20 Attractions to Explore Near Dawson Forest - City of Atlanta Tract

Atlanta Motorsports Park is a private racetrack that opened in 2012. This unique sports venue offers an exciting and thrilling experience for race enthusiasts. Home to a world-class karting track, an amazing 2.5 mile road course with fast elevation changes, and four beautiful off-road circuits, this 200 acre park also provides special amenities such as full event support, extensive garages and a large grand prix building with event space capable of hosting corporate events.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indian Seats in Forsyth County, is home to one of the greatest examples of Native American relics in the Southeastern United States. This is evidenced by a series of ancient mounds, ceremonial stone seats and other sites, spanning more than a thousand years. In 1967, archaeologists uncovered numerous artifacts that indicated that Indian Seats had been occupied since at least 790 AD. Evidence found suggested that the area was home to a number of Native American cultures.

Sawnee Mountain is an oasis of awesomeness. Its magnificent views provide the perfect opportunity to relax and observe the untouched beauty of nature. With trails winding through wooded areas and towering rock formations, outdoor enthusiasts can explore while engaging with different species of wildlife. There are also many recreational activities to enjoy, such as camping, hiking, biking and fishing in nearby Sawnee Mountain Park and Lake Lanier Islands.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Little Hall Park provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. It spans over 83 acres along the shores of Lake Lanier. This park is home to a variety of attractions, including fishing piers, picnic shelters, trails for walking and cycling, and playgrounds to keep children occupied. Visitors can also rent out canoes and kayaks to explore the lake further. It offers a pavilion where visitors can gather around the fire ring and take in breathtaking views of the lake.

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.

Lake Lanier spanning over 38,000 acres, visitors to the lake can partake in a variety of activities such as fishing, skiing and sailing. There are plenty of places to stay on the shores of Lake Lanier from luxury resorts to rustic cabins, so no matter what type of vacation you're looking for there's something for everyone. For those eager to explore the area beyond just the lake there are plenty of venues nearby including botanical gardens, wineries and historical sites from the Civil War era.

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.