Located about an hour north of Atlanta lies the enchanting city of Dawsonville, Georgia.  The region boasts several attractions, certainly not least of which is Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia and third tallest east of the Mississippi River. At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, and is a site not-to-be-missed while exploring the area.  The Falls is located in the stunning Amicalola Falls State Park, an 829-acre park just 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail; there are also ten additional hiking trails in the park to choose from. 

The Park features not only breathtaking natural surroundings but also a state-of-the-art Visitors Center that just recently opened. The Visitors Center showcases interactive exhibits which delve into the history of the Appalachian Trail and Dawson County, and includes an onsite café, The Falls Café, where you can enjoy light snacks, sandwiches, and coffee.  While you’re exploring, don’t miss the Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Zipline Tour, with the longest run featuring 250 feet of elevation and whisking you 2,000 feet spanning across the park! 

Place To Stay

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of the adventure, there is a 57-room resort-style lodge right in the State Park, complete with magnificent views of the Appalachian Mountains and an on-site restaurant, Cascades, featuring beautiful panoramic vistas.  In addition to guestrooms, the resort has onsite cabin, tent and RV site rentals as well and offers a number of fun things for guests including animal meet-and-greets where you can view animals and learn things like how birds of prey fly silently and why a snake sheds its skin!

In Dawsonville Georgia, you have the opportunity to partake in a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, zip-lining, archery, acquiring outdoor survival skills, and many other exciting experiences.  The Edge of the World Trail, a 2.5-mile nature trail or a half-mile boardwalk trail along the Amicalola Creek, will take you to the Edge of the World, class II-IV rapids that are perfect for kayaking!  This is also a popular fly-fishing area and there is a swimming hole and kayak put-in as well. 

city of Dawsonville, Georgia

For an exhilarating lodging option, consider staying at the renowned Len Foote Hike Inn, Georgia’s only backcountry lodge. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the LEED-certified facility is accessible only by a 5-mile moderate hike that starts at the very top of Amicalola Falls.  The unique Inn offers twenty private guest rooms and provides everything you need to enjoy your stay, all you need is a change of clothes and your toiletries!

Speed enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the Atlanta Motorsports Park. This high-performance racing facility boasts a Formula One-designed 2-mile road course exclusively for members and clients. It also features America’s most distinctive karting circuit, showcasing elevation changes that set it apart from any other in the world. The facility has earned lots of accolades, including being named one of Road & Track’s Top 10 Tracks in North America.

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Racing lovers will also relish in a visit to the Georgia racing Hall of Fame, which has exhibits celebrating the history of motorsports in the state of Georgia and features memorabilia and trophies from Dawsonville’s own 2020 NASCAR Cup Champion Chase Elliott and his dad, former champion Awesome Bill.  Fans will love the brand-new interactive racing simulators along with a novel exhibit honoring Red Vogt, considered to be the first master mechanic in NASCAR and an engine builder for whiskey runners.  

city of Dawsonville, Georgia

After exploring the museum, check out the brand-new Granddaddy Mimm’s Distillery and Brewery, opening in Spring of 2024 and just adjacent to the Hall of Fame.  This family-owned and operated distillery specializes in the highest quality, small-batch spirits which includes moonshine that is crafted from the legendary Jack Mimm McClures perfected recipe.  The venue also hosts live music events, musical bingo, and much more fun!

Finally, if you are looking to get a little shopping done, the area’s North Georgia Premium Outlets is Atlanta’s premier outlet shopping destination featuring 140+ stores with savings up to 65% off!  Check out your favorite retailers including Lululemon, Burberry, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, and many more. 

Dawsonville Georgia and the surrounding region have something for everyone. Dive into the adventure of a lifetime and enjoy all the attractions it has to offer!