Download the Official Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites App Amicalola Falls

Table of Contents

AttractionsContents H There’sH Come Alotsdventure to do in with Dawson Us H H

H State Park & Waterfalls 3 Interact with us: H Hiking 4-5 @VisitDawsonCo Visit Dawson County, GA H Biking 6 @DestinationDawsonville H Sporting 7 #Dawsonville

H On the Water 8-9 H Arts & History 18

H Outdoor Adventures 10-11 H Agritourism 19

H Moonshine 12, 17 H Shopping 20 & Motorsports H Dining 21 H Map 13-16 H Accommodations 22-23

H Day Trips 24-25

H Events 26

H Passport 27

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Note: All attractions listed are in Dawson County unless noted otherwise.

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 2 State Park

Photo Caption for this picture. State Park H and Waterfalls H

H Amicalola Falls State Park H Waterfalls and Lodge Dawson County is home to • 729-foot falls that were named multiple pristine waterfalls. Amicalola, meaning “tumbling • Amicalola Falls waters,” in the Cherokee • Bearden Falls Indian language. • Edge of the World Rapids • 829-acre park boasts 12 miles • Fall Creek Falls of hiking trails, many of which • Cochrans Falls lead to falls viewpoints. • Disharoon Creek Falls • Lodge features rooms with scenic views Brochures are available for • Convention, meeting & the waterfalls at the Dawson wedding facilities County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center. • Cabins • Camping • The Maple Restaurant provides Southern and American cuisine.

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road • 706-265-8888 amicalolafallslodge.com Please check website for fee info

Download the Official Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites app Amicalola Falls

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 3 Hiking

Hiking H Hiking Trails for all Levels H

awson County has • Base of the Falls Trail – 1 mile many hiking trails - runs along the creek below D to pique the interest the falls and climbs the falls of adventurers of all types. Below corridor on a series of stairs. is just a sampling of our many • East Ridge Trail – climbs to the wonderful mountain trails. top of Amicalola Falls, rising an average of 80 feet for each 500 H Amicalola Falls State Park feet of trail. • Creek Trail - 0.6 miles - runs • Hike Inn Trail – 5.5 miles - the from Visitor Center to the only access to the Len Foote Reflection Pool at the base of Hike Inn. the falls. • Mountain Laurel Loop – 1 mile H Appalachian Trail - runs along the ridge above • The A.T. is America’s longest Amicalola Creek. marked footpath. • stretches nearly 2,200 miles through 14 states • accessible by an 8.5-mile approach trail leading from Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road 706-265-4703 www.georgiatrails.com or Creek Trail www.appalachiantrail.org

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 4 Hiking

H Amicalola River Trail begins at the Highway 53 Bridge over Amicalola River. Trail is ADA- compliant/handicap accessible. Trail provides easy river access, a view of the Edge of the World Rapids and a fishing platform.

H Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area- Eastern Wildcat Tract • Wildcat Creek Trail – 1.5 miles one way - follows Wildcat Creek. Take Steve Tate Road north. Pass Pleasant Union Baptist Church. Turn left on H Wildcat Campground Road; Dawson Forest Wildlife dead-ends at information kiosk. Management Area- Western • Turner Trail – 1.7 miles one way Wildcat Tract - provides access to the upper From Georgia 400, take Wildcat Creek area. Trailhead is Highway 136 west to the county located at the Steve Tate Road line. Turn south on Monument Bridge across Amicalola River. Road. Go 3 miles to the trail- • Windy Ridge Trail – 1.6 miles head. These trails are strenuous. one way - begins at mile 1 on • Tobacco Pouch Trail – 2 miles the Turner Trail and is a fairly one way on old logging road. strenuous hike to the summit • Fall Creek Trail – 3.3 miles one of a 2,500-foot ridge. Connect way - Follow Tobacco Pouch to the Rocky Ford Trail to see Trail to Fall Creek Trail. Hike the Rocky Ford Creek Waterfall. the creek to Falls Creek Falls. • Rocky Ford Trail – 1.7 miles one way - starts 1.2 miles down Scan for Tobacco Pouch Trail. Rocky Wildcat Trails Guide Ford Creek Waterfall is off the trail, 25 feet east of junction with Windy Ridge Trail.

