Recreation and Fun in Cherokee County Georgia

Lake Allatoona 
Located only 30 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, Allatoona Lake is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer a respite from the rush of city living. Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. More than 6 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking and swimming at our parks, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and observing wildlife along the shoreline.

Allatoona History

Allatoona is the oldest multipurpose project in the South Atlantic Division (SAD). It was authorized under the Flood Control Acts (FCAs) of August 18,1941, and December 22, 1944, for the purposes of flood control and hydroelectric generation. The FCA of 1944 also authorized construction of recreation facilities. Impoundment of the project began in December 1949 and was in full operation by January 1950. The total cost of the Allatoona project for construction, land, clearing and relocation was $31.5 million. Allatoona was authorized for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, water supply and water quality, recreation and fish and wildlife management. The Allatoona project has an 1,110 square mile drainage area. This is the first impoundment for water as it flows from the Blue Ridge Mountain region, and additional water for the project depends on rainfall. Responsible stewardship of the lake and surrounding 25,000 acres of public lands is the highest priority for the staff at Allatoona.

As one of the most frequently visited Corps lakes in the nation, Allatoona provides recreation opportunities for nearly 6 million visitors annually. The Corps and other public and private organizations work together to provide a wide spectrum of quality recreation opportunities. These opportunities fuel the regional economy by nearly $200 million annually. As metro Atlanta moves northwest, this usage is certain to increase. The Corps of Engineers has 688 campsites on the lake along with 453 picnic sites. Additional facilities are found in seven city and county parks, one state park and eight commercial marinas. Allatoona has 270 miles of shoreline on which 978 Shoreline Use permits have been issued

Allatoona was authorized by the Flood control Acts of 1941 and 1946.

The general contractor for construction of Allatoona Dam was National Constructor Inc.

The total cost of the Allatoona project for construction, land, clearing, and relocation was $31,500,000 in 1950.

Allatoona serves seven authorized purposes of Allatoona are:

1. Flood Control

2. Hydropower generation

3. Water supply

4. Recreation

5. Fish and wildlife management

6. Water quality

7. Navigation

The power plant began operation January 31, 1950.

Since 1957 the summer pool elevation has been 840.

Since 1957 the winter draw down has been 823.

Two municipalities that withdraw water from the lake.

1. The City of Cartersville uses 12 million gallons per day

2. Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority uses 43 million gallons per day.

In 1998 Allatoona clocked 86,813,126 hours, which were more visitor hours than any of the other 450 Corps of Engineer projects in the United States and exceeded that in 2002 with more than 90 million visitor hours.

Hydroelectric power generation at Allatoona returns more than $3.5 million to the Federal Treasury annually.

The Corps collected more than $1 million in Camping and Day Use fees in 1999.

Visitors to Allatoona spent more than $12 million for consumable goods in 1999.

The presence of Allatoona Dam has prevented more than $69 million in flood damages since 1950.

The record high water on Allatoona of 861.19 occurred on April 9, 1964.

From 1950 through 1999, 244 drownings have occurred in Allatoona.

Allatoona Pass was the site of an intensive 8-hour battle during the Civil War in 1864. More than 1500 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or missing.

The Corps of Engineer 662 campsites on Allatoona.

Dixie Speedway in Woodstock Georgia

Dixie Speedway is a 3/8-mile banked clay oval that hosts stock car racing. Everything from National Event to Weekly Races, Bombers, Sportsman, Cruiser Cars, and the Superfast 600 Horsepowered Late Models that headline the feature event each week. There's even a chance for the fans to test their skill in one on one, single lap spectator racing with the only qualifications needed: your car, helmet, seat belt, plus a roll bar. Enjoy racing every Saturday Night, May through November.

When
• Racing every Saturday Night, May through November. Each show consists of many heat races and preliminary rounds followed by main events and features and sometimes special events like Demo Derbys, Thrill Shows, etc. The average weekly show is 3 hours long. Click here for our racing schedule



Where
• Dixie Speedway is located one mile west of I-575 on Highway 92 in Woodstock, GA ... See Map to the right ~ 5 minutes from Town Center Mall ~ 10 minutes from Marietta ~ 15 minutes from the Perimeter ~ 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta.



Other things you need to know
• Grandstand Admission is $12.00 for weekly shows, but is increased on some special events such as the Outlaw Sprint Cars, and NARA ProDirtCar Series, added attractions, etc. kids 8 years of age and under free on most events. Ages 9-17 may purchase a student pass.

• Tailgate Section allows alcohol and also permits vehicles to be driven in and parked around the outside perimeter of the track. It's $4.00 extra to go here, but it's worth it ! Come early and bring a grill !

• Site of Bill Elliott's first professional feature win in 1973

• Home of Kenny Roger's first movie, "Six Pack", filmed on location at Dixie Speedway

• The only Southern host facility of major Outlaw Sprint Car events.

• First short track to produce a television show that has the ability to reach over 5 million homes.

• Special reports seen on ESPN, CNN, WTBS, WAGA-TV 5, WXIA-TV 11, WGNX-TV 46, and WBS-TV 2

• Special cover story in the "Wall Street Journal".

• Special cover story in "Stock Car Racing" Magazine.

• Special cover story in "Stock Car USA"

• 34 to 40 Races Per Year

• 4,000 - 5,000 Average Weekly Attendance

• 175,000 - 200,000 Average Annaul Attendance

• Over 200 Participants Weekly

• Grandstand Accomodated 8,000 people

• Pit Area Accommodates 3,000 people

• Trackside Parking Accommodates 3,000 people

• Facility Can Accommodate a Standing-Room-Only crowd of 15,000

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Authority is the recreation and parks agency for Cherokee County, Georgia. The Authority was established in 1995 by the Georgia General Assembly through House Bill 951. The lifespan of the Authority was then extended through 2010 by House Bill 932 in 1999.

The Authority is governed by a five person board, each of whom is appointed by members of the Cherokee County Commission. The Authority mission is: 

To Provide Essential Recreation, Park, and Leisure Opportunities that Enhance the Quality of Life for All the Citizens of Cherokee County.