Dahlonega is home to the Dahlonega Plateau and in 2018 it was recognized as a viticultural area. That’s a fancy way of saying the soil, sunlight, and climate there are uniquely suited to growing grapes. Not every region can claim that.
The Dahlonega Wineries
Etowah Meadery
The Etowah Meadery brings something different to Dahlonega. Meads are honey-based wines made with fruits and spices: theirs pull from sources across China, Europe, and Africa. The flavors carry Southern Georgia names like De Sotos Quest, Picking Up Paw Paws, and Georgia Standard. They’re veteran owned, and sales from their Coop Dreams mead support disabled veterans.
This winery does not fall into the new category but their wines are just as delicious. This is a family ran business that sources fruits from Georgia, California, Texas and other locations which creates it’s complex flavors.
Accent Cellars offers wine tastings 7 days a week and have live music Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. What is unique about this winery, is they explicitly state to bring your picnic and enjoy their wine, (on their website) while other places frown upon the practice.
Frogtown grows 25 different grape varieties and has the awards to back it up: 2 Platinum, 36 Gold, 82 Silver, and 92 Bronze since 2010. They follow French and Italian winemaking standards, which are strict by design and help wine drinkers identify terroir-based wines. Dining is on site too: lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch at their Italian Bistro. Pizza dough, pasta, desserts, and all the meats are made or smoked on site except for Italian imports. Grab a glass, a charcuterie board, and find a spot on the porch. The mountain views do the rest.
Kaya Vineyard was renamed from the original Blackstock Vineyards. Along with wines, serving as a retreat and wedding venue, they have craftsman style cottages to relax a weekend away in.
They offer a light lunch menu from Tuesdays to Sundays with live music on the covered patio. Offerings include simple artisanal charcuterie boards to hand-helds and plates.
This winery was the first in the region. All their fruit is Georgia grown with most on their 184 acres. The property was purchased in 1995 with the first harvest in 2000 and named after Three Sisters Mountain.
When you arrive inside, you will be greeted with their large cherry wood tasting room. On Summer Saturdays, they have live music. If weather permits, enjoy a glass on their rock wall patio.
Wolf Mountain uses French winemaking processes and European grape varieties, which sets it apart from most of the other Dahlonega wineries. The wines taste different and the setting matches: a craftsman cottage sitting on top of a fieldstone cellar. It feels less like North Georgia and more like somewhere you’d need a passport to get to.
Their menu is farm focused and built to pair with what’s in the glass. Everything is made on site and the menu changes with the seasons. Worth planning ahead for.
Offers tastings 7 days a week. Cavendar Creek Vineyards was started when the original owner hand planted the original grape vines and produced the first vintage in 2009.
A mainstay and mascot on the property are the donkeys, so much so that they are affectionately knows as “the winery with the donkeys”.
They offer lodging, but it is limited to two cabins. One of them being 200 years old.
They offer wine tastings and represent Georgia’s oldest winery Georgia Winery located near Ringold, GA. They offer wine and pub tours along with ghost and history tours.
19 E. Main Street, Suite F, Dahlonega, GA 30533
CANVAS AND CORK, WINE TASTING, ART GALLERY, ARTISTS STUDIOS AND CLASSROOM
Their wine selection is from Gin Creek Vineyards in Hartsfield GA and is a satellite tasting room.
Sixteen wines to choose from: fine wines, muscadines, dessert wines, Moscato, dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet. Tastings start at $12 for five pours or $20 for five pours plus a hand-painted wine glass you take home. Canvas and Cork is also part of the Dahlonega Wine Walk, painting classes run year-round, and summer classes are available for kids.
North Georgia has over 100 waterfalls, and a good chunk of them are within 25 miles of Dahlonega. These are the ones on public land that you can actually get to. A heads up: mountain roads make everything take longer than the map suggests, and water levels make a real difference in what you see when you get there.
Cane Creek Falls
Cane Creek Falls is 2.9 miles from Dahlonega Square and is located on private property at Camp Glisson, but is open to the public only when the camp is not in session. At the entrance gate, there are signs that tell the public when it is closed.
Cane Creek Falls eventually falls in to the Chestatee River, which provides a good outing for kayaking, tubing or canoeing. This waterfall has a viewing platform at the top.
Clay Creek Falls
Clay Creek Falls is located on private property 2.9 miles away, but is viewable from the road.
There is not a place to park to observe the falls on foot, but it is very close to the road and well worth a drive by to see it, especially when the water is at higher levels.
Black Falls
Black Falls sits inside Camp Frank D. Merrill, an active Army Ranger training facility. It’s one of the taller falls in this guide, but access depends on the day. If the gate is open, you can go in and take a look. If it’s not: don’t sneak onto the property. A wooden gate across the creek makes for a good photo if you do get in.
