Things to Do in Dahlonega & the North Georgia Mountains
There’s a lot to discover in the mountains surrounding Forrest Hills Resort. Explore Dahlonega’s Gold Rush history and wine country, see Georgia’s tallest waterfall, hike mountain trails, ride off-road at Iron Mountain, discover Georgia racing history or spend a day among the orchards and vineyards around Ellijay.
Located near the Lumpkin–Dawson county line, Forrest Hills Resort puts you in a convenient spot for exploring it all. Amicalola Falls is only 5 miles away, Iron Mountain is 3 miles away, and Ellijay is about a 30-minute drive.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, family vacation or group retreat, there is plenty to do beyond the resort.
Start With Historic Dahlonega
Long before North Georgia became known for vineyards and mountain getaways, people came here looking for gold.
Gold discovered in the area in 1828 sparked the first major gold rush in the United States. Dahlonega quickly became the center of the activity, and the U.S. government later established a branch mint here to turn locally mined gold into coins.
Today, Dahlonega's Gold Rush history is still easy to experience. Walk around the historic Public Square, visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum, tour an underground mine or try your hand at gold panning.
Historic Downtown Dahlonega
Spend some time exploring Dahlonega’s historic square, where locally owned shops, restaurants, art galleries and tasting rooms surround the old Lumpkin County Courthouse. Downtown is also home to festivals and special events throughout the year.
Dahlonega Gold Museum
Located in the historic courthouse in the center of the square, the museum tells the story of Dahlonega's Gold Rush and the people who came to the mountains searching for gold.
Consolidated Gold Mine
Head underground on a guided tour of a historic mine and learn how miners worked beneath the North Georgia mountains. Gold panning and gem mining are also available.
Crisson Gold Mine
Explore another part of Dahlonega's mining history and try gold panning and gem mining above ground.
Dahlonega - From Gold Country to Wine Country
The same hills that once drew gold prospectors have given Dahlonega another identity: the heart of North Georgia wine country.
The Dahlonega Plateau is a federally recognized American Viticultural Area, or AVA — a designated wine-growing region with its own geographic characteristics. Today, vineyards and wineries spread across the rolling foothills surrounding Dahlonega, while tasting rooms bring the experience right into historic downtown.
Spend an afternoon visiting vineyards, enjoy a meal overlooking the vines or combine wine tasting with shopping and exploring the Dahlonega square.
Three Sisters Vineyard
Cavendar Creek Vineyards
Chateau Meichtry
Wolf Mountain Winery
Explore North Georgia Wine & Craft Beverages
Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
Your red map markers include:
1. Montaluce Winery
2. Wolf Mountain Vineyards
3. Three Sisters Vineyards
4. Frogtown Cellars
5. Cavender Creek Vineyards
6. Kaya Vineyard & Winery
7. Accent Cellars Farm Winery
8. Etowah Meadery & Brewery
9. 52 West Brewery
10. Big Creek Distilling Co.
11. Chateau Meichtry Vineyard
12. Ott Farms & Vineyard
13. Buckley Vineyards
14. Cartecay Vineyards
15. Reece's Hard Cider Company
16. Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery
Ellijay: Georgia's Apple Country & More
About 30 minutes from Forrest Hills Resort, Ellijay offers another side of the North Georgia Mountains.
Long known as Georgia's Apple Capital, the Ellijay area is filled with orchards and farm markets. Depending on the season, visitors come for fresh apples, cider, baked goods, apple picking and family activities — with fall being the area's most famous season.
But apples aren't the only things growing around Ellijay anymore.
The area has developed its own collection of vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms, along with hard cider, craft beer and locally made spirits. Add Historic Downtown Ellijay's shops and restaurants, and it's an easy mountain outing from Forrest Hills.
A Scenic Drive Worth Taking
The drive itself is part of the experience. Head toward Ellijay for orchards and vineyards, explore the downtown area, stop for cider or wine and enjoy a completely different side of North Georgia.
I like this much more than treating Ellijay as a distant day trip.
Amicalola Falls & the Appalachian Trail — Just 5 Miles Away
Only 5 miles from Forrest Hills Resort, Amicalola Falls State Park is one of North Georgia’s must-see destinations — and there’s much more to do here than simply see the waterfall.
The centerpiece of the park is spectacular 729-foot Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Visitors can enjoy different views of the falls, miles of mountain trails, fishing, outdoor adventures and programs throughout the park.
Amicalola Falls is also the gateway to the Appalachian Trail. The Approach Trail begins at the park and leads to Springer Mountain, the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
With so much to do just 5 miles from Forrest Hills, Amicalola Falls can easily be part of a morning outing, an afternoon adventure or an entire day in the mountains.
Spend the Day at Amicalola Falls State Park
Depending on how adventurous you want to be, you can hike, photograph the falls, fish for trout in the stocked pond, borrow fishing gear through Georgia’s Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, try ziplining, 3-D archery or hatchet throwing, participate in park programs, or simply enjoy the mountain scenery.
Some activities require reservations or additional fees, and a Georgia fishing license is required for fishing.
The beginning of the Appalachian Trail starts here!
3 Levels to choose from for beginners to daring.
Ax Throwing & Archery Available
Go fishing! Free equipement available.
Go Off-Road at Iron Mountain
Just 3 miles from Forrest Hills Resort, Iron Mountain is a huge North Georgia off-road adventure park with more than 4,000 acres and 150 miles of trails to explore.
Bring your own ATV or side-by-side and spend a few hours — or the entire day — riding through the North Georgia terrain. Don't have your own? Side-by-side rentals are also available through Iron Mountain.
Iron Mountain Off-Road Park
With thousands of acres to explore, Iron Mountain attracts off-road enthusiasts, families, groups and corporate outings from throughout the region.
Planning a corporate retreat or group trip? Iron Mountain makes an exciting off-site group activity, while Forrest Hills Resort is just 3 miles away with group lodging, meeting space and meals available for groups of 8 to 150.
And when the day's ride is over, Forrest Hills Resort is only 3 miles away.
Download the Attractions Guide
Looking for even more recommendations? Browse our complete guide to local attractions, restaurants, outdoor adventures, wineries, and seasonal events throughout North Georgia.