Pickens can be explored through two distinctive themes: marble and railroad history on the one hand, and trails and landscapes on the other. The Pickens County Marble History Museum is dedicated to the heritage of the marble industry, while the Old Pickens County Jail tells a story through its architecture as well. If you prefer the outdoors, you can explore multi-use trails, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. You can focus on these different themes according to your interests.
Marble, Railroads, and Local History
The Old Pickens County Jail brings together architectural design and a history of use. The two-story building is made of brick and marble; its distinctive features include a rusticated marble façade, marble columns on the verandas, and turrets. From 1906 to 1982, it served as Pickens County’s third jail. Here, history is present not only as a subject, but also in the building’s materials and forms.
The Pickens County Marble History Museum showcases the county’s rich marble industry heritage. It is located at 500 Veterans Memorial Blvd in Jasper. The Tate Depot Train Society offers another perspective on the development of the marble industry: it explains the railroad’s role in that development and offers a tour to see its HO-scale model railway. Industry and railroad history are therefore not simply side by side—the railroad is part of the story told there.
The Kirby-Quinton Cabin offers a distinct historical perspective, too. It provides insight into pioneer life in Pickens and was used to introduce students to the heritage of the mountain region and life on the North Georgia frontier. Together with the jail and the museum, it offers another way to explore the past: through everyday life, a historic building, or the heritage of an industry.
The Tater Patch Players produce five plays each year. A very different event is Sheriff’s Jeepfest: this three-day festival takes place annually over Labor Day weekend and features Jeep obstacles, trails, mud, concerts, rides, and food. If you’re planning to attend, check the event dates before your trip. Wine is another of the region’s noted attractions: Fainting Goat Vineyards produces handcrafted wines from French grape varieties.
Multi-Use Trails, Hikes, and Scenic Views
Talking Rock Nature Park has about 11 miles of multi-use trails. John’s Trail has gradual ascents and descents and is suitable for beginner cyclists. This gives you a specific guide if you’re looking for a route with terrain described in these terms. Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the park, offering places to take a break.
The landscape also offers a range of highlights. County-managed Burnt Mountain Preserve covers 900 acres. Burnt Mountain Overlook offers expansive views. Mount Oglethorpe, meanwhile, has three separate hiking trails; details may change, so check the latest trail information before setting out. Historically, Mount Oglethorpe was the Appalachian Trail’s original southern terminus. This former role should be distinguished from the hiking trails available today.
For your trip, the contrast between history and nature is part of the appeal: marble, railroads, and historic buildings offer a range of points of interest for culture enthusiasts, while trails and scenic views focus on time outdoors. If you’re considering cycling, John’s Trail—with its gradual ascents and descents—offers a specific guide for beginners.
Discover more destinations: Jasper, Marble Hill, Nelson, Talking Rock, Polk County, Chattooga, Newton County, Washington County.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
