Fans of the television show Band of Brothers or those interested in WWII military history are probably familiar with Camp Toccoa at Curahee as the famed training grounds for paratroopers. But you may not know that this historical site is open to visitors and hosts groups and special events throughout the year, such as Military Weekend, happening this year October 5-8.
Located three hours away from Fort Eisenhower, the Toccoa area offers military families interested in the famous “three miles up/three miles down” training course up Curahee Mountain the opportunity to enjoy waterfalls, hiking, and other sightseeing.
Perfect for a group of friends, couples, or families with children or pets, this northeast section of Georgia provides the perfect area for a weekend getaway near Fort Eisenhower. After walking, running, biking, or driving up Curahee Mountain for the training experience, stay in town for outdoor adventures and relaxed and delicious restaurants, and take in the view of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
Stay in the city of Toccoa, where you can explore a quaint downtown with stores and restaurants in historic buildings, or visit one of the local outdoor areas that offer walking, golfing, and paddleboat options like Lake Toccoa or Henderson Falls. Nearby Clarkesville, GA, provides another city for lodging with downtown tasting rooms and restaurants and the historic Mauldin House with gardens and a millinery shop.
Historic Sites
Camp Toccoa at Curahee is open on weekends, with the exception of some holidays. The camp opened as a training ground for paratroopers in 1942 and was later used for the incarceration of German POWs. After closing, it was used for various purposes until reopening as a historical landmark.
Mock living areas use some of the original building materials to demonstrate life at camp, and a visitor’s center is filled with military memorabilia. Those up for a challenge can also climb the mountain training pathway, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding areas.
The Curahee Military Museum in Toccoa continues to honor and remember military history and veterans. Free to active-duty soldiers, with a discount available to veterans, this museum is part of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail and continues to tell the story of the importance of Camp Toccoa and military history in the area.
To go further back in time, visit nearby Traveler’s Rest State Park. This inn operated in the 1800s as a stop along the Unicoi Turnpike, which journeys into the Appalachian mountains. It is now a state park with historical artifacts. Leashed pets are allowed on trails but not inside buildings.
Tallulah Falls. Photo from iStock.com/Ed Williams
Waterfall Sightseeing
Northeast GA is home to a surprising number of picturesque waterfalls, with shorter walks for a romantic getaway or at the end of longer hikes to serve as a reward for an outdoor adventure. In Toccoa, Toccoa Falls College is home to a 186-foot waterfall, accessible by a short gravel path. It’s on the private land of the college but open to the public with a $2 fee most afternoons (closed for some holidays and private events).
Tallulah Gorge State Park is the real stunner of the region and is well worth the trip up from Ft. Eisenhower. There are multiple options for seeing the falls and a visitor’s center with educational exhibits and programs. The rim trails are a moderate option, allowing leashed dogs to accompany you, with views of the falls from the top.
For the more athletic hikers, the Hurricane Falls Loop Trail is only two miles long but is rated difficult, with over 1,000 steps to climb down and back up to see the falls. Pets are not allowed on this portion of the trail, and hikers should be in good health.
Experienced hikers and climbers can request passes to access the gorge floor for further hiking and sliding rocks. Only 100 passes to the gorge floor are given each day, and only in season and when there is no scheduled water release, so call or check the schedule before planning your trip if you plan on accessing this part of the park.
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Toccoa Falls. Photo courtesy author.
Dining and Entertainment
When visiting in weather perfect for sightseeing, you may also want to eat in an outdoor setting. Many restaurants in the area have patios, some allowing dogs to stay with you, making a perfect end to a day spent hiking with your furry friend. Near the Tallulah Falls beach, Tallulah Adventures has an outdoor climbing gym, trivia and music nights, and is home to The Edge Cafe and Bar. A large outdoor seating area, including a covered patio, is dog-friendly, where you can enjoy drinks and delicious food, including various flatbreads (with gluten-free options).
In Toccoa, Doyle Street and the rest of the historic downtown area contain several restaurants and stores, including R & R Terminal, which features a dog-friendly patio, taproom, and family-friendly menu and atmosphere. Nearby, Clarkesville has bar-and-grill and several upscale pizza options, including the Copper Pot, another restaurant with a dog-friendly patio. Many restaurants in the area do military discounts or holiday specials, so be sure to check with your server.
Tallulah Falls, Georgia, overlooking Tallulah Gorge in the autumn season. Photo from iStock.com/Ed Williams
Adventures Near Fort Eisenhower
For roadtrippers looking to explore more of the region on a longer trip, Camp Toccoa provides a great first stop to explore the rest of the area. Cross the state line into South Carolina to visit the picturesque Walhalla, where more waterfalls await, or explore the Stumphouse Tunnel, where a quarter-mile abandoned mountain tunnel is open to the public.
Drive further northwest into Georgia, past Tallulah Gorge, for more waterfalls and state parks like Minnehaha Falls and Moccasin Creek State Park. The annual Georgia State Parks Pass is 25% off for active duty military and veterans if purchased in person, bringing the cost under $40. If you plan to visit more than one park, this is a great deal to save on daily parking fees, which are generally $5 per day. This is a great summer purchase, as there are many lakes and rivers to explore nearby Fort Eisenhower, and within three hours for weekend trips.
Suspension bridge located at Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia. Photo from iStock.com/Ed Williams
For a truly memorable experience while stationed at Fort Eisenhower, Camp Toccoa and its surrounding area offer a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the historical significance of Curahee Mountain, enjoying the scenic waterfalls, or savoring the local cuisine, military families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike will find plenty to explore and enjoy.
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