6 Favorite Picnic Spots in and Around Dahlonega, GA

The small, historic town of Dahlonega, GA was once the site of the country’s very first gold rush. The town’s awe-inspiring natural surroundings seem to carry the spirit of those rugged pioneering days. With the dramatic slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lush wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and plenty of lakes, parks, waterfalls, and wildlife preserves, there are endless excellent picnic spots to be found nearby. Read on to learn the best of them.

 

Lake Zwerner

For a picnic spot with stunning views of a sparkling lake and towering mountains in the background, head to Zwerner Lake right beside town. To fully experience the lake at its best, it’s well worth following the hiking trail that circumnavigates its banks. Along the way, you’ll come across several benches and picnic tables to stop at for your lunch.

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

Take your kids along for a picnic they’ll always remember at this lovely little wildlife sanctuary. You can build up an appetite while marveling at the Bengal tigers, camels, zebras, giant turtles, parrots, sloths, and all other manner of exotic animals. Then, settle down at one of many picnic tables to eat your lunch with a scenic backdrop of farmstead, fields, and forest.

Yahoola Creek Park

This much-loved local park offers miles of hiking paths alongside a meandering, babbling creek, with plenty of picnic tables next to the water. There are also many facilities for recreation here, including fields for soccer, softball, and baseball. You can even stay for camping if you fancy a few extra days of back-to-back outdoor meals in the fresh country air.

Lumpkin County Park

To the south of town, you’ll find the northern tip of the vast and beautiful Lake Lanier. The park there is a great destination for picnickers who are also fishing enthusiasts. There are many places to settle down for a peaceful day with your rod, line, and lunchbox, where you won’t be disturbed by another soul for hours on end.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

A short drive to the west of town lies this nature-lover’s paradise. The park is named after its most prized feature, a magnificent, thundering 729-foot cascading waterfall. You can stroll around the falls and park, choosing your ideal spot to picnic. Here, you can also experience a whole range of outdoor adventures, including archery, zip-lining, guided hikes, and nature classes. There’s even a large lodge, for those who simply don’t want to leave.

R-Ranch in the Mountains

For a quintessential old west experience, enjoy a day trip of picnicking and rodeo-watching at this quaint, old-style ranch to the north of town. With jaw-dropping scenery all around, it’s a very popular venue for events and weddings. The gorgeous ranch and horseback riding lessons are all overseen by top-notch staff who have plenty of classic Georgian charm and friendliness for all their guests.

Wherever you choose to enjoy your picnic, follow it up with a visit to Chestatee Ford, a family-run firm with family values. At Chestatee Ford, we’re active community members, and we treat all our customers with care, respect, and impeccably good service.

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