Hiking & Backpacking
There are many hiking trails both for day hikes and backpacking trips near Dahlonega in the Chattahoochee National Forest Trails of Lumpkin County.
Like Watching Birds?
Birding
Then Georgia's Wildlife Resources Division Areas (WRDs) are perfect for you! There are 106 WRD areas listed for bird watching below that are located in 7 Regions. Enjoy!
Dahlonega is near two great WRDs in Region 2 with such wonderful wildlife as Deer and Bear, Turkey, Small Game, Raccoon, Opossum, Fox, Bobcat, Raccoon, Opossum, Waterfowl, Feral Hogs. Located in Lumpkin and Union counties.
Chestatee WMA - 25,000 acres
Blue Ridge WMA - 38,900 acres. Located 10 miles north of Dahlonega
Directions From Dahlonega: To the Jones Creek check station: Travel 9 miles west on Hwy. 52 to Nimblewill Rd.; turn right and go 2.4 miles; turn right on USFS Rd. #28 and go 2.4 miles to USFS Road #77; take left fork to check station. To the Rock Creek check station: Take GA 60 north for 28 miles to jct. with USFS Road #69; turn left and go 1 mile to the check station.
Contact Information
Wildlife Game Management - (770) 535-5700
Non-Game Wildlife & Natural Heritage - (770) 918-6411
Law Enforcement - (770) 535-5499
Golden-winged Warblers
The golden-winged warbler, a diminutive bird splashed with bright-yellow highlights, had it good in the Southern Appalachians 100 years ago. The golden-winged warbler is a federal species of concern - only about 12 pairs of golden-wings still nest here.
- Small (4.25 inches long), active bird.
- Markings on mature males include yellow forehead, black mask (with white underneath) and yellow patches on wings.
- Eats insects (mostly moth caterpillars) and spiders.
- Breeds near the ground in shrub areas along forest edges. Winters in tropical forests.
- Only 12 breeding pairs documented in Georgia, all in Chattahoochee National Forest’s Brawley Mountain area between Dahlonega and Suches.
- Species is declining across its range due to habitat loss and expansion of blue-winged warblers. Listed as a federal species of concern and a high-priority species in Georgia’s Wildlife Action Plan. Golden-wings are expanding into the Northwest.
- “Mated” males sing a different song, making the location of breeding pairs easier.
- Quotable: “They’d make terrible poker players,” DNR’s Nathan Klaus, referring to how singing males often stop and look toward where their mate’s nest is.
Bicycling & Mountain Biking
Long regarded by professional riders such as Lance Armstrong as some of America's most challenging bicycling this area provides enjoyment for riders of all skills.
Wildlife & Black Bears
If you spend enough time hiking or picnicking in the North Georgia mountains, odds are it's only a matter of time before your next bear encounter.
Horseback Riding
Several opportunities are available for horseback riding in the Dahlonega area. Local resorts offer trail rides and riding trails exist in the Chattahoochee National Forest to give riders a range of trail…
Chattahoochee National Forest
If you're into the great outdoors, you've come to the right place.
Golf
The North Georgia Mountains provide a beautiful landscape that is ideal for a challenging golf course.