Tourism drives county’s economy
When one thinks of economic stability and growth in Walker County, one automatically thinks of tourism and the many facets of tourism available in the county.
One of the main facets is nature and natural attractions and activities. Be it the beautiful mountains or pastoral valleys, nature draws and yields a strong economic contribution to the county and the towns, businesses and residents who call Walker County home.
It is the county’s natural attractions which have inspired the Walker Rocks initiative with an emphasis on exploring and enjoying the great outdoors by biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain and rock climbing, caving, and even hang gliding.
It is also the county’s natural attractions that have inspired two of the oldest attractions and businesses in Walker County, Rock City and Ruby Falls. Both attractions promote the unique natural grander of Lookout Mountain.
Another key facet of local tourism is the historical aspects of the county. The premier historical attraction is, of course, the Chickamauga Battlefield and related Civil War sites in and adjacent to Walker County.
However, the county is rich in pre- Civil War history as well. There is a nearly unfathomable amount of rich Cherokee heritage and history here, from the historic John Ross house in Rossville to the sites and reminders of the tragic Cherokee Removal and Trail of Tears with the Fort Cuming holding stock- ade in LaFayette and Ross’s Landing on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, one of the main Cherokee deportation sites.
Therefore, when one thinks of or is asked about the economic climate and businesses in Walker County, tourism is definitely one of – if not THE – main business in the county.