The Queen City of the Highlands
Often called the "Queen City of the Highlands," LaFayette is the county seat of Walker County and boasts a rich Native American, Civil War and African American history. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northwest Georgia, this charming town of approximately 7,000 residents serves as the perfect launching pad for Big BRAG 2026—and not just because of its scenic beauty and Southern hospitality.
A Sweet Welcome: The Honey Bee Festival
Big BRAG riders couldn't ask for a better send-off than arriving in LaFayette during its crown jewel event: the annual Honey Bee Festival. The Honey Bee Festival was born in 2017 and proved to be a huge success for the area, though some reports suggest the festival dates back even further. The festival has drawn as many as 50,000 attendees in past years, making it one of the top festivals in Georgia.
The festival runs from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and features arts and crafts, food vendors, musical entertainment, and activities for all ages. The daylong event includes local musical talents as well as top headlining performers from the music industry, along with a Kid's Zone, the Honeybee Festival BBQ Competition, Baking Contest, and Cruise-in which also features an array of antique tractors.
reds of cyclists come together to support each other through a week-long journey.
A Name Born from Revolution
LaFayette's name itself tells a story of American history and gratitude. The town was renamed LaFayette in 1836 in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, who assisted George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The county seat was initially incorporated in 1835 as Chattooga before the name was changed a year later. This tribute to the French hero who championed American independence reflects the town's deep appreciation for those who journey far from home to support a greater cause—a sentiment Big BRAG riders can certainly relate to.
Cherokee Heritage and the Trail of Tears
The land that would become LaFayette and Walker County has profound historical significance. Walker County was created on December 18, 1833, from land formerly belonging to the Cherokee Indian Nation. When gold was discovered in north Georgia in 1829, bringing in thousands of fortune hunters, the newcomers, backed by federal and state authorities, used force to dispossess the Cherokees of their land, with parcels distributed to whites in 1832 during the Cherokee land lottery.
Famed Cherokee Chief John Ross made his headquarters in the county and fought for his tribe's rights to stay in Georgia, ultimately leading the Cherokees to Oklahoma in 1838 on the infamous Trail of Tears. Today, the area honors this heritage through events like the John Ross Festival, an annual commemoration of Cherokee heritage, ensuring that the original inhabitants of this land are remembered and respected.
Historic Architecture and Preservation
Walker County is home to 17 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Courthouse, which was constructed in 1917. The Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette, completed in 1919, was designed in the Beaux-Arts classical and Italian Renaissance revival styles and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The county purchased the 1836 Marsh-Warthen House and, working with the Walker County Historical Society and the Marsh House Community Task Force, made repairs to stabilize and protect the house, with the historic landscape design plan completed and original Marsh House furnishings being sought. Marsh-Warthen House is now open for tours every weekend and has become a favorite site for weddings, parties, formal galas, and serves as an educational tool.
The restoration success inspired further preservation efforts. The restoration inspired the city of LaFayette to restore its old Chattooga Academy, next door to Marsh-Warthen House, as well as the donation of a commercial building from a county citizen to use as headquarters for historical society activities.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventure
Beyond its historical and cultural significance, LaFayette offers stunning natural attractions that make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. LaFayette is home to Rock Town's massive boulders and the scenic valleys of McLemore Cove and Pigeon Mountain.
Rock Town, mentioned in visitor reviews, is a short hike to a rock outcropping that's great for bouldering and free climbing, with most rocks approximately 20 feet high—an interesting spot for those who want to explore vertical terrain after days of horizontal pedaling. The area also features Keown Falls and numerous other natural attractions in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest.
Walker County celebrates heritage through various events including War Between the States Day to commemorate the Battle of Chickamauga with a reenactment and a period ball at the historic Gordon Lee Mansion, Down Home Days heritage festival in downtown Chickamauga, the John Ross Festival, the African American Heritage and Fun Festival, and a rodeo presented each Labor Day weekend in McLemore Cove carrying on a 55-year tradition in this unique agricultural National Historic District.
A Gateway to Greater Adventures
LaFayette's location makes it a strategic starting point for Big BRAG 2026. The town sits at the doorstep of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, with easy access to Chattanooga, Tennessee, just minutes to the north. Yet it maintains its authentic small-town character, with a walkable downtown square that embodies everything people love about historic Southern communities.
The town has two of Georgia's top 25 tourist attractions nearby: the Chickamauga-Chattanooga Battlefield National Park and Rock City Gardens atop Lookout Mountain, proving that this region has long been a destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and historical significance.
Community Spirit and the Big BRAG Welcome
What truly sets LaFayette apart—and what makes it the ideal starting point for Big BRAG—is the community's genuine warmth and commitment to celebration. A town that can organize and execute a festival drawing 50,000 people to celebrate honeybees understands hospitality, logistics, and the importance of coming together for something greater than ourselves.
The Honey Bee Festival's philosophy speaks directly to the Big BRAG experience: just as each bee has a role in protecting the hive, each rider, volunteer, and community member has a role in making our cycling adventure successful. The festival's emphasis on education, preservation, and community care mirrors the values that make Big BRAG more than just a bike ride—it's a celebration of Georgia, of community, and of the collective journey.
Why LaFayette Matters for Big BRAG 2026
Starting our "Happy Trails" journey in LaFayette means beginning with a town that understands the importance of preserving what's precious—whether that's honeybees, historic buildings, Cherokee heritage, or Civil War battlefields. It's a community that knows how to throw a party (50,000 people can't be wrong), that values education and remembrance, and that welcomes visitors with genuine Southern hospitality.
As Big BRAG riders roll out of LaFayette on May 30, 2026, they'll be carrying with them not just honey-fueled energy but the spirit of a community that believes in working together, preserving history, celebrating nature, and making every visitor feel like family. From the Queen City of the Highlands to the trails that lie ahead, LaFayette provides the perfect sweet start to our cycling adventure through northwest Georgia.
The honeybees have it right: it takes a whole hive working together to create something remarkable. And on Big BRAG 2026, that's exactly what we'll do—one pedal stroke at a time, starting in LaFayette, where history, nature, and hospitality converge in perfect harmony.
