10 Free Things to Do in the Northeast Georgia Mountains
Have fun with the family in northeast Georgia without spending much cash. With stops that include Dahlonega, Chattahooche-Oconee National Forest, and the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, you'll find plenty to do that doesn't break the bank as you explore the northeast Georgia mountains.
1. Appalachian Jams in Dahlonega
On the Dahlonega Gold Museum lawn, you can often find a Saturday afternoon jam session (check official schedules at Downtown Dahlonega). Locals and visitors flock to the weekend jam sessions on the Dahlonega square, where fiddles, dulcimers, a forest of banjos, and even the occasional yodeler or buck dancer take center stage. The twangy sounds, handed down through the generations, echo off the mountains in this small, northeast Georgia town that began as a gold rush settlement.
2. Babyland General Hospital
A free tour of Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia, lets you see Cabbage Patch Kids being born, but fair warning: Your kids will probably want to adopt one from the birthplace of these storied dolls — which, of course, has the largest selection available. From the hand-stitched original dolls to the "toy" versions that came later, as well as exclusive dolls unique to the hospital and accessories for all, there is much to choose from.
3. Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
See rainbow, brook and brown trout as they develop at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery in Suches, deep in the North Georgia mountains. The fish hatched here fill the lakes and streams of northern Georgia, making it an excellent state for anglers. You can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery and learn about the lifecycle of a trout. Take a pole and fish in Rock Creek (with Georgia fishing license and trout stamp). Monday through Friday: call ahead.
4. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest-CNF, in the north-central section of Georgia near Gainesville, has waterfalls, trails and lakes for fishing and swimming, epic picnic and camping spots, and the highest point in Georgia, Brasstown Bald. Many of the day-use areas are free; others have a small fee. Take a ride on the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway to experience different parts of the forest, especially popular during summer's wildflower season and fall's spectacular colors. The byway's loop begins north of Robertstown.
5. The Gourd Place
More than 200 gourds from 23 countries can be seen at The Gourd Place near Helen. Learn the definition of "gourdcraft," and see everything from contemporary works to early American reproductions to gourds from around the world. Of particular interest is the Gourd Impressions pottery, which use gourd molds to slip-cast pottery and give plates, bowls and more a unique shape and texture perfect for display as artwork or everyday use!
6. Mountain Fresh Creamery & Glo-Crest Dairy
Watch your milk being bottled while you shop for minimally processed dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter, at Mountain Fresh Creamery & Glo-Crest Dairy in Clermont. On a farm tour, you might see calves in the nursery and meet some of the creamery's other pampered cows as you learn about the low-temperature pasteurization process, sample milk (including chocolate), and taste ice cream that couldn't get more locally produced.
Discover more Georgia farms to visit.
7. Old Sautee Store
See artifacts from a country store founded in 1872, then buy fresh-baked bread or Scandic Swedish farmer cheese at the Old Sautee Store in Sautee Nacoochee. The store's market has a menu of delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups made from locally made products.
8. Sautee Nacoochee Center
Next, visit the Sautee Nacoochee Center, which includes a folk pottery museum, African American heritage site, art galleries, local history museum, butterfly garden, and more.
9. Stovall Mill Covered Bridge
Take your lunch from the Old Sautee Store for a shady picnic within view of Georgia’s shortest clear-span covered bridge, Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1895. At just 33 feet long, it'll take a few walks back and forth across it to burn off lunch's calories.
10. Walking Tour of Our Solar System
The 1.8-mile scale model Walking Tour of Our Solar System begins at the sun on the southeast corner of the Gainesville downtown square. Created by the North Georgia Astronomers, each planet features an artist-designed monument. Weave past planets, moons, and more for a truly unique solar system perspective. When you've had your fill, the square is home to several local spots to grab a bite to eat and contemplate your journey.
