A secluded escape in The Blue Ridge Mountains, Dawson County offers national parks, hiking trails through foothills and access to some of Georgia’s best lakes. This is a place where NASCAR and moonshine are local pastimes. Homes sit on multiple acres with mountain views and dense trees surrounding them. It’s remote, so locals may have to drive a ways away to access grocery stores and shopping. But retail in nearby Dawsonville, like The North Georgia Premium Outlets, ensure residents aren’t too far from amenities.
Kristie Myers, associate broker with Coldwell Banker, who lives in Dawson County, says, “We are right at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The beginning of the Appalachian Trail is in Dawson County. The hiking and mountain activities are a big draw. One of the largest waterfalls in the Southeast, the Amicalola Falls, is here. We have Lake Lanier. We have a lot.”
There are lots of mountain roads in Dawson County.
An old car that adorns a yard in Dawson County.
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Beginning of The Appalachian Trail
The hotspot for entertainment in Dawson County these days is the great outdoors. “The whole community is dotted with state parks,” Myers says. Because of the plethora of lakes and rivers, such as Lake Lanier and the Etowah River, kayaking is a popular pastime. Weekend retreats at lodges in the Chattahoochee National Forest are another go-to. Len Foote Hike Inn is great for outdoor adventurers, as it’s only accessible by hiking through 5 miles of trails that begin at the top of Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, named for the beautiful 729-foot waterfall, offers a scenic, relaxed rustic cabin getaway. The park also begins the famous 78-mile Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine and is traversed by 3 million people a year.
The 25,000-acre Dawson Forest is also in Dawson County. Marked and unmarked trails wander past two rivers, branching streams, mountain foothills, ridges, and valleys. This is a popular spot with hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters.
Amicalola Falls in Dawson County offers a strenuous hike, but the views are worth it.
The view from the top of Amicalola Falls in Dawson County is breathtaking.
Lakes and beautiful scenery is what Dawson County is all about.
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Mountain escape
The natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities have spurred a construction boom. Buyers can easily find homes with lake, mountain, or golf course views that range from rustic cabins to Craftsman- and ranch-style. Most lots sit on multiple acres. Big Canoe, a gated community with 4,750 planned homes, is one of the larger subdivisions. It features three lakes, 10 tennis courts, and a 27-hole golf course. “We have a lot of million-dollar lake homes,” Myers said. “I don’t think you’ll find anything less than $300,000 in Dawson County. The biggest sale we had last year was $3 million.” While there’s a mix of folks who live in Dawson County, Myers says the area skews toward the 55 and older crowd. “We have a lot of retirees,” Myers says. “A lot of people have a second home here.”
Those looking to live in Dawson County can easily find homes with lake or mountain views
Lakeside homes with mountain views can be found around Dawson County.
Natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities is spurring a construction boom in Dawson Co.
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The Moonshine Festival and Car Show
Home to legendary NASCAR drivers and so much moonshine that locals argue it’s the Moonshine Capital of the World, it’s said that drivers honed their skills while running moonshine to Atlanta during prohibition. Residents celebrate their history every October at The Moonshine Festival and Car Show in Dawsonville. “Chase Elliott and Bill Elliott are from here,” Myers says. “Back in the day when Bill was a driver. They called him Awesome Bill from Dawsonville.”
Dawson County has a racy history, some legendary NASCAR drivers, such as Bill Elliott.
Shopping in nearby Dawsonville
Dawson County is remote and large, so residents may have to drive several miles to reach small-town hubs with grocery stores and other essentials. Dawsonville is one option, with a Food Lion, Kroger, nail salons, and more. For racing fans, the Dawsonville Pool Room is a must-try. Locals can taste the NASCAR-themed restaurant’s “Bully Burger,” a hamburger topped with slaw, onions, mustard, ketchup and pickles. For something more upscale, head to The Blue Bicycle, serving smoked duck breast or wild shrimp. Also in Dawsonville are The North Georgia Premium Outlets, where locals can grab essentials from Walmart and The Home Depot or get new clothes from the Nike Factory Store or Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. “There’s not much in the way of night life,” Myers says. “We go to bed at 9 p.m.”
