Blue Ridge, Georgia, is a charming and beautiful mountain town with plenty of family fun! When you’re not playing games and hanging out in your North Georgia cabin, you can visit The Zoo – Groovy Yard Art, have some fun at a family farm, have a high-flying outdoor adventure, or go for a float down the Chattahoochee River. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do!
But when you want to explore a little beyond Blue Ridge, there are some charming neighboring towns to visit like Ellijay, Dahlonega, and…Dawsonville, Georgia! Find fall fun, outdoor adventures in the Appalachian Mountains, hiking trails, history, arts, go karts, ziplines, shopping, water fun on Lake Lanier, and more. This lovely town is located just about an hour from Blue Ridge and about 1 ½ hours from Atlanta, making it an easy day trip. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your cabin before packing up some snacks, drinks, and a picnic lunch to hit the road.
Outdoor Activities in Dawsonville
No North Georgia getaway is complete without some time spent in the great outdoors. The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. While you’re visiting Dawsonville, enjoy hikes, days on the water, horseback rides, and more.
Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls State Park is 829 acres of outdoor beauty, located within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The star here is Amicalola Falls, the 729-foot waterfall – the highest in the state of Georgia! You can also spend a day by the Amicalola River for a nice picnic.
Dawson Forest
Boasting 25,000+ acres, the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area offers ample opportunities for hunting, hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding.
Etowah River
The Etowah River runs for 163 miles and is known for its biodiversity and water fun for families. Fishing, kayaking, paddling, and floating are all popular activities here.
Appalachian Trail
If the Appalachian Trail is on your bucket list, North Georgia is a must-visit. Dawsonville is home to an Appalachian Trail approach trail, which runs 8 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park.
Fausett Farms Horse Trails
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the North Georgia mountains is by horseback! Take a ride at Fausett Farms, open 7 days a week, on one of their many beautiful trails. If you’re traveling with your own horse, this is the perfect place to visit. All trails are self-guided, and there are no horses or equipment available here. It’s just $10 per horse (on the honor system), and they also have picnic areas, hitching posts, and restrooms.
NASCAR for All
Racing fans will love Dawsonville, home of the racing-themed restaurant, Gordon Pickle’s Dawsonville Pool Room. It’s family friendly and has an impressive NASCAR collection from Bill Elliott’s career. Burgers and fries are on the menu, along with sweet tea, Philly cheesesteak, and more. Dawsonville also boasts the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, where NASCAR enthusiasts can learn all there is to know about Georgia racing history! Check out antique cars and modern-day champions at this museum that takes you through time. You can also make a trip to the Atlanta Motorsports Park for more NASCAR race car fun.
Family Fun in Dawsonville
It’s time to play in Dawsonville! When you’re traveling with the family, especially with kids, you need plenty of options on your list of family fun. Dawsonville has plenty year-round, but fall is a favorite because of all the wonderful family farms, pumpkin farms, and classic fall activities. Wind your way through a corn maze at Buck’s or Uncle Shuck’s, visit Burt’s Farm for pumpkin picking and hayrides, or find the perfect gourd, jams, and gifts, at Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch. Or enjoy a day at Jungle Paradise Daylilies for flowers and relaxation.
Food + Drink + Shopping in Dawsonville
Dawsonville has a nice range of dining options for any taste, from pulled pork at Big D’s BBQ and breakfast at Papa’s Place to Pad Thai at Chef Tommy Thai Cuisine and pies at Brooklyn Joe’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill. Stop by the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery for a bottle of ‘shine, or head over to The Fudge Factory for sweet treats.
There is plenty of great shopping as well, including folk art at Around Back at Rocky’s Place, birdwatching accessories and home goods at Wild Birds Unlimited, and name-brand goods at North Georgia Premium Outlets.
Dawsonville Arts + Historic Sites
If you’re looking for art and culture in Dawsonville, be sure to visit The Bowen Center for the Arts. They host exhibits throughout the year, from photography and painting to quilts and beyond. Or make your own creations at Outside the Lines! There are several other galleries showcasing local art, so stroll around Dawsonville to explore!
If you’re a history fan, take time to see the historic Dawson County Courthouse or the Dawson County Jail. The town was founded in 1857, so it has a long, storied history. Dawsonville is also the county seat for Dawson County.