Appalachian Trail: From Georgia to Maine, an estimated 12,000 people have hiked the full length of the Appalachian Trail since it was completed in 1937.

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 5 Biking

Biking H Enjoy Nature on Two Wheels H

H Northstar Bicycle • Green Trail – 1.4 miles – Group rides for all levels of moderate – provides access riders, 13-40 mile routes. to the Etowah River and • Road Rides – Saturdays 8 a.m. Barefoot Falls. • Yellow Trail (Winter 9 a.m.) – 0.82 mile – easy – gravel road through the forest. • Mountain Rides www.northstarbicycle.com From Georgia 400: Go west on Dawson Forest Road south of H Dawson Forest City of North Georgia Premium Outlets,

Atlanta Tract 4.5 miles to the forest’s south The Atlanta Tract sports gate. Parking on the right. Daily hiking, biking and horseback permits, $5 per rider. No charge riding trails that crisscross 10,130 for hikers. 706-265-3707 acres. Six designated biking trails start at the trailhead on Dawson Biking apparel & accessories: Forest Road: • Northstar Bicycle, 706-265-4397 • Blue Trail – 9.4 miles – moderate • Pearl Izumi Factory Store, – travels ridges, valleys and 706-265-6929 crosses the Etowah River. • Orange Trail – 6.5 miles – Dawson Forest moderate – offers shade Trail Maps are in summer. available at • Red Trail – 6.7 miles – moderate the Welcome Center or scan – ridge and creek crossings. here to view • Pink Trail – 1.5 miles – easy – online crosses some small creeks. Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 6 Sporting

Sporting H On the Hunt H

Whether your prefer live game or clay pigeons, you can spend a wonderful day outdoors shooting more than the breeze.

H Etowah Valley Sporting Clays with pasture and woodland Amenities include: Three • Pheasant, chukka and quail courses 100 shots – 14 stations, • Requires advance booking Five Stand and Skeet. A Pavilion is available for conferences and 120 Leon Jones Road events. No reservations required 678-410-0983 for shooting. www.etowahvalleygame.com

619 Sporting Hill Drive H Hunting 706-265-1611 Hunt deer, bear, turkey, dove, etowahvalleysportingclays.com small game, and waterfowl in the Dawson WMA; seasonal hunting H Etowah Valley Game Preserve for licensed hunters. • Guided hunts • Natural cover, contoured fields Scan for hunting schedule

Scan for hunting maps

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 7 On the water

OnH the WaterH Make a Splash

H Amicalola River Etowah Falls stretches nearly Dawson County’s premier river-wide and drops more than whitewater river. The Upper 10 feet. Past the falls, an old Amicalola’s rapids range from tunnel bored through the river Class II to Class IV. The river runs rock provides a few hundred swiftly through a forested valley, yards of mysterious adventure. with a series of ledges and falls. The lower Etowah flows mostly through Dawson Forest Wildlife The Lower Amicalola has Class Management Area. II-IV+ rapids including the Edge of the World Rapids.

Scan for Etowah Scan for River details Amicalola River details

H River Park Canoe launch off Highway H Etowah River 9 South, approximately 1 mile The upper Etowah is a swift- from Bannister Road. No charge flowing stream with mostly for entry. $3 fee for takeout, Kelly small, manageable rapids. Bridge Road.

Download River Park Brochure River Rafting

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 8 On the water

H Lake Lanier H

On Dawson County’s eastern border, Lake Lanier offers ample opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and family fun!

