Dawsonville • Barrettsville • Silver City • Juno • Johntown • Dawson County • North Georgia Mountains

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Though rich in history and natural beauty Dawson County in North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountain region is widely known as the birthplace of NASCAR Racing. Country roots still harbor in local pride, yet Dawson County has grown considerably especially along state highway 400. Highway 400 is a convenient multiple lane artery that connects Dawson County directly to Atlanta, Georgia making Dawsonville an easy commute.

Though well populated in its southeastern regions the county expands northward growing ever more rural following the Etowah River through the heartland of the county, right up and into the southern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mountains to the north and the largest lake in North Georgia, Lake Lanier channeling its way into southeastern Dawson County with valley lands, foothills and waterways filling the land in-between.

Today what you’ll still find in Dawson County is mountain country charm and hospitality amongst natural and manmade wonders. Lodging, dining, and premier shopping along with fun and exciting outdoor recreation make Dawson County a great choice for weekend getaways, holiday and vacation destination plus seasonal homes and relocation opportunities with Atlanta conveniently located only an hours drive from Dawson County.

History of Dawsonville

December 3, 1857, Dawson County was created from parts of Gilmer, Pickens, Forsyth and largely Lumpkin Counties. The county was named after William C. Dawson who served both the Congress from 1836 to 1842 and the U.S. Senate during 1849 to 1855. Still standing in downtown Dawsonville is the old courthouse built in 1860. Constructed in 1881 and located across the road from the courthouse is the old jailhouse still in use today but not as a jail.

The gold strikes along the southern slopes of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains were what brought the first permanent white settlers to the region as early as 1829. One major problem was that this bounty of gold laden veins along with streams of gold nuggets was on Cherokee land.

Hungry for gold and stricken with the fever of greed prospectors began moving in setting up mining claims and harassing the rightful owners, the Cherokee. The Cherokee people were likely the most assimilated Native American tribe our young country had known at the time. The Cherokee just wanted to be left alone; many tribal leaders were prosperous businessmen and well educated. Yet, in the late 1830’s, after a long political fight in Washington, a controversial treaty was signed by several leading members of the Cherokee Nation who agreed to leave for lands west of the Mississippi River. The remaining 4,000 to 6,000 Cherokee people were forced from their homelands along an ill-fated exodus to Oklahoma called the “Trail of Tears.” The bitterness of the experience has never left the Cherokee people yet their legacy has remained throughout Dawson County in location with names like Toto Creek, Etowah and the popular attraction Amicalola Falls. Its easy to recognize these Cherokee names and often difficult to pronounce.

Gold mining was big business in Dawson County until 1849 when larger gold strikes in California drew local prospectors and miners west chasing their dreams to the end of the golden rainbow. Mining operation continued in North Georgia but the good times were fading, as mining grew harder for these southeastern, gold seeks.

The Civil War came to Dawson County, though not in great military battles or campaigns. It was neighbor against neighbor some supporting the Confederacy while others supported the Union. They were divided by politics and family roots, many folks who lived in and around the southern Blue Ridge Mountains were descendents of Irish and Scots who’s families live in both the southern and northern United States.

In the late 1800’s farming, logging and small claim mining couldn’t keep the kids, young adults and ambitious folks at home in Dawson County with the city of Atlanta just beyond the horizon. Atlanta offered jobs and jobs paid for recreation. The good old boys from Dawson County saw opportunity awaiting them at the end of a different kind of golden rainbow, the kind of rainbow that comes out of the end of a liquor still as the birth of North America’s most popular sport, NASCAR Racing was about to start its engines.

Moon Trippers

Stars show bright on a moon lit night, below the mountain slopes, there’s stillness to life. Peaceful silence is shattered with forewarned fright, setting a stage for wild dangerous delights. The air explodes from its slumbering night, with blockades to run they drove for their life. The sounds were deafening, like the roar of Thunder. They chose their own way, as if pirates after plunder.…………MOON TRIPPERS.

Moon trippers they were called. They were a latter day independent people, a secret unattached society of post Industrial Revolutionary men, innovators of machinery and navigation.  Road-runners who roamed the moon lit nights along back roads and shortcuts laying claim to exploits of extraordinary feats of danger. Anyone could join the "night-hood" whose devoted commission rallied them to the call, breaking the chains of Prohibition, evading the pursuit of revenuers and the persecutions of unjust taxation as they saw it.

This secret order of the moon trippers had roots that spread deep throughout mountain culture and history both old and new world. They honored their valiant cause by pursuing the right to produce homemade distilled spirits for personal consumption and its rightful reward as a commodity to its manufacturer, minus the excessive vice taxation.

