You ever drive through a town and think, "I bet nothing happens here"? Honestly, that’s usually the first impression people have of Cedartown. It’s sitting there in Polk County, tucked away from the Atlanta chaos, looking like a quiet, 1890s postcard. But if you actually pull over and spend a day here, you realize it’s kind of a sleeper hit for North Georgia. It’s not just a pit stop on the way to Alabama.
Basically, if you’re looking for things to do in Cedartown GA, you’ve gotta look past the "small town" label. This place has a weirdly deep connection to Hollywood, one of the best bike trails in the country, and a spring that pumps out four million gallons of water every single day.
The Silver Comet: More Than Just a Bike Path
Most folks know the Silver Comet Trail. It’s the crown jewel of Northwest Georgia. But what most people get wrong is thinking the "good parts" are all closer to Smyrna or Powder Springs.
Actually, the Cedartown stretch is where it gets interesting.
The trail runs right through the heart of the city. You can park at the Cedartown Welcome Center, which is a replica of a 1920s train depot. It’s a cool spot because it doubles as a museum. If you head west from here, you’re hitting the most rural, scenic part of the entire 61-mile trail. It’s quiet. Like, really quiet. You’ll hit the Georgia-Alabama state line at the State Line Gateway Park, where the trail magically turns into the Chief Ladiga Trail.
If you aren't into biking sixty miles, just walk a bit. The path is paved, flat, and perfect for a slow stroll with a coffee from one of the shops on Main Street.
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Hollywood in the Foothills
Did you know the voice of Winnie the Pooh was born here? Sterling Holloway, the guy who gave Pooh his iconic voice (and Kaa the snake in The Jungle Book), grew up in Cedartown. You can find a historic marker at 301 S. College Street at his birth site.
The Polk County Historical Society Museum—which is located in the old Hawkes Children’s Library—has a whole exhibit on him. It’s a quirky piece of Americana you wouldn't expect in a town this size.
While we’re on the subject of screens, you’ve gotta see the West Cinema. It’s an Art Deco masterpiece from 1941. Most of these old theaters have been turned into storage units or torn down, but the West still shows first-run movies. The relief sculptures on the front were done by Julian Hoke Harris. It’s cheap, it’s nostalgic, and the popcorn is actually good.
The Big Spring and Local Legend
Cedartown exists because of the water. Period.
Big Spring Park is the site of the second-largest limestone spring in the South. Back in the day, it was a ceremonial ground for the Cherokee. Later, it was used as an internment camp during the Trail of Tears, which is a heavy bit of history to reckon with while you’re walking the grounds.
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Today, the park is a lot more peaceful. The water is incredibly clear. There's a 19th-century Waterworks building nearby and the Woman’s Building, both made of that heavy, impressive stone that was popular in the 1930s.
Historical Heavy Hitters
If you’re a history nerd, don't just stay downtown.
- The Old Mill: Built in 1848, this place survived the Civil War and was even used as a filming location for a Johnny Cash movie in the 80s (The Baron and the Kid).
- Peek Forest Park: This is the local "hangout" spot. It’s got a massive playground that the community actually built and funded themselves. In the summer, there’s a fountain for kids to run through.
- The Murals: Walk around the downtown commercial district. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places for a reason. The architecture is almost entirely intact from the late 1800s.
Where to Eat (The Non-Chain Version)
Look, every town has a McDonald's and a Zaxby's. Cedartown has those too, mostly out on the Rome Highway. But if you want the real experience, you go elsewhere.
Cedar & Smoke is where you go for contemporary Southern food. It’s got that elevated BBQ vibe that’s taking over Georgia right now. If you want something more old-school, The Border is a local staple for Mexican food.
Honestly, the best way to do it is to grab something to go and head back to the Silver Comet or Big Spring Park. There’s something about eating outside in Polk County that just feels right.
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Catch a Show
The Cedartown Performing Arts Center punches way above its weight. They get touring acts that usually only stop in bigger cities like Rome or Marietta. For 2026, they've got everything from Irish dance troupes to country legends on the schedule.
Check their calendar before you go. Sometimes they have local art competitions or gallery openings that are free to the public.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip, here is how you should actually spend your time to avoid the "tourist traps":
- Start at the Depot: Park at the Welcome Center (Depot) and check out the Sterling Holloway relics.
- Ride West: If you have bikes, head toward Alabama on the Silver Comet for at least 5 miles. The scenery is unbeatable.
- Matinee at the West: Catch a mid-afternoon movie at the West Cinema to see the Art Deco interior.
- Sunset at the Spring: End your day at Big Spring Park. The light hitting the limestone and the old Waterworks building is a photographer's dream.
Cedartown isn't a place that shouts for your attention. It’s a place that rewards you for slowing down. You’ve just gotta be willing to step off the highway and look around.