For Lake Lanier information: www.hookedonlakelanier.com/

H Gear & Guides H H Fishing H

Gear and guides to prepare Amicalola and Etowah you for river and lake adventures Rivers along with Lake include: Lanier offer opportunities • The Outside World, 471 Quill Drive, to hook a variety of popular 706-265-4500, unique species. Contact the www.theoutsideworld.net Welcome Center to reach • Appalachian Outfitters, 2084 South local fishing guides. Chestatee/Highway 60 South, Dahlonega, 706-864-7117 www.canoegeorgia.com

H Parks & Lake Access H

H Nix Bridge Park 154 Toto Creek Park Road Boat ramp, dock, picnic area, 770-945-9531 grills, restrooms, and parking. 877-444-6777 for reservations

Nix Bridge Road H War Hill Park 770-945-9531 Boat ramp, beach, camping (14 primitive campsites), fishing H Thompson Creek Park Ramp pier, swimming area, picnic Boat ramp, dock, pavilion, tables, swings, grills, bath house restrooms, and parking. and hiking trail.

Thompson Creek Road 4081 War Hill Park Road 770-945-9531 706-344-3636

H Toto Creek Park Scan for Boat ramp, swim area, Warhill Park details primitive campsites, restrooms, parking. Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 9 Adventures

Adventures H Spend Time in the Sunshine H

H Geocaching mountain ridges, see annual “Cache” in on the fun. migrations of geese, mallards, Families and groups love to wood ducks, and other find the hidden containers (or colorful species. Also home to “caches”) using a handheld GPS neotropical warblers, tanagers, unit. Visit www.geocaching.com orioles, and grosbeaks. Cranes, for a full list of Dawson County herons, kites and gulls are seen caches and explore areas that few along streams. visitors ever see. • Northern Wildcat Tract – Home to ruffed grouse, pileated woodpeckers, eagles and Scan for songbirds during breeding Geocaching season and migration. Information

H Bird Watching From high country to lowlands, the Dawson Forest WMA is a birder’s paradise. • Wild Birds Unlimited - free guided tours in Dawson Forest. 706-429-0077 425 Quill Drive, Suite 100 www.dawsonville.wbu.com • City of Atlanta Tract - Primarily Bird Watching river bottoms rising to low Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 10 AttrActions Arts & History Adventures AttrActions

Around Back at Rocky’s Place H The Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery H

Under the same roof as tour; get a free sample (must be the Georgia Racing Hall of 21 or older). Fame and City Hall, this legal moonshine distillery is in the 415 Highway 53 East heart of “The Moonshine Capital 770-401-1211 of the World.” Master distillers www.dawsonvillemoonshine explain the history and process distillery.com of making this lively spirit. Free

H Horseback Riding H Golf Adventures Clip-clop through Dawson Chestatee Golf Course Forest WMA’s miles of single • 18-hole, par 71 championship track backroads and horseback Denis Griffiths course trails or through the scenic trails • Waterholes and vigorous Arts & History at Fausett Farms. mountain-like terrain Moonshine and • Dawson Forest WMA • Pro shop H enjoy Masterpieces, Movies & Memories H 770-535-5700 or 706-265-3707 • Club house/dining facility Motorsports • Semi-private • Practice facility/driving range Scan for 777 Dogwood Way • 800-520-8675 H H Dawson Forest H Dawsonville Pool Room of Fame houses Bill Elliott’s Around Back at Rocky’s Place Bowen Center for the Arts www.chestateegolfclub.com • The Southeast’s largest folk art • Three galleries, and 12 shows WMA Site Owned by Gordon Pirkle, (“Awesome Bill from Dawson- Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery Dawsonville Moonshine gallery representing a plethora each year the Pool Room’s Bill Elliott ville”) first NASCAR racecar, of local and regional artists. • Performing/visual arts events and bootlegging memorabilia moonshine cars, a car driven by • Facility rental for meetings, Download • Open Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Fausett Farms entertains guests long after receptions, small events Chestatee the late Casey Elliott, Raymond and Sunday 1-5 p.m. or 11336 Highway 136 West Golf Site they finish their famous Bully • Open Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 Parks’ car, and Gober Sosebee’s by appointment. 706-265-8432 or 706-974-5718 Burgers and fresh-cut fries. p.m., Sat. 12-4 p.m. 1939 Ford. The Saturday Night www.fausettfarmshorsetrails.com Drive-In Theatre film explores 3631 Highway 53 East 334 Highway 9 North 78 Bill Elliott Street the evolution of stock car racing. 706-265-6030 706-216-2787 706-265-2792 www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com www.dawsonarts.org www.facebook.com/ Fausett Farms dawsonvillepoolroom 415 Highway 53 East 706-265-3256 H Dawson 400 Cinemas H Georgia Racing Hall of Fame www.georgiaracinghof.com The Georgia Racing Hall 189 North Center Lane 706-216-1622 Atlanta Motorsports Park Kart Racing www.georgiatheatrecompany.com

