With the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop, Canton sits within an inviting, forested hamlet. The rich, natural landscape provides abundant areas for recreation—an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the Atlanta scene. Within Cherokee County, the Little River, the Etowah River and Lake Allatoona provide endless recreational opportunities. This lush Eden is ready for you to fall in love with, from the rolling green hills to the sweet smell of Georgia pine trees—all just a short drive from the shopping, events and other conveniences of nearby Atlanta!

Canton History

Cherokee County was formed in 1831 from lands the Cherokee and Creek Indian tribes were forced to abandon due to the forced Indian relocation known as the Trail of Tears. Shortly after settlement began in Cherokee County, a 10-mile wide swath of gold deposits was discovered, leading to the Georgia Gold Rush.

With settlers pouring into the area, the City of Etowah was formally incorporated in 1832. Early entrepreneurs in Etowah envisioned that the town would become the major silk production center in the West. The town’s name was changed to Canton, after the famous Chinese city from which most of the world’s silk came, to honor this vision.

Canton, however, did not fully live up to the reputation of its namesake city. Silk failed in Canton, Georgia. Fortunately for Canton, another fiber would play a prominent role in the city’s economic growth. Because of the abundance of cotton in the area, Canton became known for its famous Canton Denim. Additional prosperity came from the Earth as mining and timber provided a strong backbone for the Canton economy.

Though the mills have been closed for some time, Canton remains a prosperous area. Its family-friendly environment and proximity to Atlanta have attracted many who seek a perfect balance of big-city convenience and small town charm.

Canton Parks & Recreation

Canton offers many parks and recreational opportunities for its residents. Enjoy family sports, playgrounds with the kids, or just walking through the rolling hills of Canton. Below is a partial list of Canton Parks.

Barnett Park
Facilities include 3 baseball / softball fields, playground, running / walking track, 2 concession buildings, 4 picnic areas and restrooms.

Buffington Park
Facilities include baseball / softball field, outdoor basketball court, concession building, picnic pavilion with grill, restrooms.

Dwight Terry Park @ Pine Bluff
Facilities include 2 baseball / softball fields, football / soccer field, playground, running / walking track, concession building and restrooms.

Fields Landing Park
Facilities include boat ramp, fishing dock, playground, gazebo, pavilions with grills, picnic areas with grills, restrooms. Some park facilities are available for lease for private functions. There is a $3 daily fee or season pass for boat ramp use.

Hickory Trails Park
Facilities include gazebo, pavilion, parking, trails, relief station and benches.

Sequoyah Park
Facilities include 2 baseball / softball fields, 2 football / soccer fields, disc golf course, playground, running / walking trails, concession building, picnic areas and restrooms.

Weatherby Park
Facilities include 3 softball fields, multipurpose field, concession / restroom building, walking trail, playground, pavilion and parking.