DAWSON COUNTY

Like turning the pages of a travelogue, Dawson County and historic Dawsonville unfolds one experience at a time for visitors to this North Georgia mountain community. Some visitors come for the shopping and bargains at North Georgia Premium Outlets, while others browse for local arts and crafts while taking in the lore and culture of this Appalachian hamlet. More urbane travelers will find championship golf, upscale lodging and sophisticated dining experiences, while those seeking a more casual environment can choose from rustic cabin or hike-in lodge, quaint B&Bs, or backcountry retreat.

The adventurous seek their thrills on the expansive waters of 39,000 acre Lake Lanier, or challenging the whitewater and pursuing the wild mountain trout of the Amicalola River and other local streams. Mountain trails, including the Southern terminus of the famed Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, beckon hikers and bikers, and the 25,000 acre Dawson Forest has miles of roads and trails for horseback, ATV, mountain bike and foot travel. The Department of Natural Resources also manages thousands of acres of public land in the forest, available for anglers, hunters and other sportsmen and women.