H H H Atlanta Motorsports Park H Historical Sites – Downtown Dawsonville H Experience family fun at 60 Historic Dawson County Courthouse and Jail mph in high speed karts or take 20 Duck Thurmond Road Located at the intersection a spin in an exotic car on this 404-933-3436 of Highway 53 and Highway 9 high performance track. Driving www.atlantamotorsports Dawson County Historical Society experiences and instructed park.com Dawsonville Pool Room 706-265-3985 • www.dawsoncounty.org training are available. Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 17 18 11 12 AttrActions Arts & History Adventures AttrActions

Around Back at Rocky’s Place H The Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery H

LodGinG East Springer Mtn A. Amicalola Falls State Park Ellijay 3 Southern B. Best Western Terminus of the Chestatee River Amicalola Falls Chattahoochee Appalachian Trail (AT) C. Comfort Inn National Forest 12 State Park D. Forrest Hills Mountain Resort D Appalachian Approach Start of Hike E. Len Foote Hike Inn 60 Trail Map Trail Inn Trail

F. Lily Creek Lodge Top of 24 Top of Falls Area Falls Trail Lodge Fitness Trail G. Paradise Valley Resort 19 H. Racer’s Retreat Bed & Breakfast 1 A E Etowah River BUS 19

I. Super 8 Yukon Rd. J. Under the Hemlock 9 FALLS AREA J Amicalola Falls To Cleveland Lodge LoopLodge Trail

8 AttrActions 136 14 52 & Helen 1 Amicalola Falls State Park 52 52 Spring Base of Falls Trail 2 Appalachian Outfitters Burnt Mtn 115 Trail 3 Appalachian Trail Dahlonega 115 4 Around Back at Rocky’s Place 136 52 2 5 Atlanta Motorsports Park 183 115 22

6 Bowen Center for the Arts Amicacola River 60 BaileyWaters Rd. Dawson Forest Creek Trail 9 52 Mountain Laurel Trail Appalachian 7 Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch & Country Store WMA Approach Trail 8 Bucks Corn Maze (seasonal) F 19 21 9 Burt’s Pumpkin Farm (seasonal) 10 Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce 7 19 Auraria

Base of Falls Trail 11 Chestatee Golf Club 136 12 Cochran Falls 15 13 Dawson 400 Cinemas 53 Dawson Forest 35 136 WMA 19 Appalachian 14 Dawson Forest City of Atlanta Tract 6 Approach 60 Trail H Dawsonville Park Entrance 15 Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area 53 5 G 11 23 400 16 Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery 25 16 17 4 34 17 Dawsonville Pool Room - Family Restaurant 53 136 31 18 Edge of the World Rapids LEGEND 18 I 13 10 Gainesville Trail Key 19 Etowah Valley Game Preserve Hiking Trail 9 26 North 28 60 20 Etowah Valley Sporting Clays Bike Trail B C 20 Georgia Mountain Laurel Trail 21 Falls Creek Falls Etowah River Campground 14 33 Premium 27 22 Fausett Farms City of Outlets 30 Fishing Areas 32 53 Spring Trail 23 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Atlanta Tract 24 Gold City Corral Horseback Riding War Hill Park Rd. Dawson Forest Rd. East 36 Lake Lanier Appalachian Approach Trail 25 Historic Courthouse and Jail Bird Watching 29 26 Jungle Paradise Daylilies Waterfall AC Smith Rd. Hike-Inn Trail 27 North Georgia Premium Outlets # Point of Interest 28 Nix Bridge Park Kelly Bridge Rd. Lodge Loop Trail 29 The Outside World & Northstar Bicycle # Hotel/Motel/Inn 30 Thompson Creek Park River Lodge Fitness Trail 31 Toto Creek Park 19 Dawson Forest WMA Jot Em Down Rd. 32 River Park Canoe Launch Springer Mountain Hopewell Rd.400 Top-of-the-Falls Trail 33 Rock Creek Park Bannister Rd. 34 Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (seasonal) Appalachian Trail (AT) Dahlonega Hwy. Keith Bridge Rd Base of the Falls Trail 35 Veteran’s Memorial Park Trail to Edge of the World Rapids 9 306 36 War Hill Park 369 Matt Hwy. Creek Trail 0 0.5 1 2 Miles To Atlanta 306 129 19 11 60 Appalachian Trail

