill seekers, and curious travelers alike. Reserve your tour today at southernshadows.com and experience the haunted heart of Georgia for yourself.

The Green Eyes Festival Downtown Chickamauga, GA  · Saturday, October 18, 2025 · 10am - 6pm EST Learn More: www.greeneyesfestival.com In Chickamauga, Georgia, history runs deep. Not just in monuments or museums, but in the morning fog, church homecomings, Friday night football, and in hand-me-down stories told with a wink. And among those stories, there’s one that never left. They call him Old Green Eyes. No one’s exactly sure what he is. A ghost? A creature? A shape-shifting something that’s haunted the Chickamauga Battlefield for generations? Depending on who you ask, he’s a floating head, a big cat, a soldier, or something that only comes out when the fog rolls in. But hang around long enough, and you’ll hear something stranger still: Chickamauga threw a party for him. And it turns out, this party wasn’t just about a ghost. It’s about something bigger. It's what Old Green Eyes has come to represent. Green Eyes Festival: A Party for A Ghost It’s called the Green Eyes Festival, and yes—it’s every bit as strange and wonderful as it sounds. There’s live music, ghost stories, and tours through the battlefield. A Green Eyes Gallop  5K. Food trucks. Vendors selling homemade hot sauce, cryptid candles, and hand-sewn monster plushies. And people come by the thousands! Last year, over 4,500 visitors packed downtown Chickamauga. Many came for the lore. Some came for the fun. But underneath it all, the festival was born from something much deeper. After Nate Tucker’s younger brother, Levi, passed away from brain cancer, the town wrapped around the family like Southern towns do—quietly, steadily, fully. Neighbors brought food. People showed up. So Nate, along with his childhood friend Dillan Whisenant, started thinking: what could they give back? They landed on a local legend. A little weird, a little wild, and somehow… just right. A Town and a Ghost, Both Becoming Something New This festival isn’t really about Old Green Eyes, though. It’s about what he represents. Something old that refuses to disappear. Something strange that still feels familiar. Something shared, even if it’s hard to define. Just like Chickamauga. Because this is a town at a crossroads. A place with one hand on its past and the other reaching towards what comes next. How do you keep what made you—your stories, your stillness, your soul—while leaving room for change? How do you grow without forgetting? How do you look forward without letting go? Somehow, Green Eyes became a way to talk about all of it. Not because it made perfect sense. But because it gave people something to hold onto. And that’s the beauty of stories. They don’t always fix things. But they remind us we’re not alone in trying. Past, Present, and a Ghost in the Middle The Chickamauga Battlefield is one of the most haunted places in the South. Or so the stories go. It’s also one of the most peaceful. Early morning walks through the trails feel sacred. The trees hold things. The air feels thick with memory. But Chickamauga isn’t stuck in time. No, this is a town with momentum. Slow sometimes? Sure, like molasses on a cold day—but moving all the same. Old businesses have shuttered. New ones have opened. There’s pride here. And a little skepticism, too. But more than anything, there’s a willingness to try. And maybe that’s what makes the Green Eyes Festival work. It shouldn’t. Not on paper, anyway. But here, it fits. It’s playful. It’s rooted. It’s a little spooky and a lot sincere. Because at its heart, it’s a reminder that shared stories still matter. Even if folks don’t agree on what Green Eyes is, they agree that he’s ours . And sometimes, one shared spark is all it takes to fire up an old engine again. October 18: Come See For Yourself This year’s Green Eyes Festival lands on October 18, right along historic Gordon Street in downtown Chickamauga. This year, there’ll be more vendors. More food. More stories. More everything. And plenty of folk happy to share what they  saw one night driving past Snodgrass Hill, or what their uncle swore  happened in the trees behind Wilder Tower. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it’s completely real. Because in Chickamauga, stories don’t just get told—they get lived. They become part of the town's history. And in a town moving forward, while keeping one hand on its history, that kind of thing still matters. So no, it doesn’t have to make sense. It just has to matter. And sometimes, the best way to build a future is by throwing a party for a ghost from the past. To see the full lineup of events, vendors, and ghostly happenings, visit the Green Eyes Festival's official website at greeneyesfestival.com . And if you’re the kind who likes to outrun monsters before breakfast, don’t miss the Green Eyes Gallop —a 5K, 10K, and Monster Mile race held the morning of the festival. Costumes are encouraged, prizes are up for grabs, and registration is open now at UltraSignup .

