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Famous for its crisp mountain air and hiking trails, North Georgia is home to a number of rustic mountain destinations that serve as refuges from the hubbub of Atlanta—namely, Blue Ridge, Helen, and Clayton. But there’s also a lesser-known hidden gem near the base of the Appalachian Trail that shouldn’t be slept on either: Dahlonega.

Dahlonega’s claim to fame is that it was the site of the country’s first major gold rush. As legend has it, a young Georgian named Benjamin Parks took a stroll on a brisk October day in 1828 when he stumbled upon a “curious yellow-colored rock.” Nearly two decades before California got in on the action, Parks’ discovery sparked a gold rush that drew hordes of would-be miners and continued until the start of World War II, when the mining equipment was dismantled and repurposed for scrap metal.

Today, a tourism boom has replaced the gold rush, with this vibrant, youthful town—it also hosts a University of North Georgia campus—providing a perfect escape for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and lovers of any excuse to shop alike.

Travel Time

1 hour and 45 minutes from Atlanta

4 hours and 25 minutes from Nashville

If you only do one thing: Take a hike

Dahlonega offers so many beautiful and scenic hikes, it’s impossible to recommend just one. If you’re looking for more of an easy-to-moderate trek, walk the trail around Lake Zwerner. You can also watch for birds or go kayaking, canoeing, or tubing in the area. Another short hike with a moderate climb, the summit of Preachers Rock on the famed Appalachian Trail is overflowing with scenic views of Dahlonega and Woody Creek Valley. It can get busy, though, so be sure to go in off-peak times to avoid crowds.

At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls State Park possesses the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River—just be ready for a pretty steep climb. Dick’s Creek Falls and DeSoto Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest are two other great choices, especially if you’re looking for an easier hike.

More adventurous hikers can brave Blood Mountain, reportedly the most-hiked section of Georgia’s Appalachian Trail. It’s just under five miles, but it’s steep, gaining over 1,400 feet in about two miles. That said, the breathtaking view from the summit and the dense forest cover—idyllic for leaf peeping—make it worth your while.

Fill the Weekend With

Shopping in Downtown Dahlonega

Start your morning in downtown Dahlonega by grabbing a coffee at Jethro’s Coffee and Public House. I recommend the “Picture to Burn,” a cozy fall speciality drink flavored with maple and brown sugar.

If you swing through Bear Book Market next door, you can pick out a new or used book that beats Amazon prices. There’s a chance you’ll run into Clay Anderson, local author and store owner. Or you might just run into his dad, who works in the shop on weekdays and is more than happy to brag about his son.

In the rest of town, pretty much anything else you could want—clothing, gourmet olive oil, art, quilts, handmade pottery, and antiques—can be found. Stop by the Dahlonega General Store for pantry staples (coffee, honey, salad dressing, and BBQ sauce) and souvenirs (sweatshirts, baseball caps, T-shirts, and magnets). And any aspiring Georgia peach in need of a destination-themed treat can visit Tea Rabbit’s Teas and pick out a bag of Georgia on My Mind, one of their most popular blends. Meanwhile, both the Humble Abode and the Humble Candle offer cute trinkets, soup mixes, home decor, and candles (but of course).

Explore Dahlonega’s Rich Gold-Mining History

For a comprehensive overview of the country’s first major gold rush, visit the old county courthouse-turned-Gold Museum in the center of the town square. Watch a short documentary, see gold coins made at the federal mint in Dahlonega, and learn 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, stick around for the Gold Rush Days Festival. It commemorates Parks’ discovery and the subsequent golden frenzy. Pan for gold, watch the parade, visit hundreds of arts-and-crafts tables, enjoy live music from Appalachian artists, and watch the town crown a local King and Queen of Gold Rush Days.

If you don’t happen to be in town for Gold Rush Days, you can still pan for gold at Consolidated Gold Mine or Crisson Gold Mine.

Where to Eat and Drink inDahlonega

Brunch: Another popular spot for both brunch and dinner is Bourbon Street Grille; it’s got all the Cajun cuisine its name would suggest. Picnic Cafe is a great brunch option, too. As an added bonus, it also might be haunted. So grab a chai latte and watch out for ghosts.

Burgers: Locals love Spirits Tavern, which offers farm-to-table burgers and house-made speciality drinks. (Order a side of their comeback sauce, and you’ll thank me later.)

Breweries and Wineries: Three of the most well-known are Wolf Mountain Vineyards andamp; Winery, Montaluce Winery andamp; Restaurant, and Cavender Creek Vineyards andamp; Winery. But why stop there? There’s also the lesser-known (but just as great) Frogtown Cellars, Three Sisters Vineyards andamp; Winery, and Kaya Vineyard andamp; Winery. There’s even Etowah Meadery, if mead is more your speed. If you can’t pick just one, book a private tour of the region’s best wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

Where to Stay in Dahlonega

No surprise here given its topography, but Dahlonega has all sorts of unique mountain stays, including Airbnb treehouses and a modern glass cabin.

BandB: A popular choice is Long Mountain Lodge, a bed and breakfast with stunning mountain views.

Downtown digs: The Dahlonega Square Hotel andamp; Villas is walking distance to downtown, and it offers wine tasting from the local Kaya Vineyard and Winery.

Budget: For a more basic, affordable option right near the heart of the town square, you can’t go wrong with the Holiday Inn Express andamp; Suites.