A-plus clubs at Dawson County High School
Students are zoned for The Dawson County School District and can attend Robinson Elementary School, which Niche grades a B. Then, they can attend Dawson County Middle, which gets a B-plus from Niche, before moving to Dawson County Junior High School, which gets a B from Niche. Then, they can finish their public education at Dawson County High School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. Dawson County High School students can join various clubs, from Fishing Club to Anime Club.
Dawson County Junior High serves students in grades 8-9 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Dawson County Middle School serves over 570 students in grades 6-7.
As a member of GHSA Region 7-AAA, Dawson County High offers 30 athletic teams.
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The leaf-lookers
People from all over come to take in the scenery, especially in the fall when the leaves change. Locals affectionately refer to such tourists “leaf-lookers.” “Georgia 400 runs right through the middle of Dawson County. It’s the main artery going north,” Myers says. “You can tell when the leaf-lookers come because of all the traffic.” Using U.S. Route 19, locals can access Atlanta in about 70 miles. U.S. Interstate 575 leads to Marietta in about 55 miles.
The view from top of the Amicalola Falls out over the country side of Dawson County.
Lakes and beautiful scenery is what Dawson County is all about.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Dawson County
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Dawson County Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dawson County, Big Canoe sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Dawson County, Big Canoe over the last 12 months is $445,990, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully maintained and recently updated 5-bedroom, 3-bath Craftsman in sought-after Etowah Preserve! Built in 2023, this home has been thoughtfully upgraded with an extended covered back porch with stairs, an expanded patio, and a widened driveway. Inside, enjoy an inviting open floor plan featuring a white kitchen with stone countertops, a newly upgraded oversized island, and a gas stove
NOW is the time to make your dream home a reality! Welcome to your private luxury estate in the prestigious, gated community of The Summit in Dawsonville. Set on 6.72 gated and fenced acres, this remarkable residence seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. A long, tree-lined driveway leads you to a stately circular entry and a stunning home that offers both unmatched privacy and
PRE-INSPECTED AND SELLER IS OPEN TO SELLING FURNISHED! Recently painted interior, new roof, water heater and garage doors. Featured on the front of the local Dawsonville Magazine and HGTV's House Hunters! Come see what makes this Craftsman ranch so special! 3 D walk through available upon request. Situated on 1.9 + acres in a private Lake Lanier neighborhood minutes from GA 400 with no HOA
Experience the ultimate in Lake Lanier living with this 6 bedroom 5.5 bath luxury executive home in the gated Dawson Pointe community Resort-style amenities, beautiful Lake access, and an optional covered boat slip (eligible to be rolled into your loan) Expansive open layout filled with natural light across all three finished levels. Main-level Owners Suite with a spa-inspired bath featuring a
**Location, Location, Location!** Spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home situated on a beautiful, level lot just minutes from Hwy 400 in a quiet lake community. Enjoy easy access to nearby state parks, lakes, and boat ramps - perfect for outdoor enthusiasts! This home features large bedrooms, three full baths, and bright living spaces with gorgeous views from every window. The backyard offers a peaceful
4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms Single Family Residence AVAILABLE FOR RENT in the sought after Castleberry Pointe 1 minut to GA 400 Highway and 5 minutes away from North Georgia Premium outlets. The Great Room opens to the Breakfast area and Kitchen with countertops, and full tile backsplash, an island and bar stool seating and a walk-in pantry. Large primary suite includes walk in closet and
4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms Single Family Residence AVAILABLE FOR RENT in the sought after Casteberry Pointe 1 minutes to GA 400 Highway and 5 minutes away from North Georgia Premium outlets, Kroger, Publix, Walmart, and Home Depot, plus dining favorites like Chipotle, Olive Garden, and Chick-fil-A. The Great Room opens to the Breakfast, hall, Kitchen with countertops and a powder room which
Modern Newer Townhome for Rent in Crosby Square, Dawsonville Welcome to your dream home in Dawsonville! This gorgeous two-story townhome offers the perfect blend of contemporary design, comfort, and convenience, located in the highly sought-after Crosby Square community. Why You'll Love It Here: Prime Location: Just 0.25 miles from GA-400, making your commute a breeze. Top-Rated Schools: Situated
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