Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links. This means that if you follow a link on this website and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission with no extra cost to you.
Are you visiting North Georgia soon? Trying to find the best things to do when visiting Dahlonega?
Tucked away in the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia is a little-known hideaway. The small, rustic town of Dahlonega is a quaint, undiscovered place that is sure to offer you many hours of enjoyment and satisfaction.
There are quite a few activities for family and friends to participate in within this small mountain town. There is something for the outgoing, outdoorsy type as well as plenty of activities for those with introverted, laid-back personalities. Simply put, there is something for everyone.
If you’re wondering what to do when visiting this unique town, look no further. Here are the 5 best things to do when visiting Dahlonega, GA.
1. Panning for Gold
In the early 19th century, the area around Dahlonega was the site of the Gold Rush. Nowadays, you can relive the excitement of the early gold prospectors by panning for gold particles and granules in the Crisson Mine. The Crisson Gold Mine is an exclusive tourist attraction where visitors can search for valuable gemstones in buckets of dirt.
Additionally, the mine, located in Lumpkin County, is also an educational spot. Visitors to the spot will learn about gold and will be shown the machinery used for gold mining.
On the site are an ancient rock crusher and other devices and machines that are rarely used to mine gold nowadays. Whether for educational purposes or to pan for gold, a weekend spent at Crisson Mine is bound to be a fulfilling experience.
Keep in mind that you can pan for gold in just about any river or stream with a great beginner gold panning kit. However, you can make things easier for yourself by visiting the Crisson Gold Mine while in the area instead.
2. Checking Out the Dahlonega Gold Museum
While you may prefer the more hands-on experience of panning for gold yourself, the Dahlonega Gold Museum is a great place to check out if you’re more interested in the area’s history. Checking out this unique museum is one of the best things to do when visiting Dahlonega.
For history buffs, the historic site of the town’s first gold mining offers an educational opportunity. In the museum, visitors and tourists come face-to-face with one of the most pioneering moments in American history.
Believe it or not, Dahlonega is the first place where the Gold Rush was experienced in the United States. The museum, located in the heart of the town’s central square, celebrates its unique place in the nation’s history.
By the way, there are many other great museums to check out in North Georgia as well. Click here if you want to learn more.
3. Going On a Hike
For those who love nature and the outdoors, the North Georgia town of Dahlonega serves as the perfect jumping-off point. Located within minutes of the town is plenty of beautiful scenery and many great hiking trails to explore.
Along with the popular nature and hiking trails are beautiful views, waterfalls, babbling streams, and miles and miles of rugged mountain terrain.
Dahlonega is one of the closest towns to the starting point of the famous Appalachian Trail. However, it is only one of the numerous hiking attractions you’ll find close to Dahlonega.
4. Taking a Quiet Country Drive
If you favor a quiet weekend driving down scenic, winding country paths, Dahlonega is the perfect spot for you. With just you, the countryside, and the friendly locals to ask for directions, Dahlonega is a picture-perfect place for country drives.
There are miles of beautifully tended vineyards, rough and rugged mountain terrain, and numerous streams and waterfalls that are a regular feast for the eyes.
If you are one of the laid-back types with a passion for leisurely country drives, you may want to follow the popular Lumpkin-Union Loop to see all of the best spots at once. This beautiful route takes tourists through the Appalachian Mountains and numerous natural sites including lakes, waterfalls, and the Yahoola Valley.
5. Visiting the Zoo
Another engaging activity to carry out in Dahlonega is to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. For animal and nature lovers alike, the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is a great place to view a few exotic animals up close.
The preserve offers a sanctuary and home for at-risk animals. The animals that call Chestatee home include rare Siberian tigers, bears, and zebras.
Additionally, animal lovers and children will be pleased to learn that within the preserve is a petting zoo where visitors can interact with various animals.
Finding the Best Things to Do in Dahlonega
All said, the tiny, historical, but often overlooked town of Dahlonega offers all the outdoor delights you would want for a fun-filled weekend away from the crowd of large cities. The activities above are some of the best things to do when visiting Dahlonega. Be sure to try a few of them out on your next visit.
Looking for more great things to do in North Georgia? Check out this list of great things to do in the nearby town of Cleveland.
Cover Image Source: Gwringle
Hey, I’m Harrison! I’m the creator of Southern Portals and the writer of many (but not all) of the posts you’ll find here. I’m a native of the North GA mountains, an avid traveler, and a singer-songwriter. This website is one of my passion projects and I hope to share a bit of my expertise with the world through it, so I hope you enjoy the articles that you find here. Thanks for reading!
