Ironman 70.3 Event Returns to Walker County This Weekend

Posted on by Joe Legge

Chickamauga, GA – Walker County welcomes over 3,800 athletes to the area for this Sunday’s IRONMAN 70.3 event.

A majority of the 56-mile bicycle portion of the triathlon will once again trek through Walker County.  Cyclists will enter Walker County on Highway 193, where a new “Walker County Welcomes You” sign will greet them.

Athletes will soak in some incredible views as they travel about 18 miles south before cutting across Andrews Lane to get to Hog Jowl Road.  They will then pedal another 12 miles up Cove Road/Highway 341 until reaching downtown Chickamauga, where family, friends and other spectators will line the streets and sidewalks to greet them.

After leaving Chickamauga by way of Chickamauga Road, IRONMAN competitors will reconnect with Highway 193 and navigate back into Chattanooga.

The race begins with the swimming portion at 6:50 a.m.  The first athlete is expected to reach the finish line by 10:30 a.m.  Spectators wanting to watch the bicycle portion from downtown Chickamauga should be in place prior to 10:00 a.m. to see the first group ride through.

Last month, the IRONMAN Foundation announced a $160,000 grant to help install 40 new fire hydrants in needed locations.  The community investment will provide additional coverage for Walker County first responders to handle emergency situations.

IRONMAN 70.3 May 2019

Walker Rocks Outdoor Series Kicks Off with Family Campout at Mountain Cove Farms

Posted on by Joe Legge

Chickamauga, GA – Imagine a summer filled with camping, hiking, fishing and watersports with some music, movies and good eats mixed in.  The newly launched Walker Rocks Outdoor Series blends these experiences to make some of Walker County’s leading outdoor attractions more accessible to the general public.

The series kicks off with the Family Campout at Mountain Cove Farms (994 Dougherty Gap Road, Chickamauga) on Saturday, May 25th.  Load up your vehicle and head to the Cove for an afternoon of campground music and field day style games, like three-legged races, sack races and kickball.  Campers can also relax by the campfire while making s’mores and catch a special showing of the 80’s adventure movie The Goonies.

“This is a family friendly event that offers a unique opportunity for parents with young children to try out camping and see what it’s like to sleep outdoors,” said Lacey Wilson, Chamber President.  “We also see this as a staycation of sorts for folks looking for something unique to do with their family over the holiday weekend.”

Set up for tent camping begins at 2:00 p.m.  A vehicle parking pass gets you inside for all activities.  The cost is just $5 per vehicle in advance online at walkerrocks.com or $10 cash the day of the event.  Food, drinks and popcorn will also be available on site to purchase.

The Walker Rocks Outdoor Series continues later this summer with the following events:

  • Family Camp Out at Mountain Cove Farms on May 25
  • Kayak & Canoe Day at Lee & Gordon’s Mill on June 22
  • Trivia Scavenger Hunt at Lula Lake on July 13
  • Dive-in Movie and Such at Queen City Lake on August 17
  • Fright Night Camp Out at Magnolia Pines on September 13
  • Duck Pond Rodeo at the Rossville Duck Pond – TBA

Mountain Cove Farms Resort Named ‘Best of the Best’ for 2019

Posted on by Joe Legge

Chickamauga, GA – Customer service, hospitality and communication have rejuvenated Walker County’s Mountain Cove Farms Resort.  Along with a boost in nightly stays at the cabins and Cove House, the resort has become a favorite among brides who yearn to capture a truly unique experience for the wedding of their dreams.

Voters across Catoosa, Dade, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties have taken notice, choosing Mountain Cove Farms Resort as the top wedding venue in the Chattanooga Times Free Press’ North Georgia Best of the Best for 2019.

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“Under new management, the staff at Mountain Cove Farms Resort has worked tirelessly over the past two years to provide guests with a memorable experience,” said Commissioner Shannon Whitfield.  “I commend our team members for their commitment to friendly, helpful service.  Without them, the resort would not be where it is today.”

“When a bride arrives at Mountain Cove Farms Resort, she’s instantly mesmerized by the natural charm of this truly special place.  They have often driven for miles searching for a hidden gem and the picturesque views here in Walker County have no rival,” said Jenna Stevens, Resort Manager.  “We have a small, strong team fully committed to achieving a successful event, while sharing a milestone with families, who in the end feel like part of our family.”

Along with weddings, Mountain Cove Farms Resort hosts the Forever Bluegrass Festival twice a year and the Mountain Cove Classic Disc Golf Tournament, among other events.  Nightly stays at the resort have also jumped 460% over the past two years, from 162 in 2016 to 908 in 2018.

Reservations can be made online at mountaincoveresort.com, through Expedia and Airbnb, or by calling 706-539-2683.  Mountain Cove Farms Resort is nestled in the valley between Lookout Mountain and Pigeon Mountain.