Catoosa: History, Nature and Trails by the Water

In Catoosa, historic sites around Ringgold meet trails and activities along the creeks. The Old Stone Church recalls the Civil War era, while the Ringgold Gap Battlefield connects the landscape between White Oak Mountain and Taylor Ridge with its history. Those more interested in outdoor experiences will find a variety of ways to hike, paddle and fish. The 1890 Days Jamboree is also part of the travel experience: it brings together Ringgold’s event tradition, arts and crafts, and food vendors.

Ringgold’s History and Ringgold Gap

The Old Stone Church in Ringgold served as a hospital for wounded Confederate and Union troops from the Battle of Ringgold. Several historical markers and monuments at the Catoosa County Courthouse explain Ringgold’s role as a major hospital center that could care for several thousand patients. The Catoosa County Historical Society shares local history through visits to its museum, which houses collections of historical artifacts, and at monthly meetings on historical topics.

The 110-acre Ringgold Gap Battlefield encompasses the gap between White Oak Mountain and Taylor Ridge. During the Battle of Ringgold Gap, Confederate defensive lines were positioned at the foot of these ridges near the gap. The battlefield was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 12, 2011. Its designation as a historic site of statewide significance is based on the battle’s role in helping keep the Army of Tennessee (C.S.A.) in Georgia after its defeat at Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. Cleburne’s camp near Ringgold Gap on West Chickamauga Creek is also part of the area’s Civil War history: he was stationed there with 4,000 men.

Another chapter links transportation history and the Civil War: the General Locomotive Chase Monument marks the endpoint of the Great Locomotive Chase, which began in April 1862. The Old Federal Road ran through what is now Catoosa County, near the Old Stone Church and through the gap at Ringgold Gap. These named sites and routes offer different historical perspectives, and their stories are not limited to a single event.

Trails and Nature by the Creek

Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park has more than two miles of hiking and walking trails through 66 acres of hardwood forest and wooded creek bottomlands along South Chickamauga Creek. A trail on the ridge is accessible to all-terrain strollers and people with limited abilities. Since accessibility can change, check on current conditions before your visit.

The Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail eventually leads to the Creek Walk. For another way to spend time on the water, the Dragging Canoe Launch allows visitors to launch their own canoes or kayaks on South Chickamauga Creek. The launch is right beside the Chief Richard Nature Trail. Clark Park offers access to Chickamauga Creek for fishing.

Launch sites in Downtown Ringgold also provide access to South Chickamauga Creek. A canoe launch on West Chickamauga Creek is in Catoosa County at the intersection of Cloud Springs Road and Dietz Road. The two locations mentioned differ in both the creek name and the stated location. If you are planning a canoe trip, check the launch site’s current conditions in advance.

Experience the 1890 Days Jamboree

The 1890 Days Jamboree has been held regularly in Ringgold since its first event in 1975 and is firmly established there. It takes place every Memorial Day weekend in Historic Downtown Ringgold. Offerings include booths from arts and crafts vendors, as well as food vendors. This sets the Jamboree apart from historic sites and nature trails: the focus here is on a recurring event and its booths. If your stay is planned around it, check the event dates before you travel.

Choose a Hotel for Your Stay in Catoosa

Plan your accommodations around this focus without treating different attractions or creek access points as interchangeable. For outdoor days, it is worth noting the exact name of the place you plan to visit; for a Jamboree visit, the event dates are the key planning detail. That way, your search for a hotel in Catoosa reflects your actual travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lakeview, Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe, Putnam, Fannin County, Hall, Charlton County, Jefferson County.

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