Jasper combines local history and its marble heritage with park walks and distant views that depend on the weather. To help choose what to focus on, it’s useful to look at the different offerings: historical markers and monuments, a year-round exhibit, and nature and cultural activities each offer their own perspective.
History in the Town Center
Downtown Jasper developed around the courthouse square after the town was founded in 1853. The Pickens County Courthouse was built in 1949 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical markers at the building provide information about the founding of the county and the Old Federal Road. The courthouse’s architectural history and the topics covered by the markers thus offer distinct historical perspectives.
Monuments and Marble
The Oglethorpe Monument is a 42-foot-tall marble monument honoring General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia. In Roper Park stands the 12-foot-tall Rotary Peace Pole, a marble obelisk. In front of the Pickens County Library, the “Learning is Fun” sculpture shows a child reading to a group of friendly woodland animals. The works therefore differ in form and subject, ranging from a tribute to a founder to an obelisk and a reading scene.
The Kirby-Quinton Cabin, next to the Old Pickens County Jail, is furnished with 19th-century household items. The Marble Museum in downtown Jasper features a year-round exhibit of fine marble. The Georgia Marble Museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; check the hours before visiting. The cabin and the museum have different focuses: historical furnishings and marble.
Park Walks and a Viewpoint
At Lee Newton Park, you can choose between two walking loops: the short loop is 0.3 miles and the long loop is 0.42 miles. The difference is 0.12 miles, giving you a clear choice based on distance. The park also has a stage, a creek, a large open lawn and restrooms. The Pickens County Visitor Center is located in downtown Jasper, in Lee Newton Park.
The Georgia Marble Festival takes place on the first full weekend in October; check the dates for the specific edition before traveling. For a different view of the landscape, visit Burnt Mountain Overlook, where you can see the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. On a clear day, the view extends 70 miles to Atlanta.
Wine, Cooking Classes and Theater
Sharp Mountain Vineyards offers wine tastings and tours in Jasper; visitors can picnic at the pavilion. Before traveling, check whether these offerings are currently available. Woodbridge General Store in downtown Jasper offers cooking classes, and you should also check their current availability in advance. The offerings differ not only in subject but also in whether current availability needs to be confirmed.
Tater Patch Players stages performances in Jasper featuring talent from several surrounding communities. The Summer Drama Camp is for school-aged children. As it is a seasonal program, check the current dates before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Talking Rock, Marble Hill, Nelson.
Return to the main travel overview: Pickens.
