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.
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On average, homes in Dawson County, Big Canoe sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Dawson County, Big Canoe over the last 12 months is $445,495, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A majestic true cypress log cabin retreat awaits at 237 Nugget Ridge Road in Dawsonville! Tucked away on 5 private acres, this 2 bed, 2 bath cabin combines rustic charm with modern function. A newly paved driveway leads you to the inviting rocking-chair front porch, perfectly positioned for peaceful, private views. Step inside the open-concept main floor, where warm wood floors meet rich
Welcome to The Overlook, where quiet-water living on Lake Lanier meets the convenience of Dawsonville and GA-400. This thoughtfully designed lakefront home invites you to slow down and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve been searching for. Imagine starting your day in the bright solarium with wide lake views, gathering in the open-concept living area for family dinners, or hosting holiday celebrations
Stunning Lakefront Ranch with Panoramic Views, Private Double-Slip Dock & Party Deck! Welcome to your dream lake retreat! This beautifully designed ranch-style lakefront home offers 3,820 sq ft of finished living space with breathtaking panoramic Lake Lanier views from both levels. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a bright open-concept layout, this home is ideal for both
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern living in this stunning Dawsonville home, located just 2 miles from GA-400 in the sought-after Dawson Grove community. Set on a north-facing corner lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, this property offers one of the largest yards in the neighborhood-providing both privacy and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. Elevated on a premium
NEW ROOF 9-2025 NEW PRICE AND MOTIVATED SELLER! FEATURED on the front of Local Dawsonville magazine AND HGTV's House Hunters! Come see what makes this Craftsman ranch so special. Situated on 1.9 + acres in a private Lake Lanier neighborhood minutes from GA 400 with no HOA restrictions. The interior and exterior details set this home apart. Upgraded light fixtures, Hardwood floors, 10'+
Nestled on a private cul-de-sac, this custom-designed estate with a 4-car garage captures the perfect blend of luxury and timeless style. Overlooking the 13th and 14th fairways, the home offers breathtaking views of mature hardwoods within the prestigious Chestatee community, one of North Georgia's most sought-after neighborhoods, located on Lake Lanier. Step inside through the grand entryway
3 bed 2 1/2 bath Town House available for rent. At Last, This Is What You've Been Searching For!! Energy-efficient home! Relax and enjoy the big game from the comfort of the second-story loft. Down the hall, the primary suite features dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. Downstairs, the kitchen island overlooks the great room and dining area with White cabinets and Cotton White Granite.
Currently offering 6 weeks free! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Foxgrove is a modern, nature-driven community of 161 townhomes and 37 single-family homes coming to Dawsonville, Georgia on a pastoral farmstead nestled between the foothills of the mountains and Lake
Currently offering 6 weeks free! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Foxgrove is a modern, nature-driven community of 161 townhomes and 37 single-family homes coming to Dawsonville, Georgia on a pastoral farmstead nestled between the foothills of the mountains and Lake
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