Things To Do
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
Dahlonega was the site of the first gold rush in the US in 1828. The original courthouse is now a gold museum.
University of North Georgia - Planetarium and Observatory
The University of North Georgia has a free Observatory-Planetarium Education Night (OPEN) event on Friday evenings. The Planetarium opens at 7:30 for an 8 pm show followed by Observatory viewing. This is just a couple of blocks off the square on the Univ of N. GA campus. The Planetarium is located in RM 234 of the Health and Natural Sciences building (159 Sunset Drive).
Consolidated Gold Mine
Former underground Gold Mine. Admission includes underground tour and gold panning.
Crisson Gold Mine
Active gold mine with self guided tour of gold mining equipment and gold and gem panning
Dahlonega Butterfly Farm
New attraction in Dahlonega. Has a small butterfly conservatory as well as outdoor butterfly areas.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park (18 miles, 23 min) has Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, at over 700 feet in height. There is a trail with stairs which allows you to hike from bottom to top of the falls (or reverse). There is also a parking lot halfway up the ridge that gives you a wheelchair/handicap accessible path to the falls. At the top of the falls is a beautiful lodge with fantastic views. Amicalola is also home to the 5 mile walk-up trail to the Appalachian Trailhead on Springer Mountain. Also has adventure activities.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
Beautiful State Park just outside Helen, Ga. Like Amicalola Falls it has adventure activities like ziplines, mountain biking, archery, etc. Just past Unicoi is Anna Ruby Falls – a double waterfall where Curtis Creek (drops 153 feet) and York Creek (drops 50 feet) meet to form Smith Creek.
Helen
Helen is a former mountain mining town that a German artist turned into an Alpine Bavarian Village. It celebrates Octoberfest every day in October at their Festhalle. There is an amazing model train exhibit of Germany at Charlemagne's Kingdom.
Walasi-yi Center/Appalachian Trail
Located at Neel's Gap on Blood Mountain on US 19. The only place on the Appalachian Trail that passes through a man made structure. One of 2 good access points for day hiking on the trail. The other access point is at Woody's Gap on Big Cedar Mountain on Hwy 60.
Burt's Farm
Huge pumpkin patch along with a country store and hay ride. Pumpkin Patch and parking is free. Hayride is $6. Located 1/2 miles past Amicalola Falls State Park
B.J. Reece Orchards
BJ Reece is out favorite of the apple orchards for picking apples along Hwy 52 (Apple Orchard Alley). On weekends it has a full range of activities - hay rides, petting farm, live music, apple cannon, etc. Just like most of the orchards it has a market/bakery with a wide range of delicious treats - apples, fruits, pies, donuts, cider, etc.