20 Attractions to Explore Near Wilshire Trails

The Gainesville Midland Locomotive is an impressive historical steam locomotive built prior to World War II that began service in 1940. It ran on the economic lifeline of the Georgia Northern Railroad and served as a passenger coach as well as carrying freight. Today, the locomotive rests on display in downtown Gainesville and serves both as a reminder of the city's growing industrialism during its late 19th century development and continues to enchant visitors with its timeless magnificence.

The Beulah Rucker Museum is steeped in local African American history. Founded by Ms. Beulah Rucker and supported by the community, it displays myriad artifacts which highlight African American contributions to the cultural heritage of Hall County. From photographs to documents that trace the history of slavery, school segregation and civil rights movements in Hall County, the museum gives an intimate window into a unique culturally diverse past.

River Forks Park is the perfect escape for nature-lovers. Spanning over 200 acres of meadows and densely wooded forest, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Georgia. The park is known for its scenic walking trails which are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike depending on your preference. Visitors can take advantage of the two lakes, one stocked with trout and another where you can rent rowboats in the summer months.

Laurel Park is a residential area, most notably known for its beautiful lake community situated off of West Hall Road, Laurel Park provides a tranquil haven for its residents. It offers plenty of amenities such as swimming, fishing and other activities that citizens can participate in year-round. Furthermore, its proximity to the University of Georgia allows for easy access for students attending classes there. There are also several quaint restaurants and coffee shops nearby.

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.

Browns Bridge, is best known for its beautiful hiking trails and nature parks. Winding through lush forests and farmland it offers the perfect escape from city life. The bridge itself dates back to 1967, when it was built to connect two sides of Lake Lanier, which is a popular meeting spot for fishermen during migration season. Further along the trail visitors will find multiple points of interest such as a scenic waterfall, an old abandoned house, several picnic areas and even some wildlife.

Don Carter State Park, is a beautiful destination with something for everyone to enjoy. Within its 1,317 acres of lush hardwood forests, the park houses several lakes and six miles of hiking trails; it also offers fishing, biking, disc golf, and swimming opportunities. Nature enthusiasts can spot two species of rare bats and myriad plants within the area. Campers will find RV sites and tent pads onsite with numerous amenities such as nearby WiFi.

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is one of the most exciting raceways around. The track, which was completed in 1970, is 2.54 miles long and features 12 turns, including the famous turn 10a-10b combination. Over the years, the track has been host to a variety of events, from GT car racing to supermoto championships. Whether you're an experienced racer or just an enthusiast looking for some exciting automotive action, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is sure to please.

This Raceway is the premier destination for car lovers. Every year thousands flock to this track to watch exciting cars speeding down the track and to participate in various car-related events. The race dates are jam-packed with music, food, merchandise vendors, giveaways, car show contests, autocross courses and activities for kids of all ages. Guests can also receive technical guidance from professional instructors on a variety of topics or just marvel at the ongoing hovercraft demonstrations.

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.

Burton Mill Park is a nature lover's paradise! Stretching over more than 280 acres of woodlands, meandering creeks, sprawling meadows, and tranquil ponds. From bird watching and fishing at the ponds to horseback riding and exploring the trails on foot or bicycle. Spend an afternoon blissfully lounging by the lake before climbing up to take in panoramic views of the athletic fields or wander through miles of hiking trails that weave through dense forests filled with native wildlife.

Cherokee Bluffs, is a quaint mountain retreat that offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the area. Located at an altitude of nearly 2000 feet and tucked away in a beautiful valley surrounded by lush green hills, Cherokee Bluffs is the perfect spot to enjoy activities such as hiking trails, fishing spots, caving and swimming. For accommodations, visitors can stay at one of the many cabins in the area or camp within the park's campground.

Lake Lanier Islands is a beautiful getaway destination perfect for the whole family. Located northeast of Atlanta, the islands offer endless activities amidst stunning scenery. Visitors can take advantage of miles of shoreline, beaches, and opportunities to camp or stay in vacation villas. Watersports including kayaking, boating and fishing are popular options at Lake Lanier Islands, while land-lovers can enjoy horseback riding or exploring nature trails throughout the property.

Lanier Park Beach is an oasis of fun and relaxation. Visitors enjoy spending time lounging on the white sand beaches and taking a dip in the crystal-clear Lake Lanier. For those looking to get active, there is waterfront playground equipment and plenty of opportunities for fishing or swimming. The park also features a large beach volleyball court with plenty of space to gather with friends and families. Whether its relaxing lakeside or an exciting game of beach volleyball.

Buford Dam is located in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and is part of the Lake Sidney Lanier Reservoir. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, the dam spans approximately 1.1 miles of water. It serves as a key source of hydroelectric power for Georgia today – which stands at more than 3 billion kilowatt-hours per year – along with regulating water levels throughout the lake and providing recreational activities for Gwinnett County citizens.

Yahoola Creek Park is a hidden gem. Featuring miles of stunning trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horsebacking ridiing , Yahoola Creek Park has something for everyone. With a beautiful lake and spacious playground area, this park is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to come explore. Visitors have the opportunity to spot all types of wildlife, from soaring birds of prey to bounding deer as well as bats and other fascinating creatures.

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.

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.

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.