20 Attractions to Explore Near Atlanta Motorsports Park

The Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area covers over 12,000 acres of rural terrain composed of loblolly and short leaf pines, as well as some hardwoods. It is well known for its deer and turkey hunting that is available to the public year-round. The area also serves as a sanctuary for endangered species like the gopher tortoise, indigo snake and timber rattlesnake. In addition there are several great places to explore such as the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site and Cohutta Wilderness.

The Dawson Forest - City of Atlanta Tract, is a beautiful forested area covering approximately 3,435 acres. It consists primarily of pine and hardwood trees that provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping are popular amongst visitors who come to experience the natural beauty of this area. Home to lake Julius and Crystal Lake, two man-made reservoirs providing numerous recreational activities for visitors such as swimming and boating.

The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, is a celebration of all things racing in the Peach State. From moonshine runners who raced across the state to the NASCAR Superstars of today, the Hall recognizes and honors Georgia's long and storied racing history. There are permanent displays that tell stories of famous drivers, tracks, performances and more over the years. You can feel yourself getting into gear as you explore this tribute to auto racing in GA.

Lake Petit is the ultimate destination for a lakeside adventure. Located at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this stunning lake offers all types of activities from swimming to fishing, boating and sailing. With its crystal clear waters and lush green landscape, Lake Petit is a popular destination for kayaking, as well as camping, hiking and picnicking. The lake also offers a great environment for numerous wildlife species such as deer, bear and fish.

Lake Petit is a breathtaking sight. It's located among dense forested areas and its pristine waters reflect the beauty of the seasons. In summer months its waters sparkle like diamonds and in winter it glistens with hues of pale blues and greens. This serene lake offers countless activities for all types of visitors including boating, fishing, wake boarding, and scuba diving. Many travelers flock to its shoreline just to enjoy the tranquility that Lake Petit provides.

Gibbs Gardens, is an amazing place to experience the beauty of nature. With over 220 acres of breathtaking landscapes, it features 20 awe-inspiring garden areas filled with sculptures, fountains, and walking paths. Guests can marvel at vibrant blooming gardens with more than 50,000 azaleas in thirty varieties that make up the world's largest azalea garden during springtime. They can also celebrate each of the four seasons among thousands of camellias, daylilies, magnolias, and rhododendrons.

Amicalola Falls State Park is an incredible place to explore and experience. There is more than 729 acres of rolling mountains, woodland forests, and stunning waterfalls, providing the perfect backdrop for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, or even enjoying a picnic. Visitors can also make their way up to the top of Amicalola Falls via a staircase or a nearby trail located along the edge of the park. There they can take in views of Springer Mountain before descending back down.

Mount Oglethorpe stands as the highest peak in the state. Its summit lies at an elevation of 1,774 feet and provides breathtaking views of the nearby Chattahoochee Forest and surrounding area. Located on a popular hiking area, many hikers flock to this spot for its stunning vistas and unique habitat. In addition to being home to various different types of vegetation, the mountain is also rich in history with artifacts that date back nearly 4,000 years.

Amicalola Falls State Park is truly a sight to behold. This 729-acre park is home to an 829-foot cascading waterfall, as well as plenty of other beautiful sights and sounds. The park offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks all the way up to Springer Mountain. Visitors can enjoy everything from rare wildflowers and a variety of wildlife to scenic mountain valleys and rocky mountaintops. There are also opportunities for fishing, camping and biking.

Amicalola Falls Campground is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. Located near the beautiful Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot cascading waterfall, the campground provides over 120 full hookup and tent sites with great views. Guests can take advantage of top-notch amenities like pavilions, laundry services, water and electrical stations, picnic tables, playgrounds and much more for a convenient camping experience.

Cochran's Waterfalls offers a unique experience for those looking to take a break and enjoy the beauty of nature. Located on Cochran's Farm Road near Lumpkin, the waterfall flows over rocks and tree roots, creating a mesmerizing sight that all ages can appreciate. Not only is the rushing water therapeutic, but hikers are able to take advantage of the stunning views, with stunning fall colors radiating from surrounding trees during peak season.

Poole's Mill Bridge Park, is a beautiful spot nestled among verdant woodlands, meandering creeks and majestic mountain peaks. From the historic bridge spanning the northern branch of Settles Creek to shaded trails alongside cascading waterfalls, visitors can enjoy this enchanting paradise. Located just off Highway 400 and boasting picnic pavilions and open fields for recreation, Poole's Mill Bridge Park is a great place for family and friends to gather or just relax in nature's beauty.

Springer Mountain Trail is an incredibly scenic and well-maintained trail. It leads hikers through lush forests filled with wildlife and also offers multiple camping spots along the way. The entire trail is over sixty miles long, running from Spring Mountain to Bly Gap on the North Carolina border. It is part of the famous Appalachian Trail, so backpackers can enjoy a long journey covering two states if they choose to hike the entire distance.

Len Foote Hike Inn offers a unique way to immerse oneself in nature. Located five miles from Amicalola Falls State Park, this rustic retreat features 20 cozy cottages that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the outdoors with all of the comforts of home. All meals are included with a two-night stay, and there is also a laundry service for guests. Plus, access to 22 miles of trails and trips to nearby destinations can be arranged for those looking for adventure.

The Etowah River is an important source of water for the surrounding area, providing life-sustaining support for both human and natural populations. As a major tributary to the Coosa River, the river has played an important role in transportation and commerce throughout history. On its banks are numerous ancient Native American sites that show vivid evidence that the area was densely populated before European settlers arrived centuries ago.

Lake Tamarack, is a beautiful piece of nature that attracts people from all over the state. The lake has been a major outdoor recreation destination for nearly 100 years. It offers boating, swimming, fishing, and camping to its visitors. A popular attraction is the Lake Tamarack Lodge which offers several amenities including picnic tables and fire pits. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird watching with over 130 species of birds spotted near the lake.

Dahlonega is a charming city tucked away in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. it has become known as the heart of the North Georgia mountains - and for good reason. With plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, tubing, kayaking and fishing, this is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions including numerous wineries, pottery shops and art galleries.

Price Memorial Hall is an incredible example of early twentieth century architecture. Its unique neoclassical style features a massive white portico extending from the central block building and two flanking wings. Inside, the grand experience continues with elaborate courtyards, beautiful stained glass windows, and high ceilings. Along with its formal structure and extravagant design comes a rich history - it was constructed as a commemoration for U.S. Senator William Yates Price.

Price Memorial Hall is a historic building known for its unique architecture and significance to the community. Built in 1911, it is a classic example of Georgian Revival style architecture, featuring red brick walls, the original cupola and bell, white pillars and Doric columns, gabled roofing and Palladian windows. This edifice serves not only as an important reminder of the area’s historical roots but is also home to a variety of community events.

The Dahlonega Gold Museum provides an immersive experience of the history of its gold rush from 1828. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring artifacts such as coins, scales, maps and photos as they learn about the figureheads of the gold rush and their stories. One can also explore how Dahlonega was affected by this momentous period and how it shaped its culture. The museum offers several educational programs.