F. Lily Creek Lodge Top of 24 Top of Falls Area Falls Trail Lodge Fitness Trail G. Paradise Valley Resort 19 H. Racer’s Retreat Bed & Breakfast 1 A E Etowah River BUS 19

I. Super 8 Yukon Rd. J. Under the Hemlock 9 FALLS AREA J Amicalola Falls To Cleveland Lodge LoopLodge Trail

F. Lily Creek Lodge Top of 24 Top of Falls Area Falls Trail Lodge Fitness Trail G. Paradise Valley Resort 19 H. Racer’s Retreat Bed & Breakfast 1 A E Etowah River BUS 19

I. Super 8 Yukon Rd. J. Under the Hemlock 9 FALLS AREA J Amicalola Falls To Cleveland Lodge LoopLodge Trail

F. Lily Creek Lodge Top of 24 Top of Falls Area Falls Trail Lodge Fitness Trail G. Paradise Valley Resort 19 H. Racer’s Retreat Bed & Breakfast 1 A E Etowah River BUS 19

I. Super 8 Yukon Rd. J. Under the Hemlock 9 FALLS AREA J Amicalola Falls To Cleveland Lodge LoopLodge Trail

Around Back at Rocky’s Place H The Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery H

Agritourism H Experience Homegrown Fun H

H Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch, 5 Burt’s Farm Road • 706-265-3701 Christmas Tree Farm, and September, October, November Country Store www.burtsfarm.com • Jellies, jams, and honey • Locally handmade quilts H Jungle Paradise • Pumpkins, gourds, decorations • Daylilies, daffodils, azaleas, • Christmas trees, wreaths wildflowers, camellias • Heirloom daffodils in spring • Relaxing gardens • Rare plants 25 Lawrence Drive • 770-380-3636 www.bradleyspumpkinpatch.com 929 Mill Creek Drive 706-265-2130 or 678-410-6830 H Bucks Corn Maze February – November • 20-acre field with 12-acre maze www.jungleparadise.com • Hayrides • Haunted Maze in October H Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze • 12-acre cornfield 1923 New Hope Road • Haunted Maze in October 706-344-8834 • Goat walk, corn cannon September - early November • Hayrides www.buckscornmaze.com

4520 Highway 53 East H Burt’s Farm 888-OSHUCKS • Pumpkins of all sizes/varieties Early September through third • Hayrides weekend in November • Squash, gourds and decoration www.uncleshucks.com • “Barn” store with baked goods Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 19 Shopping

North Georgia Premium Outlets

Shopping H Shop ‘til You Drop H

H Antique and Unique Retail visitor must experience is on Discover antiques and unique Georgia 400 just south of finds at our many local shops. Highway 53. Find 140 premium outlets, a food court and play- For shopping information visit ground. Open daily. Group tour the Dawson County Welcome discounts are available. Center or www.dawson.org.

800 Highway 400 South H North Georgia 706-216-3609 Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com The shopping spot every

White Interiors

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 20 Dining

Dining H From Fine Dining to BBQ H

H Big D’s BBQ Georgia 101 East 1st Street, 706-265-2792 Magazine’s Looking for www.facebook.com/ dry rubbed BBQ, 2013 dawsonvillepoolroom smoked over Reader’s Choice Award hickory and never H The Blue Bicycle served with BBQ A bistro featuring locally sauce on the meat? grown and fresh dishes that Then Big D’s is the right place. change with the seasons.

