Dahlonega, Georgia was the site of the country’s first major gold rush.
Famous for its crisp mountain tune and tramp trails , North Georgia is home plate to a identification number of rustic mountain finish that serve as resort from the hubbub of Atlanta — namely , Blue Ridge , Helen , andClayton . But there ’s also a lesser - known secret gem near thebase of the Appalachian Trailthat should n’t be sleep on either : Dahlonega .
Dahlonega ’s call to fame is that it was the land site of the country’sfirst major golden rush . As fable has it , a young Georgian named Benjamin Parks took a perambulation on a refreshful October sidereal day in 1828 when he trip upon a “ peculiar yellow - colored rock . ” most two decades before California got in on the action , Parks ’ breakthrough sparked a gilded upsurge that draw hordes of would - be miners and continued until the outset of World War II , when the excavation equipment was dismantled and repurposed for scrap metallic element .
Today , a touristry bunce has replaced the Au rush , with this vibrant , youthful town — it also hosts a University of North Georgia campus — providing a gross escape for history lover , nature enthusiast , and lovers of any alibi to buy at likewise .
Discover Dahlonega, Georgia
Travel Time
1 60 minutes and 45 moment from Atlanta4 hours and 25 transactions from Nashville
If you only do one thing: Take a hike
Dahlonega offers so many beautiful and scenic hike , it ’s impossible to recommend just one . If you ’re looking for more of an soft - to - moderate trek , take the air the lead aroundLake Zwerner . you could alsowatch for birdsor gokayaking , canoeing , or tubingin the domain . Another short hike with a moderate climb , the summit ofPreachers Rockon the illustrious Appalachian Trail is bubble over with scenic persuasion of Dahlonega and Woody Creek Valley . It can get officious , though , so be indisputable to go in off - peak times to avoid crowds .
At 729 feet , Amicalola Falls State Parkpossesses the gamey falls east of the Mississippi River — just be ready for apretty usurious mounting . Dick ’s Creek FallsandDeSoto Fallsin the Chattahoochee National Forest are twoother great choices , especially if you ’re looking for an well-heeled hike .
More adventurous hikers can braveBlood Mountain , reportedly the most - boost section of Georgia ’s Appalachian Trail . It ’s just under five miles , but it ’s exorbitant , acquire over 1,400 feet in about two miles . That enjoin , the breathtaking vista from the superlative and the dense forest cover — idyllic for foliage peeping — make it deserving your while .
Fill the Weekend With
Shopping in Downtown Dahlonega
Start your break of the day in business district Dahlonega by grab a coffee atJethro ’s Coffee and Public House . I recommend the “ Picture to cauterize , ” a informal fall speciality drunkenness flavored with maple and brown sugar .
If you drop throughBear Book Marketnext threshold , you’re able to cull out a new or used book that beats Amazon prices . There ’s a chance you ’ll lead intoClay Anderson , local author and store possessor . Or you might just run into his dad , who work in the shop on weekdays and is more than well-chosen to blow about his son .
In the sleep of Ithiel Town , pretty much anything else you could want — clothing , epicurean Olea europaea oil , graphics , quilt , hand-crafted clayware , and antique — can be bump . Stop by theDahlonega General Storefor pantry raw material ( coffee , dearest , salad stuffing , and BBQ sauce ) and souvenirs ( sweatshirts , baseball caps , T - shirts , and magnets ) . And any aspiring Georgia Prunus persica in want of a destination - theme goody can visitTea Rabbit ’s Teasand pick out a bag of Georgia on My Mind , one of their most pop blends . Meanwhile , both theHumble Abodeand theHumble Candleoffer cute trinket , soup mixes , home decor , and standard candle ( but of class ) .
Discover Dahlonega, Georgia
Explore Dahlonega’s Rich Gold-Mining History
For a comprehensive overview of the land ’s first major gold rush , visit the onetime county courthouse - turned - Gold Museumin the center of the town square . Watch a short infotainment , see gold coin made at the federal wad in Dahlonega , and watch what it means to have a “ dynamite headache . ” Superfans of Benjamin Parks ( Parkies ? ) also can line up to view memorabilia from his life , such as family photos and his spectacles .
In mid - October , stupefy around for theGold Rush Days Festival . It memorialize Parks ’ discovery and the subsequent aureate frenzy . Pan for gold , watch the parade , bring down hundred of art - and - wiliness tables , enjoy live euphony from Appalachian artist , and watch the town crown a local King and Queen of Gold Rush Days .
If you do n’t happen to be in Ithiel Town for Gold Rush Days , you’re able to still pan for amber atConsolidated Gold MineorCrisson Gold Mine .
Discover Dahlonega, Georgia
Where to Eat and Drink inDahlonega
Brunch : Another democratic spot for both brunch and dinner party isBourbon Street Grille ; it ’s got all the Cajun cuisine its name would propose . Picnic Cafeis a great brunch option , too . As an tote up fillip , it also might be haunt . So grab a chai latte and determine out for ghosts .
Burgers : Locals loveSpirits Tavern , which offers farm - to - table burgers and house - made specialness boozing . ( Order a side of their comeback sauce , and you ’ll thank me after . )
Breweries and Wineries : Three of the most well - known areWolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery , Montaluce Winery & Restaurant , andCavender Creek Vineyards & Winery . But why terminate there ? There ’s also the lesser - known ( but just as great)Frogtown Cellars , Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery , andKaya Vineyard & Winery . There ’s evenEtowah Meadery , if mead is more your speed . If you ca n’t pick just one , book a individual tourof the region ’s best wineries , brewery , and distilleries .
Frogtown Cellars|Discover Dahlonega, Georgia
Where to Stay in Dahlonega
No surprise here gift its topography , but Dahlonega has all form of unique mount stays , including Airbnbtreehousesand amodern chicken feed cabin .
B&B : A democratic selection isLong Mountain Lodge , a bottom and breakfast with stunning mountain views .
business district digs : TheDahlonega Square Hotel & Villasis walking distance to downtown , and it offer wine tasting from the local Kaya Vineyard and Winery .
Budget : For a more canonical , low-priced option right near the heart of the township foursquare , you ca n’t go wrong with theHoliday Inn Express & Suites .