The Scot-Irish of western Pennsylvania proudly started the American distilled spirit revolt during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 by refusing to pay Alexander Hamilton, secretary of the Treasury’s liquor tax. After both party’s heads were cracked, President George Washington sent 13,000 troops to put down the rebellion. Many of the Scott-Irish began migrating south through the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the southern sloops of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Searching for freedom on the frontier wilderness the Scott-Irish brought their trade with them, distilled liquor.

Distilled liquors have been a popular recreation to mankind since the first discovery of fermented fruits and grains leading to the process of distilment, which requires various types of grains, excessive amounts of sugar, the appropriate amount of water and heating. Distilled liquors second and just as essential priority to recreation is profiteering. Consumption and money drive the market while rum runners and moon trippers run the blockades to deliver to both ports and points their precious cargo.

To make a run from Dawson County to its market place in Atlanta was always a time allotted priority with early technology leading and hindering the way. More speed and more stealth were required, in the early days as the moon trippers followed the waxing and waning of the moon.  On a clear night the highways were full moon bright, and darkened shadows of trees and buildings provided convenient cover.   Running a blockade (road block) in those early times, were to the advantage of the moon tripper. He knew the home field route and the particular time of departure, plus the early squad cars lacked communication radios. All moon trippers had to do was out run the cops. The more capable the law enforcement got the smarter and more daring these moon trippers had to become. Faster cars and more cunning routes were required to evade the heavy rule of the law.

The natural state of these moon tripper’s fraternal order was set to the tone of their ancient clansmen…loyalty. The bond between these good ole boys, the suppliers, the drivers and their mechanics were their personal alliances concerning the hidden locations of private production strongholds and the confidential matters of top-secret wizardry over machines. Seeking power was the ultimate goal for these legions of moon trippers, the kind of power that put both distance and time between the hunter and the prey. Bigger engines; better concealed transporting tanks, intelligence reports concerning competitors and those seeking to put you out of business permanently, the federal way. High test gas in the tank, 180 proof grain alcohol packed tightly in the transport vehicle and a carton of unfiltered smokes on the dashboard along with a freshly filled zippo in the shirt pocket, a volatile quest for glory.

These outlaw knights of the open road lived hard and dangerous, sought profit and excitement, often going to jail or dying young, while being pursued by the ever growing long arm of the law. Some lived to tell of their glory days while other’s love for speed and danger sent them to the auto derby and dirt track stock car racing, looking for a way to maybe pickup a few bucks along with the thrill of another dare devil day...the days of Thunder Road!

The next time you see a group of young lions standing along side their high performance 4 wheeled mounts covered in decorative decals over their sleek aerodynamic frames. Remember these young lions of the speedway are descendents of the moon trippers; each wearing the bright colored racing suits of “their chosen clan.” Look at the faces of these latter day daredevils and know the truth, that their forefathers, the Scot-Irish of the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 had no idea they were to be the original unofficial sponsor of NASCAR Racing.

The history and the machines of moonshine runners of the 20th century Dawson County are on display in Dawsonville at the Racing Hall of Fame.

Legends fade slowly when there’s an oracle of history like this in town. Were they heroes or outlaws driving the open range? The locals of Dawson County called them “kin folk.”

Towns, Communities and Adventure

Proud of their growth while cherishing their heritage the folks of Dawson County believe the have the best of both worlds. The southern regions of Dawson County are less than a one-hour drive from Atlanta. Highway 400 skirts the southeastern edge of Dawson County through a corridor of commerce with a premium shopping mall, dining, theaters, lodging and various shopping and other services. The junction at highways 400 and 53 is the very doorstep into Dawson County. From this point of commerce, Dawson County rolls northward across farmlands ideally littered with historic towns and communities.

The county seat in Dawsonville along with its neighboring rural communities of Barrettsville, Silver City, Juno and Johntown reflect the traditional Appalachian culture alongside newer neighborhood developments in a harmonic style. Throughout these mountainous farmlands and communities is a world of outdoor adventure filled with camping, RV parks, hiking, magnificent waterfalls, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, tubing, local whitewater rafting and the 39,000 acre Lake Lanier boarding the southeastern end of the county.

There’s a multitude of lodging from resorts, inns, Bed & Breakfasts, cabins, to renting Yurts and tents. Dining throughout the county varies in delights from BBQ and fries in a basket to fine dining at upscale restaurants.

Dawsonville in the North Georgia Mountains

Located along highway 53 in the heart of Dawson County is Dawsonville, home of the county seat. Created by a legislative Act on December 3, 1857 Dawsonville became the hub of commerce in the mid 1800’s. The county courthouse stands in the middle of highway 53. With little more than a side walk and a narrow line of grass around the courthouse the property isn’t big enough to be considered a town square. On an island in the middle of the highway the structure, stands solid and secure considering this building hasn’t budged since it was first built in 1860. Before its construction, official court duty and legal wrangling were conducted at a log courthouse with a reinforced jail.

