The South - Eastern USA - page 768

North Georgia
The southern end of the great Appalachian Range extends some 40 miles into Georgia's
far north, providing superb mountain scenery, some damn decent wines, and frothing
rivers. Fall colors emerge late here, peaking in October. A few days are warranted to see
sites like the 1200ft-deep Tallulah Gorge ( www.gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge ) , and the
mountain scenery and hiking trails at Vogel State Park ( www.gastateparks.org/vogel ) and
Unicoi State Park ( www.gastateparks.org/unicoi ) .
Dahlonega
In 1828 Dahlonega was the site of the first gold rush in the USA. The boom these days,
though, is in tourism, as it's an easy day excursion from Atlanta and is a fantastic moun-
tain destination. The visitor center ( 706-864-3513; www.dahlonega.org ; 13 S Park St;
9am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat) , on Courthouse Sq has plenty of information on area
sights and activities (including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking).
Amicalola Falls State Park ( 706-265-4703; www.amicalolafalls.com ; entry per vehicle $5) ,
18 miles west of Dahlonega on Hwy 52, features the 729ft Amicalola Falls , the highest
waterfall in Georgia.
A dozen or so wineries on the town's outskirts produce tasty products. You can sip on
the square at the Naturally Georgia ( www.naturallygeorgia.com ; 90 Public Sq N; noon-5pm
Mon-Thu, to 8pm Fri-Sun) tasting room, but it's well worth seeking out Frogtown Cellars (
706-878-5000; www.frogtownwine.com ; 700 Ridge Point Dr; tastings $15; noon-5pm Mon-
Fri, to 6pm Sat, 12:30-5pm Sun) , a beautiful winery with a killer deck on which to sip liba-
tions, and behind it, Three Sisters ( 706-865-9463; www.threesistersvineyards.com ; tast-
ings $15; 1-5pm Thu-Sun) . They pair their fine wine with bluegrass and Cheetos.
Crimson Moon Café ( www.thecrimsonmoon.com ; 24 N Park St; mains $8-15; 11am-3pm
Mon, to 9pm Wed, to 9:30pm Thu-Sun) is an organic coffeehouse offering Southern comfort
food and an intimate live-music venue. The seafood at Back Porch Oyster Bar (
706-864-8623; www.facebook.com/backporchoysterbar ; 19 North Chestatee St; mains $9-30;
11:30am-8pm) is delivered fresh daily.
Hiker Hostel ( 770-312-7342; www.hikerhostel.com ; 7693 Hwy 19N; dm/r $18/42;
) , on Hwy 19N near the Three Gap Loop, is owned by avid outdoors enthusiasts
and caters to those looking to explore the Appalachian Trail, which begins nearby. Each
bunk room has its own bathroom and it is wonderfully neat and clean.
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