Dawson County - 10 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.