Discover a unique blend of history and adventure in Walker County, GA. Venture beyond the beaten path and immerse yourself in a different kind of adventure. Find Your Next Adventure Every corner of Walker County tells a story. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking serene landscapes, there's an adventure waiting for you. A Different Adventure, Everyday! Not Sure Where to Start? Let us guide you! Select an adventure icon below based on your interests. We've curated a list of activities and attractions that promise a memorable experience. Click the icon to learn about these activities Scenic Drives Cycling Hang Gliding Wildlife Fishing Arts & Culture History Caving & Climbing Golf & Disc Golf Family Fun Water Activites Hiking & Camping Caving & Climbing Unearth the mysteries of Walker County's caves or challenge yourself with thrilling climbing experiences. Whether you're a novice or an expert, the adventures await. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top! Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Pettyjohn's Cave Ellison's Cave Rocktown Lost Wall Frick's Cave Zahnd WMA Cave Anchor Arts & Culture Experience the rich tapestry of arts and culture in Walker County. From local galleries showcasing talented artists to vibrant cultural festivals, immerse yourself in a world of creativity and expression. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 The Mars Theater Walker County Civic Center The Walker Rocks Mural Arts Anchor Cycling Embrace the thrill of cycling across Walker County's diverse terrains. From serene trails to challenging tracks, every ride promises a unique adventure. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Chattanooga Connector Trail 5 Points MeLemore Cove Ironman Cycling Anchor Family Fun Walker County is a playground for families. From interactive museums to fun-filled parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy and remember. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Rock City TN Valley Railroad Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail Walker Rocks Selfie Trail (County-Wide) Lake Winnie Chickamauga Battlefield Walker Rocks Inclusive Playground (Coming Soon) The Rec & Rossville (Coming Soon) Family Anchor Fishing Experience the serenity of fishing in Walker County's pristine lakes and rivers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the waters are teeming with possibilities. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 John Ross Commons Queen City Lake West Armuchee Creek Fish Anchor Golf & Disc Golf Enjoy a round of golf or disc golf amidst Walker County's breathtaking landscapes. Perfect your swing or throw while soaking in nature's beauty. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 McLemore Golf Club LaFayette Golf Course Wilderness Disc Golf Golf Anchor Hang Gliding Embrace the thrill of hang gliding over Walker County. Experience unparalleled views and the exhilaration of free flight. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Lookout Mtn Flight Park Glide Anchor Hiking & Camping Traverse through lush trails, camp under starry skies, and witness the diverse wildlife of Walker County. Every step is a new discovery. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 John's Mtn. WMA Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. Lula Lake Land Trust Cloudland Canyon Chickamauga Battlefield The River to Clouds Route Zahnd WMA Hike Anchor Wildlife Viewing Take in all the beauty and splendor of the North Georgia mountains as you make new friends along wooded paths! Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Lula Lake Land Trust Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. Cloudland Canyon John's Mtn. WMA Zahnd WMA Wildlife Anchor History Dive deep into Walker County's storied past. Explore landmarks, museums, and sites that echo tales of yesteryears. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Chief John Ross House African-Amer. Culture Center 6th Cavalry Museum Gordon-Lee Mansion Chattooga Academy Coke Ovens Park Chickamauga Battlefield The Marsh House History Anchor Scenic Drives Embark on scenic drives across Walker County, where every turn unveils nature's mesmerizing artistry and captivating landscapes. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 McLemore's Cove Lookout Mtn Parkway US 27 Historic Byway Ridge & Valley Scenic Byway US 27 Historic Byway Drive Anchor Water Activities Experience the thrill of water sports in Walker County's pristine waters. From kayaking to paddleboarding, unleash your adventurous spirit. Select a location on the map to learn more! Back to the Top Tennessee Tennessee Georgia Georgia LaFayette Chickamauga Lookout Mtn. Rossville 136 136 193 193 157 157 27 27 27 Queen City Lake West Chickamauga Creek Water Anchor WALK THROUGH HISTORY Step back in time and explore the hallowed grounds of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Relive pivotal moments and honor the brave souls who shaped history. Explore The Battlefield Discover Local Treasures Dive into Walker County's shopping scene. From artisanal crafts to boutique stores, find unique souvenirs and treasures that capture the essence of the region. Coming Soon

