Guide to Dawsonville

Just one hour north of Atlanta, Dawsonville is a scenic North Georgia town packed with adventure, heritage, and hometown charm. It’s the gateway to the Appalachian Trail, with the famed Approach Trail beginning at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, near Springer Mountain. Known as the Moonshine Capital and Birthplace of Stock Car Racing, Dawsonville also boasts deep NASCAR roots as the hometown of champions Bill and Chase Elliott. In the fall, vibrant foliage, pumpkin patches, and family farms draw visitors looking for that perfect seasonal escape.

Things to do

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

Discover adventure and natural beauty at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, home to one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders and the state’s tallest cascading waterfall – soaring 729 feet! Perfect for families, the park offers endless opportunities to explore, from guided hikes and GPS scavenger hunts to fishing, zip lines, 3-D archery, and up-close encounters with birds of prey. After a day of fun, unwind at the mountaintop lodge featuring 57 cozy, resort-style rooms and Cascades Restaurant, where breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a mountain getaway the whole family will never forget.

Around Back at Rocky's Place Folk Art Gallery

Around Back at Rocky's Place is a hidden gem in North Georgia and one of the region’s largest and most vibrant folk-art galleries. Tucked away in a rustic setting, this colorful gallery showcases thousands of one-of-a-kind pieces from hundreds of Southern artists – each brimming with heart, history, and storytelling. Art lovers and collectors alike will be especially drawn to the world’s largest collection of work by the beloved folk artist, Cornbread. Whether you're browsing or buying, this is a place where Southern creativity comes to life. Open weekends, weekdays by appointment only.

Atlanta Motorsports Park

Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) is a premier motorsports destination and private club nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains near downtown Dawsonville. Designed by a Formula One architect, AMP features a world-class 2-mile road course. But the thrill isn’t just for pros; AMP also offers public karting on one of the most unique kart circuits in the world, complete with dramatic elevation changes and high-speed fun for all skill levels. Extended night racing hours are now available. It’s an adrenaline-packed motorsports playground for drivers of every age.

Bowen Center for the Arts

The Bowen Center for the Arts provides a canvas for creating, appreciating, and participating in the arts for the Georgia and Southeast community who seek high-quality unique experiences through artist workshops, artist exhibitions, and performing arts. Open weekly for exhibit tours.

Burt's Farm

Nestled in the scenic North Georgia mountains less than a mile from Amicalola Falls, Burt’s Farm is a beloved fall tradition for families across the Southeast. Open from September through mid-November, the farm offers one of the largest and most colorful selections of pumpkins you’ll find anywhere – set against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. From wagon rides to mouthwatering homemade treats and that unforgettable sea of orange, a visit to Burt’s is more than a pumpkin patch – it’s a fall experience you won’t want to miss.

Etowah Valley Sporting Clays

Etowah Valley Sporting Clays offers serious sport shooting enthusiasts as well as beginners looking to have fun the premier spot for clay, skeet, trap, and five stand shooting in the greater Atlanta area. Open since 2004, the ownership and staff are veterans of clay shooting, and know what fun looks like. They have several courses and offerings for beginners and gun sports veterans alike. The courses are laid out over the natural setting of the Appalachian Mountain range foothills.

Fausett Farms Sunflowers

Family-owned since 1958, Fausett Farms is the premier location to experience the beauty of over a million sunflowers beginning in September. In October, take part in the Sunflower 5K and Fun Run.

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum

The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum, the Birthplace of Stock Car Racing, celebrates Georgia’s deep-rooted motorsports heritage and the legends who made it great. Explore exhibits honoring iconic drivers, fearless mechanics, and trailblazing car owners who helped shape the sport. Experience the thrill of the track on the state-of-the-art Thunder Road racing simulators, and be sure to check out the special exhibit featuring Dawsonville’s own NASCAR Champion, Chase Elliott, and his legendary dad, Bill Elliott, “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville.”

North Georgia Premium Outlets

North Georgia Premium Outlets is an outdoor Georgian-style village located 45 minutes north of Atlanta on Highway 400. Shop more than 140 designer and name-brand outlet stores, including Versace, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Pottery Barn, Kate Spade New York, Nike, Carhartt, North Face, and more. Enjoy exceptional brands at extraordinary savings of 25% - 65% every day for shopping that's always worth the trip.