The historic Dawson County courthouse along with the historic county jail are the cornerstones of Dawson County heritage. Fire destroyed the original jailhouse soon after completion, the second jail was completed 1881, while prisoners were held in neighboring lockups until the jail was finished. Still standing today, across the street from the courthouse is the 1881 jailhouse. The courthouse and jailhouse are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Remnants of the old gold town of Dawsonville appear throughout the town with modest, aged structures standing alongside new architecture. The new City Hall is a prime example of Dawsonville’s growth. Ruins of old mining operations can be seen throughout the county as well as within the city limits of Dawsonville.

Strolling, dining, shopping lodging and local history can fill your stay in Dawsonville.

You’ll definitely want to take in the history of outlaws of the highway when you visit some of the sights and exhibits of the old moonshine days when visiting Dawsonville. The history of NASCAR starts here, a sport built out of troubled times, daring young men, illegal liquor and you know the rest.

Dawsonville is the largest historic mountain town in Dawson County yet in size its still quaint and homespun just like the local mountain folk like it. A town lost against the Blue Ridge Mountain slopes and only an hour away from bustling Atlanta.

Local communities and newly developed neighborhoods pride themselves on the local country charm the town Dawsonville displays a comfortable hometown leisure feeling that seems contagious throughout Dawson County.

Dawson County, convenient to the mountains, the lake, shopping, dining, lodging and the city, most of all its convenient to fun, relaxation and the beauty of God’s Country. Below is a list of some of the things to do when visiting or living in Dawson County.

Wilderness Backyard

Some visitors to Dawson County see the county as a shopping destination while others see Dawson County as a weekend getaway spot.

Many visitors have bought a seasonal home with plans of early retirement while others relocated to Dawson County, taking advantage of the manageable commute to the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Then there are those who come for the beauty and natural wonders Dawson County has to offer.   Lake Lanier is accessible in southern Dawson County, while the Blue Ridge Mountains border the northern regions of the county.  Fishing, hiking, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, skiing, swimming, scenic tours and a hopping outback fully equipped with 300 kangaroo.

All this is awaiting you in a land of great mountain vistas, dramatic waterfalls plus the comfort and leisure of home. The backwoods and mountain lands of Dawson County invite visitors to enjoy their unique corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Located along highway 52 in the northern mountainous regions of Dawson County is Amicalola Falls State Park. The Cherokee word Amicalola means “tumbling waters” a worthy title considering the waterfalls 729-feet from overflow to catching pool. Amicalola Falls from a distance looks like one long continuous waterfall. Amicalola is a series of seven cascading waterfalls that give the illusion that Amicalola Falls is one long waterfall. You can view a large portion of the falls when you first enter the state park, for a fuller view of the falls you need to take highway 52, west from the state park entrance, within a mile of two you’ll reach the junction of highway 52 and 136. Turn your vehicle around and head back towards the park, from this point of driving you have the advantage of see a large portion of the waterfall especially in the late fall.

Viewing from the distance, you can see why it looks as though it is one very long straight fall.

The waters of the waterfall coming off Amicalola Mountain are particularly more dramatic after a good rainfall; this waterfall definitely lives up to its Cherokee name “tumbling waters.”

Amicalola Falls State Park is comprised of 1,440-acres of mountain woodlands along the Amicalola Creek watershed. Available within the park are lodging rooms, hike inn rooms, 24 campsites 14 cottages plus 4 picnic shelters and a 1 group shelter, all require reservation for use.

Miles of trails lie within the state park with marked trails leading into the forest; the one main trail follows alongside the Amicalola waterfalls on a moderate to strenuous hike, the easiest and most comfortable way to reach from the bottom of the falls to the top is by taking the park road to the top of Amicalola Falls. The parking area at the top of the falls offer a viewing deck over the falls and a beautiful mountain and piedmont view of Dawson County to the south.

Along the right side of the top of the falls or to the west if your carrying a compass, is a very well made stair case with platform decks leading down to the bottom of the first set of falls. The trip down the stairs is well worth the journey but what goes down must come up, it’s best to know your personal physical limitations.

From the upper falls, the Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail journeys 8.1-miles to Springer Mountain and the southern most terminus of the Appalachian.

