Things to Do in Dahlonega & the North Georgia Mountains
Stay, Play & Explore North Georgia
There’s plenty to do without leaving Forrest Hills Resort. Enjoy guided horseback rides, scenic carriage rides, group chuck wagon dinners and relaxing massages right here at the resort.
Ready to venture out? We’re surrounded by some of the best things to do in the North Georgia Mountains. Explore waterfalls, wineries, Gold Rush history, hiking trails, orchards, mountain towns and family attractions — then come back, relax and do it all again tomorrow.
Chuck Wagon Dinners for groups of 20 or more. Enjoy a scenic wagon ride with cookout and live entertainment.
Guided trail rides - No experience necessary. 1, 2, and 4 hour rides. Min age 8 - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Carriage rides for 2 to 4 guests. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Relax with a massage at our massage spa. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Make it a date night in our couples only dining or bring the family to our Hideaway dining. Click photo for details. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Visit our amazing general store with local wines, cowboy hats, purses & more. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Forrest Hills Resort makes a great home base for exploring North Georgia.
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. For something completely different, stop by Hancock Park to see the 1875 Chestatee River Diving Bell. After its mining boat sank in 1876, the bell remained buried in the river for more than a century before being recovered. Today, the restored diving bell is on public display in Dahlonega.
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.
Chestatee River Diving Bell
This unusual piece of Dahlonega mining history was designed to lower miners beneath the Chestatee River to search for gold on the riverbed.
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.
Explore North Georgia Wine & Craft Beverages
Stay in the Middle of It All
From Dahlonega and Amicalola Falls to Dawsonville, Ellijay and North Georgia wine country, Forrest Hills Resort puts you right in the middle of some of the best things to see and do in North Georgia.
Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries to the East & West of Us
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
Need a driver? Try Dahlonega Jeep Tours - They will pick you up right here. Call or Text 678-464-2719 dahlonegajeeptours.com
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.
More to Do at Amicalola Falls
There’s much more to Amicalola Falls State Park than seeing the waterfall. Depending on how adventurous you want to be, you can spend a few hours — or most of the day — exploring the park.
Hike the Approach Trail — Start at the iconic stone arch and follow the trail toward Springer Mountain, the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Go Ziplining — Experience the North Georgia forest from above on the park's zipline canopy courses.
Fish for Trout — Try your luck fishing, with loaner fishing equipment available through Georgia's Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. A Georgia fishing license is required.
Try 3-D Archery & Axe Throwing — Add a little friendly competition to your day with additional outdoor activities available at the park.
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.
Explore Dawsonville — Just 10 Miles Away. Moonshine, Motorsports & Hometown Racing
Just 10 miles from Forrest Hills Resort, Dawsonville has a colorful North Georgia story shaped by moonshine, fast cars and generations of racing.
Best known as the hometown of NASCAR champions Bill Elliott and Chase Elliott, Dawsonville's racing roots run much deeper. Explore Georgia racing history, discover the area's moonshine heritage, visit a true local hangout or add some high-speed fun to your trip at Atlanta Motorsports Park.
And if you're traveling with children, there's a great place for them to play right in downtown Dawsonville.
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
See historic race cars, memorabilia and exhibits celebrating the drivers and stories behind Georgia's racing heritage. Located in downtown Dawsonville, the museum is a natural starting point for discovering why this small North Georgia town became so closely connected with stock-car racing.
Dawsonville Pool Room
Don't expect anything fancy — that's part of the fun. This longtime local hangout is filled with Elliott family racing memorabilia and reminders of Dawsonville's stock-car history. Grab a burger, look around and experience a little piece of the town that you won't find at a typical tourist attraction.
And when a hometown Elliott racer wins, the siren sounds.
Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company
Moonshine and motorsports are intertwined in North Georgia history. Dawsonville's early drivers became legendary for their ability to handle fast cars on mountain roads, and that heritage eventually became part of the area's racing identity
Main Street Park
Need somewhere for the kids to run and play? Main Street Park in Dawsonville has a large children's playground and plenty of outdoor space, making it an easy stop for families exploring downtown.