Uncle Shucks Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

The 15-acre Uncle Shucks Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is home to tons of farm fun, delicious farm food, and unforgettable family memories. Explore all the farm has to offer, including pick-your-own pumpkins, jumping pillow, tire mountain, kids' maze, and gem mining. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, brave the horror that is The Dark Rows, the unique haunted trail through some of the most twisted trails of the corn field!

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Places to stay

Amicalola Falls Lodge

Take advantage of the natural surroundings with a stay at Amicalola Falls Lodge, which has hotel-style amenities, including a stunning view and an in-house restaurant, Cascades. The state park also has cottages and a campground.

Len Foote Hike Inn

Adventure seekers can stay at the Hike Inn, Georgia's only backcountry lodge, which is accessible via a 5-mile hike from Amicalola Falls. Guests can enjoy soft beds, hot showers, and family-style dining.

Timberline Glamping at Amicalola Falls State Park

At Timberline Glamping at Amicalola Falls State Park, you can choose to relax at your glamping site with included amenities like a wood fire pit, hammocks, and picnic tables, or take part in recreation opportunities like hiking, zip-lining, archery, or exploring the park’s 829 acres.

Paradise Valley Resort

The Paradise Valley Resort offers something different as the area's only clothing-optional resort. They have amenities like nature trails, sporting courses, pools, and a tiki bar. They welcome both first-time visitors and returning members.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Quality Inn & Suites

There are also chain properties like the newest property, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, with a conference room, fitness and business center, and complimentary breakfast. The Quality Inn & Suites is a pet-friendly property with WiFi, mini fridges, free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness room.

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Where to eat

Dine at one of Dawsonville's eateries for the full experience.

Cascades at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

Cascades pairs hearty Southern and classic American fare with one of North Georgia’s most stunning backdrops. Whether you choose from the plentiful buffet or order à la carte, every table offers sweeping mountain views that make every meal memorable. Enjoy a full bar, and don’t miss the chance to sip your favorite drink on the scenic outdoor patio, where the food is only rivaled by the view.

The Blue Bicycle

The Blue Bicycle is a laid-back bistro where Southern hospitality meets French-inspired flavor. The menu changes with the seasons and features thoughtfully sourced local ingredients, offering something delicious for both traditional and adventurous tastes. Whether you're craving comfort food with a twist or ready to explore bold new flavors, The Blue Bicycle delivers an eclectic dining experience with heart and conscience.

The Varsity Jr.

Just like its counterpart in Atlanta, The Varsity Jr. has burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes.

Dawsonville Pool Room

Made famous by owner Gordon Pirkle, Dawsonville Pool Room is a NASCAR-themed restaurant featuring memorabilia related to local legend Bill Elliott and moonshiners. The menu includes the infamous Bully Burger with fresh-cut fries.

Because Coffee

Because Coffee is Dawsonville’s happy place for caffeine, creativity, and community. Sip your way through their fun, one-of-a-kind drink menu, from inventive signature lattes to classics done just right, all perfectly paired with scratch-made pastries you’ll crave again and again. The newly expanded space is bright, welcoming, and ideal for hanging out, tackling your to-do list, or just soaking up the good vibes. Weekly live music brings an extra dose of energy – because everything’s better with a little rhythm (and really good coffee).

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Events

Plan your visit around one of Dawsonville’s annual events.

Mountain Moonshine Festival

Held annually on the fourth weekend in October in downtown Dawsonville’s Main Street Park, the Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show features hundreds of classic cars and over 200 craft vendors.

Fausett Farms Sunflower 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

The annual Sunflower 5K & Fun Run takes place at Fausett Farms Sunflowers in October. This family-friendly event takes you on a run or walk through thousands of sunflowers in the heart of Dawson County.

Christmas in Dawsonville

Ring in the holiday season at the Downtown Dawsonville Christmas Parade, Jingle Market, and Tree Lighting, which takes place annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The market features crafts from local vendors, and the parade winds through town. The merriment ends with music, dancing, pictures with Santa, and hot cocoa.