Tourism continues to be a growing part of Walker County’s economy, with visitors spending more than $54 million during 2025, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
The Walker Chamber of Commerce and Tourism announced that visitor spending reached $54.1 million in 2025, an increase of 4.3% over 2024. The figures come from an annual study conducted by Tourism Economics.
The report shows increases in spending across every major tourism category, including restaurants, recreation, retail and transportation. However, the largest growth occurred in lodging, reflecting the increasing popularity of Walker County’s unique overnight accommodations.
Among the attractions drawing visitors are Cloudland at McLemore Resort on Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens and a growing number of specialty lodging destinations offering everything from treehouse retreats and glamping yurts to mountain cabins and themed accommodations.
Cloudland at McLemore Resort welcomed guests from all 50 states and 37 countries across six continents during its second year of operation. The resort also opened its second 18-hole golf course, The Keep, which received Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Best New Course Overall recognition.
Rock City Gardens, another major regional attraction, welcomed more than half a million visitors during 2025.
Lacey Smith, president and CEO of the Walker Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, said the county’s natural beauty and variety of visitor experiences continue to strengthen the local economy.
“As the organization responsible for championing our local tourism industry, we are excited to see the impact visitor spending continues to have on our economy,” Smith said.
The report found that tourism supported 462 jobs in Walker County during 2025 and generated $3.8 million in state and local tax revenues.
According to the study, without those tourism-related tax revenues, each Walker County household would need to pay an additional $143 annually to generate an equivalent amount.
The county’s growth was part of another record-setting year for tourism statewide. Georgia welcomed 175.6 million domestic and international visitors who spent $46.2 billion during 2025.
State tourism officials say visitor spending generated $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues and supported more than 473,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs across Georgia.
The annual tourism economic impact study is commissioned by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and examines visitor spending and its economic benefits in all 159 Georgia counties.
Additional information about Walker County tourism is available at walkerrocks.com.
Comments