Best Fall Fun in Dahlonega and Dawsonville
Whether you're young, old or an age in between, there is plenty of fall fun to be had in Dahlonega, the town that was the site of America's original gold rush, and its neighbor Dawsonville, home to Amicalola Falls, the Appalachian Trail and NASCAR racing legends.
Things to Do in Dahlonega this Fall
Walk around the square
Downtown Dahlonega is home to a number of shops and restaurants, wine tasting rooms, the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and more. No stop to the square is complete without a tasty treat from the Dahlonega Fudge Factory.
Visit wineries
The autumn is a great time of year to spend at Dahlonega's wineries. Many host fall festivals at their vineyards just up the road from the downtown square. Check the Explore Georgia Events Calendar for a comprehensive list.
Go to festivals
Dahlonega is home to some great fall festivals. Check out Gold Rush Days in October, and the weekly live music events set for the downtown area, like the Dahlonega Appalachian Jam.
Eat great food
Foodies won't want to miss out on the opportunity to dine at several restaurants in Dahlonega, sampling what the town has to offer.
Take a ghost tour
Like a good scare? Take the Historic Ghost Tour in downtown Dahlonega, offered every Friday and Saturday evening in the fall.
Stay and eat at a historic inn
Stay close to the action on the Dahlonega square in a room at The Smith House. The inn is more than 100 years old and features an outdoor pool, gold mine shaft and Southern-style dining.
Things to Do in Dawsonville this Fall
Hike the steps at Amicalola Falls
Lace up your sneakers and hike the steps at Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Don’t forget your camera! The waterfall and all those stairs make for great photos all year, but that’s especially true in the autumn. Add to your visit by spending the night at the Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge.
Pick the perfect pumpkin
Bradley's Pumpkin Patch is a taste of a traditional American way of life. Stop by in the fall and pick up a pumpkin. Be sure to stock up on regionally made jams, jellies and soaps while you’re there. Burt's Farm also is nearby.
Go karting!
Skip the indoor flat tracks in favor of the outdoor course built to F1 standard at Atlanta Motorsports Park. The best news is that you don't have to be a pro to enjoy a number of trips around one of their numerous circuits. Drivers must be at least 12 years old and 60 inches tall.
Go to the Moonshine Festival
Be sure to visit Dawsonville the weekend before Halloween for the Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival, featuring a parade of authentic moonshine-hauling cars and revenue cars, a swap meet, entertainment, food, arts and crafts.
