While everyone else is gearing up for their beach trips for spring break, what if you thought outside of the box this year and packed your bags for a slow weekend nestled in the mountains of North Georgia?
Say “see ya” to the crowded sand beaches and touristy restaurants for a season and say hello to a serene stay and small town spots that you can have almost to yourself!
Dahlonega tends to pick up its speed come summer and well into the fall, but after Christmas, the town is much less busy which allows for the perfect slow paced vacay that your heart might be needing.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with your significant other or are taking a family vacation with the kids, we have your spring mountain weekend covered in this getaway guide.
At StayDahlonega, we have properties that fit every group size and personality so you don’t have to spend hours of your time googling accommodations.
Nature’s Nook provides a modern feel on your typical treehouse, Houndstooth Hideaway is your traditional mountain cabin and Fallingwater is your more spacious option situated near a private waterfall for you to enjoy!
Regardless of the property you choose, you’re sure to experience a getaway unlike any other and make memories that last a lifetime.
Once you’ve planned your stay, it’s time to craft your fun-filled itinerary for your spring mountain week or weekend!
10 Ways To Spend Your Spring Break In Dahlonega
1. Hiking
Dahlonega is known for the beautiful mountains, so there’s no better way to explore than to take a hike! Some of the notable favorites in the area include:
– Amicalola Falls – a few miles outside of town you’ll find the gorgeous Amicalola Falls State Park where you can hike to the 729-foot waterfall making it the third-highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River!
– Preacher’s Rock – one of the most popular day hikes on the Appalachian Trail near Dahlonega is Preacher’s Rock. This short, two-mile round trip hike leads you to a large rock with gorgeous mountain views that make for a perfect photo op.
– Desoto Falls – another short yet beautiful hike in the area is Desoto Falls where you’ll find another waterfall along the 1.9 mile round trip hike
2. Kayaking
After spending some time in the woods, hit the water with a canoe or kayaking trip with Appalachian Outfitters! These trips are beginner and kid friendly, so it’s a great option for your family vacation.
3. Ziplining
Another family favorite is ziplining in the mountains! Amicalola Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park offers family friendly challenge courses, zipline canopy tours, an experiential nature trek in the tree tops and a gorgeous birds eye view of the North Georgia Mountains!
4. Unique Outdoor Activities
Dahlonega’s neighboring town, Dawsonville, offers a few unique activities that you can’t find many other places, including:
– Extreme go karting at Atlanta Motorsports Park – if you’re not familiar with Dawsonville, it has deep ties to NASCAR racing, so it makes sense that the city would have an adventure rooted in this. This go kart park is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, offering the ability to drive go karts up to 55 miles per hour! This activity is suited for kids aged 12+.
– Clay Shooting Course at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays – you’ve heard of a golf course, but have you ever heard of a clay shooting course? This unique activity is nestled in the wooded areas of Dawsonville and provides a fun experience for the whole family!
5. Learn about Dahlonega’s golden history
Did you know that Dahlonega was the site of the first significant gold rush in the United States? Because of this, the town is rooted in history and is a very interesting thing to learn about while you’re visiting.
You can visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum located in the old Dahlonega courthouse on the square to learn more about the history and then you can experience Dahlonega’s only underground mine tour!
6. Gibbs Gardens
Located just over an hour from the Dahlonega Square is a popular destination in Ball Ground, GA that attracts people every year to see breathtaking gardens, ponds and waterfalls.
Gibbs Gardens is known for its Season of Color in the spring and summer months and is the perfect place to take a slow stroll while being surrounded by nature. It’s the country’s largest residential estate garden and features 220 acres of gardens with 24 ponds, 19 waterfalls and all sorts of springs and streams lining the sidewalks.
During your visit, you can grab a sandwich or snack at the onsite cafe to enjoy under a canopy or pavilion while on the property!
7. Dahlonega Walking Tour
Another fun way to learn about the history of Dahleonga is by partaking in a walking tour. Most of the tour options are 1 mile or less and take you to various notable stops around the square.
8. Wine Tour
If you’re traveling without the kids and want a taste of Georgia’s very own wine country, look no further than the Dahlonega Wine Tour where you’ll be transported to at least 4 of the most popular wineries in the area to sip on delicious wine pours paired with yummy snacks at every stop.
9. Enjoy Live Music
Dahlonega doesn’t run short of live entertainment, especially on the weekends, so if you’re looking to keep things casual one evening, we encourage you to scout out a restaurant with live music or purchase tickets to a low key show while you’re in town.
Our go-to’s include the listening room at Canopy and The Roots and The Crimson Moon!
10. Soothe Your Sweet Tooth
Lastly, we can’t skip all of the delicious dessert shops throughout town! There are plenty of ways to soothe your sweet tooth while in Dahlonega, whether you’re a wine lover, chocolate connoisseur or ice cream fanatic.
Our must stops include: Connie’s for ice cream, Paul Thomas Chocolates for chocolate lovers and Naturally Georgia (wine tasting bar) for those who prefer to drink their dessert!
Overall, Dahlonega offers such a unique way to enjoy your spring break or weekend getaway without having to drive hours to the beach and fight the crowds when you get there.
The mountains are calling and you must come! 
See you this spring!
– The Stipes