Your Complete Guide to Dahlonega, GA: Best Things to Do, See, and Stay
Dahlonega, Georgia is a charming mountain town located about an hour north of Atlanta! Known for its beautiful scenery, historic downtown square, and world-class wineries, Dahlonega has something to offer everyone. Wandering where to stay and what to do in Dahlonega? Read on to find out more!
Is Dahlonega Worth Visiting??
Absolutely! Dahlonega is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway—or even a day trip if you’re short on time. It boasts all the charm of a mountain town, offering plenty of shopping, hiking, and opportunities to relax with friends. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip to Dahlonega!
Things to do in Dahlonega: Hiking
Dahlonega is located close to the Chattahoochee National Forest, making it home to so many hiking trails! A trip to Dahlonega isn’t complete without at least one hike. A few of my favorite are:
- Preacher Rock– Perfect short hike with stunning mountain views. This 2 mile trail is the best sunrise hike in the area!
- Ramrock Mountain– Opposite of Preacher’s Rock, this hike is short, uncrowded with beautiful mountain views. This trail is 2.9 miles round trip.
- Cowrock Mountain– A little farther of a driver, but still a good one! This 1.8 mile trail offers gorgeous views of the North Ga mountains with no crowds.
- Trahlyta Falls– located in Vogel State Park, this stunning waterfall is just a short and easy 1.5-mile walk around the lake. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of both the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Desoto Falls– This 2 mile trail treats you to two waterfalls -Upper and Lowers falls, in one trail. It is a pretty popular trail though, so I recommend arriving early to grab a spot.
- Helton Creek Falls– This my go-to waterfall in the summer because you can actually swim at the base! The trail is just a quick 0.6-mile round trip, making it super easy to reach.
Shopping in the Square
The Dahlonega square is the perfect spot for shopping and dining. It offers a variety of shops with everything from clothing and antique shops to jerky and candy stores. Every time I’m in the area I can’t leave without grabbing some fudge from the Fudge Factory! My personal favorite is the tiger fudge, which is a blend of vanilla, chocolate and peanut butter fudge. You can’t go wrong with the classic milk chocolate fudge either, it’s so smooth and creamy. You’ll also find many restaurants, cafes, and ice cream spots to choose from.
If you’re in the mood for ice cream, you can’t go wrong with anything at Kilwin’s or Connie’s Ice Cream Parlor!
The square also serves as a hub for various community events and festivals, with live music, art exhibitions, and seasonal events taking place throughout the year. Checkout Discover Dahlonega event page to see what’s going on when you visit!
Wine Tasting
Dahlonega, Georgia, is known as the “Wine Country of the Southeast,” and it’s easy to see why! With more than 20 wineries just a short drive from town, it’s a popular spot for wine lovers.
Some of the most popular wineries near Dahlonega include:
- Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery: Located on a hillside overlooking the vineyards. They offer a diverse selection of wines, but if you’re a fan of sweet wines, you have to try the Hula Hala-Kahika. This delightful white wine has refreshing pineapple flavors that make it a perfect choice for a warm day.
- Kaya Vineyard and Winery: One of the first and largest vineyards in the Dahlonega area. The winery provides sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and panorama views of the vineyards. They do tend to be pretty busy so arrive early if you can to secure a seat.
- Wolf Mountain Vineyards: Known for its award-winning wines, including its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Wolf Mountain also offers tours and tastings, as well as a cafe with a beautiful view of the vineyards.
- Montaluce Winery & Restaurant: Located just 15 minutes from the treehouse. Montaluce offers a variety of wines, including its signature blend, the Montaluce Reserve. The winery also has a restaurant with a menu that features Italian dishes such as house made pastas and brick oven pizzas.
Most of the wineries offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the winemaking process and sample the wines! If you’re not looking to leave the city, there are a few places in the square that offer wine tasting there, the Dahlonega Tasting Room is a popular one!
JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters and Tasting Room
If wine isn’t your thing, make your way to Jumping Goats in Cleveland, just under 30 minutes away. This charming spot serves both coffee and wine, so you can choose whichever suits your mood! They have a spacious outdoor seating area, perfect for relaxing and hanging out with friends while enjoying beautiful views of Yonah Mountain. Plus, they regularly host live music, adding to the great atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Dahlonega
Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Dahlonega at the Tip Top Tree House, located only 15 minutes from the town square. This cabin is nestled back in the woods, giving you privacy and making it such a peaceful place to stay. The space is perfect for a romantic getaway, however it does sleep four guests. Relax in the large Jacuzzi or enjoy a fun game night with the pool and air hockey table. The Airbnb is very spacious, with a kitchen complete with everything you’ll need to cook. (there isn’t an oven but there is a toaster oven & stove).
Is Dahlonega Worth the Visit?
Definitely! Dahlonega is a town I find myself returning to often and finding more things to love each time I visit. Whether it’s a new hike, winery or coffee shop, there’s always something to explore with every season!
I was invited by the Tip Top Treehouse host to stay at this rental for free in exchange for writing a blog post about my experience. I was given complete editorial control over the post, and all opinions are my own.
