For 60 years, Trackrock Campground & Cabins has served as a gem of a mountain getaway with its scenic property and welcoming atmosphere. Tommie Alexander – a Union County native and true visionary – saw that potential decades ago, prompting him to share the beauty of his family’s land with others.
What started in 1953 as a farm built upon 250 acres became an opportunity for local economic growth when the Federal Housing Administration approached the Alexanders about utilizing their land for tourism.
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Under Tommie’s leadership, the family jumped at the chance, opening Trackrock Campground to the public on July 4, 1966.
The land means as much to the Alexanders as it does to their guests. Family members can recall their own fond memories about snipe hunts, meeting new people, story swaps and the hard but fulfilling work of keeping the campgrounds running smoothly.
For that reason, it is an honor for the Alexanders’ children to take on management of the place, as 98-year-old family matron Martha Alexander has stepped back from that role, which she shared with her husband Tommie until his passing in 2008.
“It changed a lot,” Martha said about the campgrounds. “It’s still the same, but I think it’s improved.”
The biggest difference today is that the Trackrock Stables no longer gives trail rides, as it simply became too difficult to find enough help to care for the nearly 70 horses once housed there.
But Trackrock continues to offer riding lessons as well as equine boarding, and pony rides are available for smaller guests. In fact, the entire place is family-friendly with fun additions like the playground that Frank Alexander completed.
On-site activities for all ages include hayrides, games like horseshoes and cornhole, grilling pavilions, hiking and walking trails, and recreational rooms. Lake Alexander, which Tommie established just before the campgrounds opened, is stocked for fishing, and many guests swim and play in its waters.
Although there is no official ban on electronics, kids are encouraged to put their phones down and learn about the world around them. Indeed, a common sight at Trackrock is groups of children huddled around the creek or playing volleyball.
Currently, there are 94 campsites and five cabins. Rates differ based on weekly and nightly rentals, and for campsites, monthly visits. The most popular time of year is Fall, with attendance peaking in October for folks who come to see the vibrant leaves.
Year-round, people visit the campgrounds to host family reunions and church camps. Scouting groups and other youth programs also find Trackrock an excellent backdrop to their learning.
The Alexanders continue to live on the property, and the family and camp staff have found that same multigenerational aspect among returning guests, with many grandparents who originally visited 30 or 40 years ago now enjoying annual trips with their grandchildren.
Over the years, some people have even been so moved by the campgrounds’ charm that they made Trackrock their final resting place; Sonya Alexander said that, while not common, there have been a few regulars who chose to have their ashes scattered on the property.
Reflecting on Tommie’s legacy, Martha believes her husband’s contributions are alive and well not just through Trackrock, but in what he did for the community; he also helped start the Union County Chamber of Commerce, which makes a difference for fellow business owners to this day.
The Alexanders have decided to hold their 60th anniversary on July 4 this year to coincide with their original opening date and the 250th celebration of America.
For more information, visit https://trackrock.com/ or swing by in person at 141 Trackrock Camp Road in Blairsville.
