Page 14 - Dahlonega NCG 2016
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DAHLONEGA Recreation
I T’S P U R E G O L D
K ayaking, camping,
hiking, fishing,
panning for gold,
and rock hounding
are only a few of the activities
visitors and residents of
Lumpkin County enjoy amid
the breathtaking natural
splendor of our
mountain community.
RECREATION Enjoying the Chestatee River
in dahlonega
If nothing puts a smile on The southern end of the Festivals and events such as the recreation areas in Lumpkin
your face more than time spent famous Appalachian Trail, the Dahlonega Trail Fest, a celebration County including DeSoto Falls,
in nature, Lumpkin County is continuous marked footpath that of Dahlonega’s proximity to the Dockery Lake, and Waters Creek.
sure to have you grinning ear to stretches from Georgia’s Springer Appalachian Trail, and the Six Gap The Blue Ridge Ranger District
ear. The Chattahoochee National Mountain to Maine (a distance Century and Three Gap Fifty bike office is a superb resource for
Forest makes up one-third of of about 2,160 miles), begins just rides draw thousands of visitors outdoor recreation information
Lumpkin County, providing ample east of Dahlonega and meanders to our town to enjoy its legendary for the Chattahoochee National
opportunities for hiking, mountain through 28 miles of our county. hospitality and scenic locale. Forest. Stop by the office at
biking, horseback riding, and Lumpkin County is a The close proximity of Lumpkin 2042 Hwy. 515 W., Blairsville,
ATV driving. Tubing, canoeing, fisherman’s heaven as well, with County to Atlanta has made our call (706) 745-6928, or visit
and kayaking on the Chestatee world-class trout fishing in the community a favorite weekend www.fs.usda.gov for information.
or Etowah rivers will thrill and many creeks in the area, including getaway for residents of this ever-
challenge enthusiasts of all skill heavily-stocked Dick’s Creek and growing metropolis. Gold Panning
levels, while the many waterfalls year-round fishing in the Etowah
throughout the county offer serene River and Yahoola Creek. Chestatee River Though you may not strike it
and Etowah River rich, in most cases the wealth is
spots for picnics and photography. in the experience! While you can
The Etowah and Chestatee rivers usually pan for no more than a
wind through Lumpkin County, few cents worth in an hour, there’s
offering predominately Class I always a chance of finding a stray
and II rapids for the enjoyment nugget. Recreational panning
of kayakers, canoeists, and rafters. for gold in most streambeds is
Local rafting outfitters can provide allowed. Special permission,
water level information as well as permits, or fees are not required
canoe, kayak, and tube rentals. when only a shovel and pan are
used and no significant damage is
U.S. Forest Service done to the streambed. In-stream
sluices and suction dredges are
The U.S. Forest Service not allowed.
maintains several national
Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber and Visitors Bureau • (800) 231-5543 • www.dahlonega.org 12
