Dawsonville, Georgia, situated approximately one hour north of Atlanta, is a delightful city with a range of attractions to explore. Among these, you’ll find Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia and the third tallest east of the Mississippi River, boasting an impressive height of 729 feet. This natural wonder is one of the seven designated as such in Georgia and is a definite must-visit when you’re in the area. Amicalola Falls is nestled within the scenic Amicalola Falls State Park, an 829-acre expanse conveniently located just 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail.

For those seeking adventure, the Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Zipline Tour is a thrilling option, offering the longest run with a 250-foot elevation drop, whisking you across the park for a distance of 2,000 feet. Additionally, within the state park, you’ll discover a 57-room resort-style lodge with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. The lodge also houses the Cascades restaurant, which offers panoramic vistas to accompany your meal. Beyond traditional guestrooms, the resort provides cabin, tent, and RV site rentals, ensuring a variety of accommodation options. 

Appalachian Trail

Serving as the southernmost endpoint of the Appalachian Trail, Dawsonville is an ideal destination for diverse outdoor escapades, offering the possibility of an exhilarating retreat at the renowned Len Foote Hike Inn, Georgia’s exclusive backcountry lodge. Nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest, this LEED-certified facility can be reached solely via a scenic 5-mile moderate hiking trail that commences at the summit of Amicalola Falls. The distinctive Inn features twenty private guest rooms and ensures your comfort by providing all essential amenities, meaning all you require is a change of clothing and your personal toiletries for a delightful stay.

For those with a need for speed, a visit to the Atlanta Motorsports Park is a must. This auto racing facility boasts a Formula One-inspired 2-mile road course designed for its members and clients. It’s also home to America’s most distinctive karting circuit, featuring elevation changes that set it apart from any other karting track in the world. Notably, this course has earned recognition as one of Road & Track’s Top 10 Tracks in North America.

Dawsonville

Racing fans will also relish in a visit to the Georgia racing Hall of Fame, where you can explore the original roots of stock car racing and discover how running moonshine during the prohibition era grew into the NASCAR of today! The hall of fame 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. After exploring the museum, walk down the street to the legendary Dawsonville Pool Room, known for their Bully Burgers and Fresh Cuts, and a popular locale for celebrating Elliott victories over the years.

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For some art and culture, visit Around Back at Rocky’s Place Folk Art Gallery, which stands as the South’s largest haven for folk art enthusiasts, a treasure trove of creativity that showcases the diverse talents of over 300 Southern artists. Within its walls, you’ll discover a remarkable collection, including the works of the highly sought-after artist known as Cornbread. 

Last but not least, if you have a shopping itch to scratch, you’ll want to explore the North Georgia Premium Outlets, the top-tier outlet shopping destination in the region. With over 140 stores, it offers discounts of up to 65% off on a wide range of items. Among its offerings, you’ll find luxury brands like Gucci, Versace, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, and many others.

Dawsonville and its neighboring areas have something to captivate every visitor. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and savor the multitude of experiences this region has in store for you.