Championing local businesses, fostering community relationships, and curating unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Walker Chamber Championing local businesses, fostering community relationships, and curating unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Create Lasting Partnerships The Walker Chamber of Commerce plays an instrumental role in shaping the vibrant tapestry of Walker County. Through our initiatives, we empower local businesses, nurture community bonds, and ensure that every visitor experiences the genuine warmth and charm of our region. Support Local Championing the endeavors of local businesses and ensuring they have the resources to succeed. Sustain Tourism Advocating for responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and the environment. Educate & Train Offering workshops, seminars, and training sessions to equip businesses with the latest industry insights. EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITIES Discover our communities like never before. Our digital map provides an easy-to-navigate, up-to-date view of the entire county, highlighting key attractions, local businesses, parks, and more. Use this tool to plan your visit, find your way around, or explore everything our community has to offer. View Our Community Map What's On Tap Check out all our upcoming events, as well as those led by Chamber members! Multiple Dates Wed, Feb 25 Leads Group - LaFayette / LaFayette Library Learn more Feb 25, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST LaFayette Library, 305 S Duke St, LaFayette, GA 30728, USA Grow your business and build your network with the weekly Leads - LaFayette group of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce. Join the Chamber Join Now! Meet Our Members Explore Our Members INSIDE THE WALKER CHAMBER

Plan your next Chattanooga Adventure! \Just a few minutes from Chattanooga and a short drive from Atlanta and Nashville, our area offers an adventure for everyone! From hiking and bouldering to performing arts and family fun, learn what makes WalkerRocks! From Rock City to Rocktown and everywhere in between, see why Walker Rocks. Find Your Next Adventure Nestled in the heart of the South, Walker County calls with tales of history, adventures, and the promise of memories waiting to be made. FIND YOUR INSPIRATION Packed with insider tips, local recommendations, and all the information you need to navigate the area, this guide will be your go-to resource for exploring our hidden gem of northwest Georgia. View Our Itineraries & Guides! All Attractios AttractionDetails Whether you're a thrill seeker, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking serene landscapes, a new adventure awaits you here. Explore Events & Activities Come Explore Whether it's hiking through serene trails, exploring mysterious caves, or reliving history, Walker County offers a plethora of activities tailored for every adventurer. Find Your Next Adventure Come Dine Experience the genuine warmth of Southern hospitality. Dive into a fusion of traditional Southern flavors and modern culinary techniques. Discover A New Taste Come Stay Here, every stay feels like home. View local accommodations that offer a serene escape, and discover places that resonate with the heart of Walker Rocks. Plan Your Overnight Stay Just a stone's throw away from Chattanooga Walker County is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the metropolitan vibes of Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, or Knoxville. Upcoming Events Stay updated with the latest events, festivals, and gatherings happening in and around Walker County. From historical reenactments to outdoor festivals, there's always something exciting on the horizon. See All Upcoming Events 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga - Bike Race Leg Sun, May 17 Location is TBD More info Learn More INSIDE WALKER ROCKS Georgia Tourism Growth Jumps 19% in Walker County in 2024 A newly released Travel Economic Impact study, prepared by Tourism Economics, shows visitor spending increased significantly in Walker County last year. Press Release Oct 27, 2025 2 min read Honest Stories and Haunted Steps: Ghost Tours of Chickamauga In Chickamauga, a town steeped in history, a new walking ghost tour gives voice to the stories too often left untold. Folklore & Myth Oct 24, 2025 5 min read When a Town Throws a Party for a Ghost - The Green Eyes Festival What happens when a town uses folklore to honor its past and reimagine its future. Events & Festivals Oct 6, 2025 4 min read See All Our Posts LET THE ADVENTURE COME TO YOU. Email Subscribe Thanks for submitting! Find us on Instagram & Facebook Follow us on Instagram @wix Load More Walker Chamber: The Heartbeat of Walker County The Walker Chamber of Commerce plays an instrumental role in shaping the vibrant tapestry of Walker County. We empower local businesses, nurture community bonds, and ensure every visitor experiences the genuine warmth and charm of our community. Discover Our Impact