9 Best Sights in Dahlonega, Central and North Georgia

This is claimed to be the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, with waters plunging an eye-popping 729 feet through a cluster of seven cascades. The surrounding 829-acre state park contains a visitor center, lodge, and restaurant and is dotted with scenic campsites and cottages strategically situated near a network of nature trails, picnic sites, and fishing streams. The southern starting point of the more than 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail begins near Amicalola Falls.

Take a guided tour of a real mine, which ceased operations in 1904. With 5 miles of underground tunnels, Consolidated is said to be the largest gold mine east of the Mississippi. Enter the mine (which has been reconstructed for safety), pass through a breathtaking stone passage, and then begin a descent of 120 feet into the mine's geological wonders. Knowledgeable guides expound on historical mining techniques and give demonstrations of tools, such as the "widowmaker," a drill that kicks up mining dust and caused lung disease in many miners. After the tour, guests are invited to pan for gold, prospector style, from a long wooden sluice. Gemstone mining is also available for an additional fee.

Located in the center of the town square, this museum has coins, tools, and several large nuggets on display. Built in 1836, this former courthouse is one of the oldest public buildings in the state. If you look closely at the bricks that form the building's foundation, you'll notice a sprinkling of gold dust in their formation. Along with two floors of exhibits, the museum features a high-definition film titled America's First Gold Rush. Arrive an hour before closing to be sure and catch the film.

This 57-acre vineyard and winery offers picturesque mountain views from its deck as well as a dramatic dining room. Since 2010, Frogtown wines have won more than 200 medals. Winemakers Craig and Sydney Kritzer believe it is one of the most awarded wineries in the country not located in California. Wine tastings are offered daily. Lunch is available Thursday to Saturday and dinner is available Friday through Sunday. Sunday brunch is a popular affair, and reservations are recommended for parties of six or more.

Reminiscent of a grand Tuscan villa, this 13-acre vineyard features a state-of-the-art, 25,000-square-foot wine-making facility. Montaluce's spacious dining room–restaurant and multilevel terraces provide breathtaking views of mountain scenery. Wine tastings (for a fee) are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at Montaluce's Mediterranean-inspired wine bar and tasting room. You can book deluxe private tastings and a popular wine hike (a 1.8-mile hike plus wine tasting) online in advance. The winery's restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Dahlonega's first family-farm winery has 20 acres of plantings, including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay, along with American varietals such as Cynthiana-Norton. The relaxed winery is named for nearby Three Sisters Mountain, visible from the farm's gazebo. On Saturdays (when weather permits), they feature a food truck and live music. The tasting room is decorated with folk art and pottery from the area, including a poster that proclaims "Thar's Wine in Them Thar Hills." A favorite from the winery is the robust Fat Boy Red.

This award-winning winery features a 30-acre vineyard with hillside plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Touriga Nacional. The Craftsman-style lodge housing the winery and café offers tastings for a fee and serves lunch Thursday through Saturday from noon to 3, and a Sunday brunch with 12:30 and 2:30 seatings. Reservations are required. Wolf Mountain also offers quarterly gourmet dinners and guided tours of the grounds on weekends at noon. Some of the winery's acclaimed labels include Plenitude, a 70% Chardonnay and 30% Viognier blend, and Instinct, a Rhône-style red blend.