As any visitor or newcomer soon learns, recreational opportunities abound in Lumpkin County. A third of the county resides in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is covered with trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and four-wheeler touring. The Chestatee and Etowah Rivers wind their way lazily through the county for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are many splendid waterfalls in the area as well as picturesque mountain streams for a cool dip. There are numerous creeks for trout fishing in Lumpkin County, including the state-designated trophy trout stream of Waters/Dicks Creeks.

The 2,100 mile Appalacian Trail (AT) begins just outside Dahlonega on Springer Mountain and wanders 28 miles through the county, including the Blood Mountain Wilderness Area. On top of Blood Mountain, there is a rustic stone shelter for AT hikers that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The U.S. Forest Service also maintains several national recreation areas in Lumpkin County including the Chestatee Overlook, DeSoto Falls, Dockery Lake, and Waters Creek. The Forest Service Visitor Center in town is a terrific resource for outdoor recreation in Lumpkin County.

Lumpkin County's Park and Recreation Department is headquartered in the 24,000 square foot Community Center. Highly trained professional staff offer a wide variety of programming from cultural arts to exercise classes to performing arts and drama to numerous community education activities. Athletic fields and picnic pavilions cover most of the 26-acre Lumpkin County Park. The adjacent City Park includes a contemporary children's playground, two picnic pavilions, and walking trail.

Lumpkin County's current recreational complex is expanding with a 92-acre park extension. This area will be a combination of active and passive recreation facilities including: 1.5 mile walking trail next to the Yahoola Creek, picnic pavilions, park swings and benches, athletic fields, fishing decks, a one-acre playground, grills, observation platforms, gazebos, all with plenty of parking.

Appalachian Outfitters

Highway 60 South
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-7117
1-800-426-7117
FAX: 706-864-4370
Trail: Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails
Hours: March thru October
Rates: $5-$150 Canoe, kayak, and tube trips

Half hour to overnight trips on the beautiful Chestatee and Etowah Rivers. Beginners welcome! Group Rates. Reservations suggested. Also offer guide service, equipment rentals and instructional clinics. Canoe, Credit Cards Accepted, Fishing, Gift Shop, Group Rates, Open Sunday, Pets Allowed, Picnic Shelters/Tables, Shuttle/Ground Transportation, Tours Available, Tubing

Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area-Ga. DNR

GA Hwy. 52 W or GA Hwy 60 N
Dahlonega, GA 30533
770-535-5700
FAX: 770-535-5953

Trail: Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails
39,000 a.public hunting, fishing and primitive camping. Developed camping at Frank Gross Campground. Includes Chattahoochee National Trout Hatchery and Appalachian Trail. Campground, Fishing, Lake, Picnic Shelters/Tables, Trails/Hiking, U S Forest

Chestatee Wildlife Management Area-Ga. DNR

Ga Hwy. 19 N.
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (770) 535-5700
Fax: (770) 535-5953
Trail: Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails

25,000 acre public hunting, fishing and primitive camping. Developed camping at Waters Creek Recreation Area. Includes Waters Creek Trophy Trout Stream and Appalachian Trail. Campground, Fishing, Lake, Picnic Shelters/Tables, Trails/Hiking, U S Forest

Waters Creek Recreation Area - CNF

10 mi. NW of Cleveland, GA
Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone: (706) 745-6928
or (706) 864-6173
Fax: (706) 745-7494
Trail: Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails
Hours: Daily, May-October
Rates: $5.00

Along a beautiful mountain stream. Call for Recreation Guide. Campground, Fishing, Open Sunday, Pets Allowed, Picnic Shelters/Tables, Trails/Hiking, U S Forest

Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site

#1 Public Square
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-2257
Atlanta Phone: (770) 389-7275

Source: Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce