Located in the heart of North Georgia's Mountains
Dahlonega, Georgia
Connecting Town and Trail
As the closest town to Amicalola Falls State Park and its A.T. Approach Trail, Dahlonega hosts many aspiring northbound thru-hikers (NOBOs) in early spring, and provides a place for exhausted but accomplished southbounders to lay their heads after finishing the journey of a lifetime. For those of us who just want to spend a day or a weekend on the A.T., Dahlonega is a great home base for trips to Springer Mountain, Ramrock Mountain, and scenic Three Forks, among other Trail destinations. You can find the Dahlonega Area hiking guide here.
Folks in Dahlonega recognize the economic and community benefits of protecting and promoting its public lands and trails. Even before Dahlonega became an official A.T. Community, representatives of a variety of local stakeholders developed a county-wide plan for trails and greenways to connect community centers with recreation destinations, like the A.T.
Plan Your Visit
Dahlonega’s history is, if you’ll pardon the pun, rich – the town got its name from the Cherokee word for “yellow” or “gold” because of the abundance of gold in the area, and it was the site of the first major US gold rush, in 1828. Today, Dahlonega is a popular family destination with monthly ‘mountain music’ and art festivals throughout the summer and fall. Chattahoochee National Forest makes up one-third of the county, and additional trails, waterfalls, rivers, scenic vistas and other recreational opportunities abound. Dahlonega’s commercial district, including the beautifully preserved public square, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Major wineries have discovered the rich, fertile hillsides of Lumpkin County, and creative spirits find nourishment as well, for Dahlonega has evolved into a center for the performing and visual arts in the North Georgia mountains.
One of the many ways that Dahlonega celebrates the Appalachian Trail and its status as an A.T. Community is by hosting the annual Trail Fest, a celebration of the outdoors and all aspects of non-motorized recreation. Each September, the Yahoola Trails Conservancy and several other partners gather outdoor enthusiasts from all over for workshops, music, authors and speakers, and fun! You can also learn more about other events in Dahlonega throughout the year here.
Get Involved
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club
The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club manages, maintains and protects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia with volunteers from its membership and the interested public. The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club promotes the appreciation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and natural outdoor places through education and recreational activities, with an emphasis on conservation ethics and protection of the forests, their natural resources and wilderness areas. georgia-atclub.org.
ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.
Upcoming Events
Find Events in Dahlonega
Search EventsDiscover More
The A.T. Landscape Partnership
A Dynamic Approach to Landscape Conservation
The Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership is a dedicated coalition of local, state and federal partners led by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the National Park Service.
Roan Highlands Haven
Appalachian Balds are for the Birds
The iconic bald mountains along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee are significant to the future of migratory and resident birds.
By Jennifer Pharr Davis
Scenic Views
Wide-open vistas beyond the footpath offer respite and are essential to the Wild East.