6566 Highway 53 East and 671 Lumpkin Campground Road 236 Highway 53 West South, Suite 116, 706-265-2153 www.mybigdsbbq.com www.bluebicycle.net

H The Maple Restaurant Traditional American and classic Southern cuisine with a stunning mountain valley view.

418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road Dawsonville Pool Room 706-265-8888 www.amicalolafallslodge.com H Dawsonville Pool Room Legendary for its racing For a complete list of theme, memorabilia and burgers. Dawson County’s superb dining Racing memorabilia from Bill establishments, call the Welcome Elliott’s NASCAR career, and the Center at 706-265-6278 or visit early days of racing. www.destinationdawsonville.org. Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 21 Accommodations

Len Foote Hike Inn

Accommodations

• Best Western LEGEND 76 North Georgia Avenue 706-216-4410 Hotels/Motels bestwesterngeorgia.com/hotels/ Bed & Breakfast best-western-dawson-village-inn/ Lodge Cabins Pet Camping Friendly Resort Pool Big Canoe Mountain Home Rental rom resorts to quaint mountain cabins, • Big Canoe Mountain Dawson County has Home Rental F 11599 Big Canoe, Big Canoe accommodations to welcome 770-894-4444 all visitors. www.mountainhome • Amicalola Falls State Park rentalsofga.com and Lodge • Chattahoochee 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road National Forest 706-265-8888 Numerous primitive campsites. www.amicalolafallslodge.com 770-297-3000 www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/home • Bear Ridge Lodge Luxury cabin home • Comfort Inn 865 Angel Drive 127 Beartooth Parkway Ellijay, GA 30536 (Dawson County) 706-216-1900 770-402-2044 www.comfortinn.com/hotel- www.bearridgelodge.com dawsonville-georgia-GA269

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 22 Accommodations

• Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area Primitive campsites. Georgia Highway 53, six miles west of Dawsonville • 770-535-5700 www.gfc.state.ga.us/forest- management/state-forest- Lily Creek Lodge management/state-managed- forests/dawson/index.cfm • Toto Creek Primitive campsites • Fausett Farms 154 Toto Creek Park Road Primitive campsites 770-945-9531 11336 Highway 136 West, 877-444-6777 for reservations www. 706-265-8432 or 706-974-5718 lakelaniercampgrounds.com/Toto_ www.fausettfarmshorsetrails.com Creek_Campground.html

• Len Foote Hike Inn • Under the Hemlock 280 Amicalola Falls Road 5545 Georgia 52, Dahlonega 800-581-8032 · hike-inn.com 706-265-4603 www.underthehemlock.net • McCord Mountain Properties 2120 Perimeter Road • War Hill Park Boat Ramps and 706-265-3943 Campground at Lake Lanier www.northgacabinrental.com 16 primitive campsites 4081 War Hill Park Road • Paradise Valley Resort 706-344-3646 (clothing optional) dawsoncounty.org/departments/ 49 Valley Drive, Dawsonville dawson-county-parks-and-recreation/ 706-265-6110 facilities-and-parks www.paradisevalleyclub.com • Forrest Hills Mountain Resort & • Racer’s Retreat Conference Center 137 Duck Thurmond Road 135 Forrest Hills Road 706-265-6304 Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-6456 • 770-534-3244 www.racersretreatbandb.com 800-654-6313 • Super 8 Motel www.forresthillsresort.com 205 North 400 Center Lane • Lily Creek Lodge 706-216-6801 2608 Auraria Road www.super8.com/hotels/georgia/ Dahlonega, GA 30533 dawsonville/super-8-dawsonville/ 706-864-6848 hotel-overview www.lilycreeklodge.com

