About the Park
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Mr. Holmes wanted to provide a place for people to experience the beauty of this natural environment for many generations to come. The park includes over two miles of hiking/walking trails through a hardwood forest and wooded creek bottom land There is also a pavilion that has 8 table and 59 chairs, restrooms, and an office located at the park. Many different species of wild flowers, plants and trees can be found. Some selected trees will be marked with signs to identify the specific species. There is also a trail located on the ridge that is accessible for strollers and those with disabilities.
Talking tree boxes provide visitors with information about the park's trees. These units are powered by solar energy. The tree boxes were paid for with grant funds from the Georgia Environment Facilities Authority. These boxes promote energy efficiency and conservation. Many wildflowers can be seen while visiting the park from early spring to fall. The park offers an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to get away from the busy world, to relax in the beautiful natural wooded setting, and to enjoy nature while strolling through the park. The park is more than just a pretty place to visit. It is an outdoor classroom providing an opportunity to study many aspects of our world. It is a great place for field trips where students can learn the lessons provided by nature. The pavilion can be reserved for groups, and the park staff is available to speak or give guided tours if scheduled in advance. Since the opening of the park in 1997, over 60,000 guests have visited the park. We have had hundreds of pavilion bookings from school groups to family reunions to class reunions. The amount of visitors continue to increase on an annual basis. |
IN JUNE 1997 THE ELSIE A. HOLMES NATURE PARK WAS OPENED. MR. BEN HOLMES MADE THIS POSSIBLE WITH THE DONATION OF 66 ACRES TO CATOOSA COUNTY IN THE MEMORY OF HIS WIFE ELSIE. THIS TRACT OF WOODLAND IS BORDERED BY THE SOUTH CHICKAMAUGA CREEK.
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Park HoursMonday-Sunday: 9:00AM-6:00PM
Hours can be extended in the summer months for group reservations. Hiking Trail Options Six separate trails are available to explore throughout the park. Use the map to the left to explore each of the trails and its location. Pavilion Use Agreement - Click Here Pavilion Rental: $50 per day |
Directions to Elsie A. Holmes Park
From Hwy. 41 in Ringgold
Turn Left onto Ooltewah/Ringgold Road and travel north for approximately 3 miles. Turn Left onto Saunders Road and follow the signs to the park.
From East Brainerd Road in Chattanooga
Turn Right onto Ooltewah/Ringgold Road and drive approximately 3 miles south and turn Right onto Saunders Road and follow the signs to the park.
Turn Left onto Ooltewah/Ringgold Road and travel north for approximately 3 miles. Turn Left onto Saunders Road and follow the signs to the park.
From East Brainerd Road in Chattanooga
Turn Right onto Ooltewah/Ringgold Road and drive approximately 3 miles south and turn Right onto Saunders Road and follow the signs to the park.
Contact Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park
88 Ben Holmes Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
(706) 891-4199
Ringgold, GA 30736
(706) 891-4199