Amicalola Falls State Park is a wonderful park, beautiful, quiet and peaceful. The popularity of the park can find holiday visits a bit crowded, yet folks visiting the state park during the rest of the season find it quiet and refreshing.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is to hiking boots and backpack as the Blue Ridge Parkway is to vehicles and cargo space. One noticeable difference is the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469-miles long were as the Appalachian Trail is over 2,100-miles long. From Mount Katahkin in Maine to Springer Mountain Georgia, the AT follows the eastern mountain backbone of the United States.

Spring Mountain is located in the northern extremes of Dawson County. There’s an 8.1-mile approach trail to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail within Amicalola Falls State Park. The AT winds over the mountaintops of the North Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest before heading off into North Carolina’s Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest. The accompanying photo is the southeastern view of the AT terrain over the southern most Blue Ridge Mountains, viewed from atop Brasstown Bald.

Even though some diehard hikers take on the whole 2,100-mile trek most day hikers pickup the trail at a chosen point and hike several miles while taking in the wilderness experience, with a return trip equally as exciting with opposite views to keep their hike fresh.

There are roadways that cross the Appalachian Trail at several locations throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest; this makes access to the AT convenient and allows hikers to experience different section of the world famous Appalachian Trail with each visit.

Chattahoochee National Forest

North Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains contains 750,000 acres of forest, waterways and mountain lands. The two highest peaks in North Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest are Brasstown Bald and Rabun Bald both reaching nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The majority of all the counties in North Georgia have claim to a foothold or more within the bountiful 750,000 acres of national forest plus state parks.

As the centerpiece of Dawson County’s mountain wilderness areas lies Amicalola Falls State Park with its 6,760-acres of mountain wonderland. Camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and more await the arrival of visitors to these ancient eastern North American Mountains for experiences only mountain and wilderness lands can offer.

Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area

The Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area lies in the heart of Dawson County containing a 10,130-acre forest owned by City of Atlanta. The Georgia Forestry Commission manages this wildlife management area, forest and waterways. Under stewardship for the city, the commission oversees conservation practices that minimize the damage of both human and natural forces caused to this forest property. These conservation practices assist both wildlife habitats and contribute to clean water along the Etowah River watershed. Under control, cutting and reforesting timber is produce from the Dawson Forest.

Lake Lanier

From mountains and forests to valleys and lakes, Dawson County offers a wide range of outdoor fun and recreation. The 39,000-arces of water surface along with the 692-miles of shoreline of Lake Lanier borders five neighboring counties, Hall, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Lumpkin and the southeastern regions of Dawson County.

Lake Lanier is the largest body of fresh water in North Georgia with an estimated 7.5 million visitors each year. Swimming, boating, sailing, skiing, jet skiing, fishing, shoreline parks, camping and lake front homes make Lake Lanier a popular recreation and water reserve.

The hydroelectric generators at Buford Dam produced their first electrical output on June 17, 1957. Of the many waterways that contribute to Lake Lanier’s water base, the lake generally follows the line of the Chattahoochee River both entering and exiting the lake at the dam.  Having Lake Lanier in their backyard is a very special attribute to Dawson County’s portfolio.

Kangaroo Conservation Center

Dawson County’s outback country is just that, a nearly perfect “Australian Outback,” except for that barely noticeable northern, southern hemisphere thing.

Exotic animals are no strangers to the North Georgia Mountains and the plentiful grasslands within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains make a wonderful home for Australia’s big-footed friends, the kangaroo.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center has been in operation since 1987 and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Association, an organization of the highest quality zoos and wildlife facilities in North America.

Residing at the Kangaroo Conservation Center and making their home in the United States are roughly 300 kangaroos. The center maintains eight of the 60 different species of kangaroo that exist today. Of the 8 species represented at the center you’ll find a surprising range of kangaroo sizes, from small rodent size characters called Potoroos to Western Gray kangaroos that weigh 180-pounds. In addition, at the conservation center is a bird sanctuary and reptiles on permanent visa from the Land Down Under.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center mission statement is, “We are dedicated to the preservation of kangaroo species thru captive breeding and education.” The center has bred and cared for over a dozen different species of marsupials since it’s opening.

The 87-acre wildlife conservation center is only a 1-hour drive from Atlanta and offers a 1-1/2 hour guided tours. The new Fern Valley Trail 1/4-mile is a nature trail through a forest of native trees and rare plant specimens.

There’s a cute gift shop “The Aussie Outpost,” with kangaroo and other Aussie world critters stuff, fun and educational for the kids and adults alike. The minimum age for admission is 2nd grade due to insurance restrictions.  Kangaroo Conservation Center provided photos of Center and are their copyright.

From the Foothills to the Mountains Dawson County Georgia is a great convenient escape from the congested world, with excellent shopping, lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation for the whole family, plan a visit today. 

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