War Hill Park

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 23 Day Trips

Gibbs Gardens

Day Trips H Explore Northeast Georgia H

xtend your stay in • Desoto Falls (45 minutes) Dawsonville and Made up of 3 waterfalls. E spend some time DeSoto Falls Trail is a with our neighbors. 2.4-mile in and out hiking H Ball Ground (21 minutes) trail to the falls • Gibbs Gardens (21 minutes) 220 acres of native plants amid a H Cleveland (30 minutes) gorgeous mountain backdrop. • Baby Land General Hospital 770-893-1880 (41 minutes) www.gibbsgardens.com Birthplace of the Original Cabbage Patch Kid. H (1 hour) Blairsville 706-865-2171 • Brasstown Bald (1 hour, 25 minutes) www.babylandgeneral.com Georgia’s highest peak stands at 4,784 feet. • North Georgia Zoo Visitor center: 706-896-2556; Blue Ridge Ranger district: (49 minutes) 706-745-6928, www.fs.fed.us 80+ species of exotic animals. 706-348-7279 www.northgeorgiazoo.com

H Dahlonega (23 minutes) Visit the Dahlonega Courthouse Gold Museum, tour gold mines and pan for gold. Brasstown Bald 706-864-3711 www.dahlonega.org

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 24 Day Trips

• Forrest Hills Mountain Resort Horse-drawn wagon ride, dinner cooked on the grill, bonfire, entertainment and more. 800-654-6313 www.forresthillsresort.com

• Gold City Corral (Horseback Riding) 706-867-9395 www.goldcitycorral.com Hillcrest Orchards

H Gainesville (20 minutes) H Helen (54 minutes) • Northeast Georgia Where Old World Bavaria History Museum intersects with down-home. 770-297-5900 800-858-8027 www.negahc.org www.helenga.org

• Interactive Neighborhood H Suches (45 minutes) for Kids Museum A beautiful scenic drive to 770-536-1900 Dockery Lake Recreation Area. www.inkfun.org www.suches.com H Ellijay (40 minutes) Download Free Hospitality The Apple Capital of Georgia Highway App 706-635-7400 www.gilmerchamber.com

• Hillcrest Orchards (27 minutes) 706-273-3838 www.hillcrestorchards.net

North Georgia Zoo: Cleveland’s home to more than 80 species of exotic animals

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 25 Events

Mountain Moonshine Festival: A North Georgia tradition – live entertainment, arts & crafts, car show, distillery tours, and vendors. Events H Year-round Fun in Dawsonville H

awsonville’s calendar • Memorial Day Celebration is full of exciting Veterans Memorial Park events throughout 706-265-6278 D the year. • ‘Shine Pedalers Metric – Last Saturday in July – Bicycle ride through the scenic mountains. View Calendar Dawson County Chamber of Events of Commerce 706-265-6278 www.dawson.org • Spring Wildflower Festival – • Mountain Moonshine Festival – mid-April Fourth weekend in October – Amicalola Falls State Park A North Georgia tradition 706-265-1969 with live entertainment, arts, www.gastateparks.org/Amicalola crafts, car show, distillery tours • Art in the Garden – First and vendors. weekend in May – Festival with Downtown Dawsonville handcrafted arts, crafts, music 706-216-5273 and fun. www.kareforkids.us Bowen Arts Center and Veterans Day Celebration – downtown Dawsonville • 706-216-2787, www.dawsonarts.org November 11 – Parade, ceremony • Big Canoe Tour of Homes – 332 Highway 9 North “A Legacy of Caring” 706-265-6278 Big Canoe • Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting – 706-268-1875 1st Saturday of December www.bigcanoechapel.org/big- 706-265-6278 canoe-tour-of-homes www.dawson.org

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 26 Get Stamped

Your Destination Passport H Experience Rewards H

how this guide at participating Dawson County attractions and accommodations to get a stamp on this Spage in the spaces below. Get stamps from at least four different attractions or accommodations, then bring the page to the Dawson County Welcome Center at 44 Commerce Drive, Dawsonville, Georgia, to get a gift. Take home a little bit of Dawson County.

Attraction/Accommodation Attraction/Accommodation

Dawson County Office of Tourism Development • 706-265-6278 • www.dawson.org 27 Download the Interact with us: Destination @VisitDawsonCo Dawsonville/ Visit Dawson County, GA Dawson County @DestinationDawsonville App here: #Dawsonville