Dahlonega, GA

Travel Guide

Dahlonega
Dahlonega
Dahlonega
Dahlonega
Dahlonega
Treat yourself to a mountain getaway to enjoy nature and outdoor adventures and to prospect for gold in 19th-century mines.

Dahlonega is a historic gold mining town, the site of the first significant gold rush in the United States. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and set in the heart of Georgia wine country, it is also a place of exceptional natural beauty. Visit Dahlonega to hike through mountains and valleys to waterfalls, tour vineyards and wineries and pan for gold in the hills.

Learn about the town's gold mining history and legacy at theDahlonega Gold Museum, housed in an early 19th-century courthouse. Gold was accidentally discovered by a hunter walking in the woods in 1828. He bent down to examine a brightly colored stone, which was later identified as gold. By the end of the year, the gold rush was underway.

Search for gold and gems above and below ground atConsolidated Gold MineandCrisson Gold Mine. Visit the gold mine shaft at Smith House, which was discovered in 2006 in the building's basement.

Embrace the diverse beauty of Georgian nature on Dahlonega's doorstep. Hike throughAmicalola Falls State Park, home of the 729-feet (222-meter)Amicalola Fallsand go backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. Dahlonega is a southern terminus of this extensive hiking-only trail from Georgia to Maine.

Mountain bike along the 36-mile (58-kilometer) Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System within theChattahoochee National Forest. Kayak or canoe down the Chestatee River. Another way to appreciate the countryside is on a scenic drive through mountains and valleys and by lakes and waterfalls.

Not only is there gold in Dahlonega's hills but also vineyards that produce award-winning wines. Enjoy tasting tours ofWolf Mountain VineyardsandThree Sisters Vineyards and Winery,among others.

Spend time in the historic downtown area, home to more than 100 shops, restaurants and bistros.

Dahlonega is located 71 miles (114 kilometers) north of Atlanta, the capital of Georgia. If you're an international traveler, fly into the city's Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Then reach the mountain town by car or public transportation to enjoy a vacation of gold mining history and natural beauty.

Quality Inn Dahlonega Near University
Quality Inn Dahlonega Near University
2.5 out of 5
619 North Grove street, Dahlonega, GA
$75 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$92 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Dahlonega. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"We didn't think about ability to view the fireworks from our room but were pleasantly surprised when it started as we stood on the balcony for the whole display. Could not have planned this if I wanted. Pool looked well prepared and was used by some but not crowded. One night there were several dogs ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Quality Inn Dahlonega Near University
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dahlonega by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dahlonega by IHG
2.5 out of 5
32 East Main Street, Dahlonega, GA
$115 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$139 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dahlonega. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (385 reviews)
"It was so nice to be able to walk all around Dahlonega and not have to worry about driving. The location is amazing. Breakfast was top tier and the staff super friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dahlonega by IHG
Forrest Hills Mountain Resort
Forrest Hills Mountain Resort
3.5 out of 5
135 Forrest Hills Road, Dahlonega, GA
$169 nightly
The price is $201 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$201 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Dahlonega. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The property is secluded, but not too far from town. The grounds are beautiful with the flower gardens and scenery. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. The room was very clean and just what we were looking for my birthday weekend getaway. We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Forrest Hills Mountain Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa della Luna, an Authentic Tuscan Villa In Montaluce Winery & Estates
Villa della Luna, an Authentic Tuscan Villa In Montaluce Winery & Estates
Dahlonega
Stay at this villa in Dahlonega. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Montaluce Winery & Restaurant and Vickery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (203 reviews)
"Fabulous girls weekend in our Italian villa, just perfect for our group of 5! Well stocked kitchen, comfortable beds and stunning views made it a 5 star stay."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Villa della Luna, an Authentic Tuscan Villa In Montaluce Winery & Estates
The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
4 out of 5
634 Beaver Lake Dr, Ellijay, GA
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly villa in Ellijay. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Talona Lake and Riverside ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"by the river"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
Alpine Crest Resort
Alpine Crest Resort
3.5 out of 5
273 Carrie Cox Dr, Helen, GA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Helen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Helen Tubing & Helen Water Park and Unicoi State ...
7.4/10 Good! (126 reviews)
"Great place. Clean and amenities are great. Right in the middle of town close to everything. Nice pool and sauna."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Alpine Crest Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Dahlonega

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
154
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
76
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We use Dahlonega as a hub for our visit to this area. The hotels are more reasonable. We drive to Elija, Dawsonville, Helen, and other nearby towns for one-day visits.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Dahlonega is great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

consolidated mine was awesome

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cute little town! Worth the visit!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Convenient for hiking Appalachian Trail - and lots of other trails around.

4/5 - Good

CrystalMcCall

Dahlonega Square was very nice and good restaurants

Cities near Dahlonega