10 Things to Do This Summer in The Blue Ridge Mountains

Located north of Atlanta just past the busy metro suburb of Alpharetta, The Blue Ridge Mountains area is full of sleepy mountain towns surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are stunning landscapes everywhere you look, and numerous ways to enjoy them up close and personal. Up here in the summer months, the weather is cooler, the pace is slower, and the living is easier. Here are 10 ways to experience the best in and around The Blue Ridge Mountains this summer including areas like Lumpkin County, Dawson County, White County and Hall County!

Summer Activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains

1. Lake Lanier

The northeast edge of expansive Lake Lanier creeps into Dawson County, where Dawsonville is located. Enjoy camping, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and family fun on the lake all summer long!

2. Jungle Paradise Daylilies

An agritourism stop unlike any other, the innovative Jungle Paradise Daylilies garden grows and sells hundreds of varieties of colorful, hybrid lilies.

3. Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery

Dawsonville's history is steeped in moonshine, but today you can visit this craft spirits distillery (legally!) and taste traditional recipes that date back over 150 years.

4. Amicalola Falls State Park

Home to the southern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail, Amicalola Falls State Park’s crown jewel is the impressive 729-foot Amicalola Falls — the third highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

5. Outside World Outfitters

If you plan on exploring the great outdoors near Dawsonville, first make a stop at Outside World Outfitters. This outdoor equipment retailer has everything you need for kayaking, canoeing, and camping, and even organizes guided hiking and paddling trips throughout Northeast Georgia.

6. Forest Hills Resort

A popular destination for couples, weddings, corporate groups, and family reunions, the family-owned Forest Hills Resort in nearby Dahlonega, GA offers a variety of cabins and lodges nestled in the scenic North Georgia mountains.

7. Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

As the birthplace of stock car racing, Dawsonville is rich with racing heritage. Learn about the sport’s fascinating history and see hundreds of pieces of memorabilia at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame — including original racing cars of legends like Bill Elliott, Glenn "Fireball" Roberts, the Fabulous Flock Brothers, and others.

8. Dawsonville Pool Room

Home of the "Bully Burger," the family-friendly Dawsonville Pool Room features the owner’s extensive collection of stock car racing memorabilia. Diners enjoy the casual atmosphere and great food while watching videos of the latest races.

9. Crystal Falls Lake & Golf Club

Come for the challenging Denis Griffiths-designed course and stay a bit to enjoy the natural beauty of the pristine lake and mountain environment at Crystal Falls Golf Club. There's a clubhouse, pro shop, grill, and large practice facility to round out your day on the greens.

10. Dahlonega Wineries

Just up the road from Dawsonville at the foothill of the North Georgia mountains in Lumpkin County, the city of Dahlonega boasts the highest concentration of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in Georgia. Also known as the "Heart of Georgia Wine Country," this region is home to eight wineries that produce a variety of European, French hybrid, and American wine grapes. Stop by any of these venues for tours, tastings, and spectacular views of the vineyards.

• Accent Cellars
• Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
• Frogtown Cellars
• Kaya Vineyard & Winery
• Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery
• Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
• Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
• Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery

With its rich heritage, many outdoor activities, and beautiful location in the North Georgia mountains, The Blue Ridge Mountains is an ideal place to settle down and enjoy the good life (and an excellent glass of wine). Make it yours forever by building a custom new home in Dawsonville or any of the surrounding areas.