Pair it with the Racing Hall of Fame, lunch in Dawsonville or another nearby attraction for an easy family outing only about 10 miles from Forrest Hills.
Add Some Adrenaline at Atlanta Motorsports Park
Also about 10 miles from Forrest Hills Resort, Atlanta Motorsports Park takes Dawsonville's love of motorsports to a completely different level. Not your typical gokart. Must be at 12 or older and minimum 60 inches tall.
The motorsports complex offers driving and racing experiences and is an especially interesting option for corporate retreats and group outings looking for something memorable to add to their North Georgia itinerary.
Stay at Forrest Hills for your lodging, meetings and meals, then head to Atlanta Motorsports Park for an off-site group experience.
Shopping, Movies & More — About 16 Miles Away
Sometimes you want something completely different from hiking, waterfalls and sightseeing.
About 16 miles from Forrest Hills Resort, the Dawsonville shopping area offers the North Georgia Premium Outlets, Regal Dawson movie theater, restaurants and plenty of additional shopping.
It's a nice option for a rainy afternoon, a break between outdoor adventures or simply picking up something you forgot to pack.
The Edge of the World, close to AMP, is a favorite nature hike (even has ASA trails) and picnic spot & on the way to Gibbs Gardens. Click photo for more details.
Steel bridge at Devil's Elbow -a scenic and popular swimming, tubing, and trout-fishing spot located along the upper section of Amicalola Creek within the Dawson Wildlife Management Area.
Burt's Pumpkin Farm now features the world's largest drive thru pumpkin w/hay rides & shop. 10 minutes away near Amicalola Falls. September through November
Etowah Valley Sporting Clays — Sporting clays, skeet, trap and Five Stand for beginners and experienced shooters, with lessons and equipment rentals available.
Visit Gibbs Gardens
About 30 minutes from Forrest Hills Resort, Gibbs Gardens is one of North Georgia's most beautiful destinations and an easy day trip during your stay. This 376-acre private estate garden features hundreds of acres of landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, streams, waterfalls and seasonal color. Visitors can explore everything from the Japanese and Waterlily Gardens to daffodils, cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, roses and spectacular Japanese maples in the fall.
Something Different in Every Season - About 30 Minutes Away - A photographer’s paradise!
One of the best reasons to visit Gibbs Gardens is that the experience changes throughout the year. Spring brings daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips and azaleas; summer brings hydrangeas, waterlilies and colorful annuals; and fall is known for wildflowers and Japanese maples.
Plan on spending several hours exploring the gardens, enjoy lunch at the cafe — then head back to Forrest Hills Resort to relax for the evening.
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. You will pass by Amicalola Falls & Burt’s Pumpkin Farm on the way.
A Scenic Drive Worth Taking
Hillcrest Orchards — Pick your own apples and enjoy family fun with a petting farm, wagon rides, playgrounds, farm activities, fresh apple treats — and their famous swimming pig races! Fall season only
Take a Day Trip to Blue Ridge — 45 to 60 Minutes Away
About 45 minutes from Forrest Hills Resort, Blue Ridge makes a fun North Georgia day trip and you will pass through Ellijay along the way. Spend the day riding the rails, searching for Bigfoot or heading toward the Ocoee River for a whitewater adventure.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Board the train in historic Downtown Blue Ridge for a scenic ride along the Toccoa River to the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Search for Bigfoot
For something completely different, visit Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum, filled with exhibits, stories and evidence devoted to one of the mountains' most legendary residents.
Ocoee Whitewater Rafting
Ready for an adventure? The nearby Ocoee River is famous for its whitewater and was home to the whitewater slalom events during the 1996 Olympic Games. Guided rafting trips make it possible to experience the river's rapids for yourself.
Swinging Bridge
Take a short hike to this 270-foot suspension bridge spanning the scenic Toccoa River along the Benton MacKaye Trail. It’s the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River. A good hour from the resort but a fun experience.