Montgomery Creek Falls
Montgomery Creek Falls is an isolated fall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are mountain bike trails nearby, so be on the lookout. It is about half a mile to get there on an old logging road. It is just over 11 miles from Dahlonega.
Dicks Creek Falls
16 miles from Dahlonega Square, Dicks Creek Falls is really a couple of waterfalls located on Dicks Creek in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
It is is a very popular swimming hole for the locals and also provides a photo opportunity while taking a break. The hike is almost 1.25 miles round trip.
DeSoto Falls
18 miles from Dahlonega, DeSoto Falls consists of an upper falls and lower falls. The upper falls is a .75 mile hike up the creek with the lower falls .25 mile downstream. The total drop of all the falls is 480 feet.
Camping is also available and there is a restroom.
Long Creek Falls
At 50 feet tall, Long Creek Falls is another waterfall with a large pool at the bottom that is used as a swimming hole. The trail to Long Creek Falls is almost 2 miles round trip on the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail offers a scenic view.
Helton Creek Falls
Helton Creek Falls has one of the most spectacular falls and is 25 miles from Dahlonega and is also close to Blairsville, GA. Like many others, it is a double waterfall. Helton Creek Falls has an observation deck between the upper and lower falls.
The trail itself is less than a quarter of a mile to get there. Unfortunately as of May 2022, this trail is closed due to needed repairs.
Dukes Creek Falls
From the parking lot the 1.25 mile trail goes town to observation deck at the foot of the 150 foot waterfall. There is an observation deck that is wheelchair accessible and has parking available for 30 vehicles. It is about 24 miles from Dahlonega.
This area has a stunning view of Mt. Yonah, which is a popular mountain for hiking and climbing. Sometimes the Army Rangers can be seen here during their training.
Raven Cliff Falls
Raven Cliff Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the area. It’s in the Chattahoochee National Forest but is not on the Appalachian Trail. The trail to the falls is 2.5 miles one way from the parking lot. Raven Cliff Falls is a triple fall totaling 100 feet. The trail does have water crossings.
It is about 25 miles from Dahlonega, GA, but is well worth the drive for a longer hike. Other cities nearby are Helen, GA and Blairsville, GA.
Amicalola Falls, GA
Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River at 729 feet high and is roughly 19 miles from Dahlonega. There is an entrance fee and the Appalachian trail starts here.
You can park at the bottom for a view up the falls or you can drive to the top of the falls to get a good view of the park. There is a new viewing deck that can be reached by driving to the middle of the falls. Along the falls, there is a metal staircase that goes from the bottom to the top of the falls. Many also choose to hike from the bottom as well.
Out of these waterfalls, I have only been to one, but many times – Amicalola Falls. If you choose to take the stairs, do know that there are many stairs. 604stairs to be exact. If you bring your dog, be aware that they are metal. If I would take mine, I would make sure to bring his shoes.
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia has plenty to offer any visitor. It’s just a little over an hour from Atlanta, Georgia in the Northeastern area of Georgia. Spend a day at one of its local vineyards, go gold panning at its historic mine, or spend some time hiking in the surrounding countryside. There’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful town!
Gold Panning
Dahlonega Georgia is the home to the first gold rush of the USA, that started in 1828. When the gold rush hit in California 20 years later, many left to seek there fortunes in the west.
Every year they have a gold rush festival in downtown Dahlonega. I went there in the Fall of 2021 by chance.
Gold panning is a fun activity for all ages and it is a great way to learn about the history of gold mining. There are several places to pan for gold in Dahlonega.
Consolidated Gold Mine
The Consolidated Gold Mine is my personal favorite. Here they have underground tours, gem mining, gold panning, and a gem studio along with offering group tours. For a family, it’s an easy afternoon of family fun.
The consolidated mines are located at: 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road Dahlonega, GA 30533
If you want to rent equipment and try your hand at finding some gold yourself, this is an excellent place to do so! The process isn’t complicated at all and most people find that they enjoy it more than they thought they would.
Wine Tasting
The winery scene in Dahlonega is on the upswing, with 12 wine tasting rooms and 8 wineries. There are plenty of places to explore what Georgia mountain town has to offer.
The history of wine in Dahlonega goes back over 200 years, when it was first planted in 1821 by German immigrants. Many of the wineries have received hundreds of rewards over the years.
If you’re not up to traveling to the wineries yourself, try a winery tour that will leave you worry free.
If time is not on your side, there are many places to sample wines the one of the many Dahlonega tasting rooms.
Foods
There is a variety of cuisines within Dahlonega, GA.
Hiking to Nearby Waterfalls
While you’re in Dahlonega, you can hike to nearby waterfalls. There are 12 easily accessible waterfalls within 25 mile radius of downtown Dahlonega.
