Dahlonega

Historic town · Dahlonega · Georgia

Dahlonega in Georgia
Photo: Chanilim714 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Georgia's first gold rush started here in 1828, two decades before California's, and the brick courthouse square still anchors a downtown listed on the National Historic Register. Walk it in fall for the mountain air, then head into the surrounding hills where the same roads lead to Ellijay's orchards and cider houses.

Best for: pairing gold-rush history with a north Georgia apple run

Don’t miss

  • Site of the first U.S. gold rush, 1828
  • Historic courthouse square
  • Gateway to north Georgia apple country
2026 Forecast

Color nearby peaks: October 31–November 4

Color builds from October 24 · mostly bare by November 26

Color starts: October 24Peak: November 2Bare: November 26AugustDecember

Sampled at Dahlonega’s own coordinates and elevation (447 m) rather than a regional average.

This window comes from 27 weather points across Georgia, checked against 1 published peak date from explorefall.com and farmersalmanac.com. Georgia is running 5 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works

When to go to Dahlonega

Good color holds through about November 11, giving you roughly 18 days from the first turn to past peak. The elevation is 1,467 ft, which pulls the turn earlier.

It is roughly 59 mi out of Atlanta.

Dahlonega on the map

Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Georgia, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.

More things to do in Georgia

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Plan from a city

Frequently asked

When does Dahlonega peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for October 31–November 4 (best estimate November 2). Color starts around October 24 and is mostly bare by November 26.
How do I get to Dahlonega?
Dahlonega is in Dahlonega. The closest city is Atlanta, about 59 mi away. It's part of Georgia's fall lineup.

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