More Outdoor Fun Stuff
Appalachian Outfitters
20 Minutes - Canoe, kayak or tube the scenic Chestatee and Etowah Rivers, with trips suitable for beginners, families and groups. Equipment and river transportation are included. In Dahlonega
Wildlife Park & Safari
40 Minutes - See exotic animals on a guided wildlife walk, drive through the safari, visit the petting farm and add interactive animal encounters for an up-close experience. Near Three Sisters Vineyard & Frogtown Winery
Preachers Rock
45 Minutes - A famous, short hike along a scenic section of the Appalachian Trail north of Dahlonega in Suches. It rewards you with wide, open views of the Blue Ridge Mountains after a quick climb. Get up early & enjoy a sunrise.
Styles Park Nature Trails
NEW! Just 7 miles from the resort. Explore 120 wooded acres with 5 miles of dirt trails for hiking and biking, plus a half-mile paved ADA-accessible loop. Restrooms and a bike repair and cleaning station are available on site
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve
35 Minutes - Get up close to more than 100 rescued exotic and native animals, including zebras, camels, bison and zedonks, with opportunities to feed some of the animals along the way.
Dick’s Creek Falls
40 Minutes - A local favorite. No hiking required. Blue #18 Head north from Dahlonega on US-19 for about 13.7 miles. Look for a U.S. Forest Service sign for the Waters Creek Campground. Turn left onto Mt. Pisgah Church Road (do this about half a mile before you hit the US-19 and US-129 junction at Turner's Corner). Drive about 2.6 miles down this road. The falls will be on your left side
Dahlonega Walking Tours
15 Minutes - Discover Dahlonega’s history and haunted side with guided ghost tours, historic walking tours, wine tours and pub crawls through downtown.
Golf in North Georgia
Tee off at two scenic 18-hole courses nearby. Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega features a Jack Nicklaus Signature course winding along the Chestatee River, while Chestatee Golf Club in Dawsonville offers another beautiful North Georgia golf experience.
Looking for Live Music?
There are a variety of choices on the weekends 12-15 miles from the resort. Pick your vibe and go!
Ellijay -Within About 2 Miles of Each Other
Reece’s Cider Company - Ellijay’s first hard cidery grows its own apples and features a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere. They host live music and food trucks every single weekend, making it a great midday or early evening stop.
Chateau Meichtry - A vibrant, scenic mountain-winery experience centered around free live acoustic music, rotating food trucks, and lawn seating every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Cartecay Vineyards - Features a beautiful, historic 1890s Tasting Barn. They schedule live musical entertainment with local and regional artists every weekend on their outdoor covered venues.
Ott Vineyards & Winery - Known for breathtaking 180-degree mountain views and award-winning wines. Beyond their weekend music, they host a highly popular Tuesday Night Open Mic Night from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Buckley Vineyards - Situated on a gorgeous old homestead right down the street from Ott. They have a great mountain stream setting and feature live music every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM alongside rotating food trucks.
Weekends in Downtown Dahlonega
CANOPY & THE ROOTS COFFEE - Hosts a dedicated, underground acoustic listening room showcasing genres like bluegrass, blues, open-mic comedy, and spoken word. Because it is designed purely for music, it offers an intimate environment free from loud bar chatter.
SHENANIGANS IRISH PUB - Features weekly live music, trivia, and karaoke nights. It provides a high-energy Irish-American pub atmosphere with indoor seating, a heated patio, and a pet-friendly deck.
SPIRITS TAVERN - Schedules regular live-music nights alongside a relaxed tavern vibe famous for gourmet specialty burgers and unique cocktails.
UNDERGROUND - A casual basement bar and grill right on the square that keeps the music going late with a relaxed pub feel.
PUBLIC HOUSE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS - Offers live music every Friday and Saturday night. This upscale spot features seasonal American fusion dining and a swanky cocktail program.
7 Pie Pizza - A casual, family-friendly spot that fetures live patio music on Saturday evenings typically from 5pm to 8pm and binto on Wednesday nights.
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.