If possible, bring: water, bug spray, sunscreen, sneakers or hiking boots (the latter being required if hiking up Burnt Mountain)
If you’re looking for a way to get outside and enjoy the natural wonders of Dahlonega, Georgia, consider kayaking on the Chestatee River. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Dahlonega, GA. Once there, follow signs leading to put-in points. You’ll need your own boat and gear; rentals are not available at this time.
Depending on how much experience you have with kayaking and what type of water conditions are present when you go out into the river, it’ll take anywhere between 1 hour and 3 hours to complete your trip downriver (and back).
Because public parking is limited near put-ins points along Highway 400—and because they fill up quickly during warmer months when more people are enjoying themselves outdoors—it’s best if everyone carpools together before setting out on their adventure!
Dahlonega is rich in adventure, culture and charm.
Dahlonega is rich in adventure, culture and charm.
It is a great place to go for a weekend getaway, vacation or even just for day trip. There are many things to do in Dahlonega Georgia that will make your visit memorable.
Conclusion
You may need at least three days to enjoy the area, but if you have more time, then you can spend the extra day hiking to nearby waterfalls or kayaking down the Chestatee River.
The Tennessee Valley is a beautiful place to visit and can provide a great escape for families, couples, or as a solo trip looking for some adventure. It’s nestled in between mountains and offers plenty of things to do indoors and outdoors.
One thing you may not know, however, is that Tennessee offers off the beaten path attractions that go beyond the Chattanooga city limits.
Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens is a popular tourist attraction located in Lookout Mountain. It’s a fun place to visit, especially for families with kids and couples who want to get out of town for the day.
The gardens offer beautiful views of the mountainside, as well as some stellar photo opportunities.
There are many trails throughout Rock City Gardens that lead you further into nature. At the top of the Rock City you can 7 states at one time.
Rock City Gardens is also known for Lover’s Leap Falls and suspension bridge. These are 2 of the many famous attractions at this location.
Raccoon Mountain Walking Cave Tour
Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers walking tours through their cave system. They also offer guided caving tours as well at different difficulty levels and lengths in the cave system.
If you’re looking for an activity that’s family friendly, the Raccoon Mountain Walking Cave Tour is the best option. The tour lasts about an hour, and during that time you’ll get to see the underground caves. As you walk through the cave, your guide will explain what you’re seeing and tell stories about Chattanooga history.
The Raccoon Mountain Walking Cave Tour isn’t as touristy as Ruby Falls—which means it’s less crowded—and it also has some fun features like sitting at a table in front of a mirror so that you can pretend to be sitting right next to yourself!
Sewanee Natural Bridge
This is a very short trail from the parking lot and very unique. When I think of a natural bridge I think of Utah not the Southeast states of US.
Foster Falls
This has a steep path with a suspension bridge crossing. Foster Falls is near Monteagle, TN and is 75 feet tall.
Denny Cove Falls
This trail was a flop. On the way down there was a couple coming back up.
They said there were some fallen trees and the path after that was hard to follow. They turned around and didn’t see the waterfall.
They passed and continued. After a few minutes we decided to turn around and call it a day.
Sunset at Lookout Mountain
The sunset was beautiful. The parking was hard to come by and the trail there was a bit sketchy especially in the dark.
Buc-ee’s
I live in the Atlanta area and couldn’t pass up a stop at Buc-ee’s in Adairsville, GA.
This time I stopped, I grabbed a BBQ Sandwich and a side of their potato wedges. I’ve heard great things of them. I was not disappointed.
Chattanooga is a great place for for a short getaway.
If I could do it over again, I would leave earlier in the day. There was a lot packed in considering the drive times.
It has some really cool attractions, like the Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City, which are both awesome places.
There are also plenty of options for activities that a solo traveler or group can enjoy: kayaking on the river, hiking up Signal Mountain or driving through Lookout Mountain Caverns. There’s something here for everyone!
Hope you have a wonderful time when you get there!
I stopped to get gas on the way to Stone Mountain, there was an issue with the gas pump.
The next day when I went kayaking, we had to wait out a storm that was passing through.
And lash when I was trying to charge my phone, the charging port had gotten wet. The last of the three delays.
I had even mentioned the 3’s delays to the cashier guy at the gas station. He was there when the gas pump issue happened. He still felt so bad but had a good laugh at the 3’s.
Cathy Gray is a digital marketing and eCommerce professional based in Metro Atlanta, GA. Outside of work she's chasing waterfalls, kayaking rivers, and finding places to camp to see the stars. Her dog Sam is officially retired from the adventures but still supervises from the couch or campsite. None of it happens without coffee in the morning.
