State of Georgia’s Proposed Locations for the National Garden of American Heroes Criteria: A search was conducted for of the greater metro-Atlanta area for State or Federal property that may serve as a reputable location for the National Garden of American Heroes. Options: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area 8800 Roberts Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30350 48 river miles 3.4 million visitors annually Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) preserves a series of sites between Atlanta and Lake Lanier along the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, U.S. The 48-mile (77 km) stretch of the river affords public recreation opportunities and access to historic sites. In 2012, the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area was designated as the Chattahoochee River Water Trail to become the first river named a National Water Trail. The National Water Trails System was created by the U.S. Department of the Interior to increase access to water-based outdoor recreation, encourage community stewardship of local waterways, and promote tourism. Cochran Shoals is the largest and most popular unit of the park, featuring a three-mile (4.8 km) fitness trail, suitable for walking, jogging, or biking. It is wheelchair-accessible and excellent for bird- and wildlife-watching. 1 Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive Kennesaw, GA 30152 2,923 acres Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park is a 2,923-acre (11.8 km2) national battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta campaign. While walking, some of the 17.3 miles (27.8 km) of interpretive hiking trails, historic earthworks, cannon emplacements, and various interpretive signs can be seen. There are three monuments representing some of the states which fought here: Illinois, Texas, and Georgia. Kennesaw Mountain is 1,808 feet (551.1 m) above sea level. 2 Sweetwater State Park 1750 Mount Vernon Road Lithia Springs, GA 30122 2,549 acres Sweetwater Creek State Park is a 2,549 acre (10.32 km2) Georgia state park in east Douglas County, fifteen miles (24 km) from downtown Atlanta. The park is named after Sweetwater Creek which runs through it. Sweetwater became an official state park in 1972. The park features wooded walking and hiking trails, the George Sparks Reservoir, a visitor center, a bait shop, and a gift shop, as well as the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. 3 Panola Mountain State Park 2620 Highway 155 SW Stockbridge, GA 30281 1,635 acres Panola Mountain is a 100-acre (40 ha) granite monadnock near Stockbridge on the boundary between Henry County and Rockdale County, Georgia. The peak is 946 feet (288 m) above sea level, rising 260 feet (79 m) above the South River. The South River marks the boundary between Henry, Rockdale, and DeKalb counties. Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Panola Mountain State Park is the crown jewel of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in the state. The park’s unusual natural beauty and intriguing cultural changes are the basis for this special recognition. 4 Don Carter State Park 5000 North Browning Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30506 1.316 acres Don Carter is Georgia’s newest state park as well as the first state park on 38,000 acre Lake Lanier. Situated on the north end of the reservoir, the park offers outstanding recreation for water lovers. Guests can stay cool at a large, sand swimming beach with a bath house. Boat ramps provide quick access to the lake while a multi-use trail welcomes hikers and bikers to explore the hardwood forest. This park offers several choices for overnight getaways as well. Two-bedroom cabins are perched on wooded hillsides near the lake. One campground is designed specifically for RVs, while another primitive camping area is just for tents and hammocks. The campground and cottage loop is gated, providing access to overnight guests. 5 Location Map 6 .