For Dahlonega, already a popular family destination with monthly ‘mountain music’ and art festivals throughout the summer and fall, the early spring opening of the southern terminus is the perfect addition to round out the community’s civic calendar.
With the closest access to both Springer Mountain and Amicalola Falls State Park, Dahlonega has served as the favorite hub for north bound hikers (nobo’s) every spring. Chattahoochee National Forest makes up one-third of the county, and additional trails, waterfalls, rivers, scenic vistas and other recreational opportunities abound. The natural and historic setting hosts more than 14 major festivals every year, including Gold Rush Days, which annually draws more than 200,000 visitors. Dahlonega's commercial district, including the beautifully preserved public square, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Major wineries have discovered the rich, fertile hillsides of Lumpkin County with others scheduled to open up operation in the future. The creative spirit soars; Dahlonega has evolved into a center for the performing and visual arts in the North Georgia mountains.
Dahlonega’s history is rich. The town got its name from the Cherokee word for “yellow” or “gold” because of the abundance of gold in the area. Dahlonega was the site of the first major US gold rush in 1828 and was the site of a US mint until 1861. Today, Dahlonega preserves the old time look and feel with the historic courthouse, now a gold museum, and the square that has not changed significantly over the years. A block off the square is North Georgia College and State University, established in 1873 and the Senior Military College of Georgia.
But Dahlonega is changing fast, like many small mountain towns. Preserving the amazing quality of life found here takes planning, and that requires intense interest and awareness from community members who fully recognize the value of greenways. The community recognizes the economic interest to protect and promote its public lands, trails and the A.T.
An Advisory Committee was created made up of representatives from each of the town’s key stakeholder groups and the Yahoola Trails Conservancy (YTC), a local non-profit trails and greenways advocacy group. The Chamber, City, County, School District, NGCSU, U.S. Forest Service, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, YTC, and GA ATC are all represented. Volunteers brought together resources from business leaders, other organizations, volunteers and the thru-hiker community to the town’s first ever Trail Fest.
YTC spearheaded efforts in to develop a county-wide plan for trails and greenways. The result is a plan that provides recommendations for the best placement for trails throughout the county, connecting community centers with recreation destinations including the A.T.. The Advisory Committee is working to find ways to implement features of the plan, and looking for other opportunities to advocate for the protection of the A.T. and promote awareness of its importance to the community.