Dahlonega, GA is a picturesque mountain town situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area surrounding the town plays host to numerous awe-inspiring state parks that boast scenic vistas, flowing rivers, and countless waterfalls. Below you can find some of the best of these parks and see what they have to offer. 
1. Amicalola Falls State Park
Derived from the Cherokee word for “tumbling waters”, Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the highest waterfall in Georgia at 729-feet. The park includes a variety of hiking trails, for both beginners and those more advanced, and has 829 acres of lush forest and foliage to explore.
2. Smithgall Woods State Park
A nature preserve filled with wild turkey, deer, and bears, Smithgall Woods State Park offers endless opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to experience firsthand the beauty and wildness of nature. Take a stroll through the old-growth forests, have a picnic in one of the many shaded, scenic areas, or catch and release trout along the 12-mile streams.
3. Mossy Creek State Park
A hidden getaway alongside the Chattahoochee River, Mossy Creek State Park is a perfect place to fish, swim, or hike in peace. Spend the day relaxing by the river, or walking along its shore to see all the fantastic rock formations that have been created.
4. Moccasin Creek State Park
A 32-acre lakeside retreat, Moccasin Creek State Park is located on the western shore of Lake Burton in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. A top destination for outdoor activities, the park boasts short, easily walkable trails, lakeside campsites, and fishing areas made especially for elders, children, and those with disabilities.
5. Vogel State Park
Found at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel State Park features a waterfall, streams, plentiful greenery and wildlife, and Lake Trahlyta. There’s no end to the things you can do at the park, from hiking trails up the mountain to swimming in the lake. Spend the day, or night, and see what the park has to offer.
6. Don Carter State Park
Located on the north end of the 39,000 acres Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park boasts an impressive area of recreational activities on both land and in the water. Go for a swim at the large sandy beach, or explore the trails through the hardwood forest. Wherever your outdoor interests lie, this park has got you covered.
7. Tallulah Gorge State Park
Surrounding the 1,000-foot gorge carved by the Tallulah River, Tullulah Gorge State Park shows off the awesome power of nature with six stunning waterfalls. Hiking the gorge or climbing its walls gives you the full experience of this spectacle. But if you’re not feeling up to it, check out the park during aesthetic and whitewater release days for a viewing experience like no other.
Whether you’re taking a family vacation or on your own traversing the area, you are sure to be enthralled by these parks. After you experience the wild of the north Georgia mountains, head on over and visit Chestatee Ford and take a test drive in one of our new and used vehicles.
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