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 options.
Local businesses offer trail rides, riding instructions, dinner wagon cookouts and other services.
Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides
(706) 867-9395
415 Forrest Hills Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
www.goldcitycorral.com
Take a trip back to the Old West! Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides will drive your group in horse-drawn wagons for a 20-minute ride to the ''Riverhouse''. This rustic 1800's style Riverhouse has 2 stories with 2,500 square feet in the forest alongside a stream. Here you will enjoy good old home cooking with steaks and BBQ chicken cooked on the grill. Just outside is the bonfire camp, sand volleyball court, badminton, panning for gold and horseshoe pitching on the island.
Sunny Farms North
(706) 867-9167
1332 Longbranch Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533
www.sunnyfarmsnorth.com
Located amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in Historic Dahlonega, Sunny Farms North is Family Owned and Operated. Their gentle stock, knowledgeable staff and an assortment of landscapes offer you an unforgettable riding experience. Enjoy a day of exploring and learning on your own, or hand the reigns over to one of the trail guides. Either way, you are sure to have an amazing time.
Chattahoochee National Forest Trails
The Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System provides approximately 36 miles of recreational trails for equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers. The Jake Mountain Trail System and Bull Mountain Trail System connect to form a complex system of scenic trails within a four-square-mile area of the Chattahoochee National Forest's Blue Ridge Ranger District. This area is located in western Lumpkin County, less than ten minutes from downtown Dahlonega. The system is made up of interconnecting dirt trails and gravel roads which are accessed by two trailheads.
Loops of varying length from 4.5 miles to 20 miles are available, offering a wide variety of scenery. Access to the Bull Mountain Trail trail and parking lot is off of GA Hwy 52-W. From Dahlonega take 52-W to the Nimblewill Road on the right (approximately 8 miles). Take Nimblewill Road to the Nimblewill Church (2.2 miles). Just before reaching the church turn right on Forest Service Rd 28-1 towards Jones Creek and Camp Wahsega. After 0.3 miles turn left on Forest Service Rd 83 indicated by parking signs. Parking lot is 1.5 miles on right on winding gravel road and will accommodate approximately 20 vehicles with horse trailers. Pull through parking areas are provided at the Jake Mountain trail head. Access to the Jake Mountain parking area is on the right between Hwy 52-W and the Forest Service Rd 28-1. A National Forest parking fee is required.
These trails and trailhead facilities are available through the efforts of volunteers working with the U.S. forest Service and are partially funded through a NRTFA (National recreational Trails Fund Act) grant.
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!
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.
Hunting
Welcome Hunters! Dahlonega hunting land options include the Lumpkin County Chestatee WMA with 25,000 Acres and the Blue Ridge WMA including Lumpkin, Dawson, and Fannin with 38,900 Acres.
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.