Somewhere between the old and new are experiences and opportunities as diverse as the visitors, residents and businesses that call this mountain valley home. Dawson County and Dawsonville is steeped in Appalachian culture and tradition, including a rich history of gold mining, moonshine running, backwoods racing and motorsports glory. High country trails and crystalline trout streams are within minutes of the downtown square, yet the community’s easy access to metro Atlanta and other business and population centers make it one of the fastest growing communities per capita in the nation.

It’s this crossroads—the charm of yesteryear and the energy of a thriving, contemporary community—that makes Dawson County and historic Dawsonville the perfect location for leisure, lifestyle or business.

Dawson County Attractions

Amicalola State Park and Lodge
Visit the cascading 729 foot waterfall located just west of downtown Dawsonville. All of the 57 rooms in the lodge offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Recreational activities include hiking, trout fishing, and sightseeing on the 1,020 acres of natural surroundings. Accommodations include lodging, meeting rooms, cabins, and campsites. The Maple Restaurant, located in the lodge serves a home style buffet. Special programs are offered March - December.

North Georgia Premium Outlets
140 Premium Outlets in one convenient location. Located on GA Hwy 400 just South of Hwy 53. Open seven days a week. Call for seasonal hours. Stroll through this attractive outdoor village setting and save 25% to 65% every day at the center's 140 designer and name-brand outlets featuring Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Coach, J.Crew, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Williams-Sonoma Outlet and more.

Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier touches seven Georgia counties: Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Gwinnett, Lumpkin and White. The confluence of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers and many creeks and streams provides a continuous flow of fresh water for the lake. As part of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint waterway system, this fresh water then becomes a source of drinking water for millions of Georgians. Internationally recognized for its resources, tourist attractions and beauty, Lake Lanier was the host venue for the 1996 Olympic Canoeing and Kayak events.