Page 263 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

GEORGIA  261

a Stone Mountain
Park
Robert E Lee Blvd, off US Hwy 78.
n (800) 401-2407. Open 6am–
midnight (hours vary so call ahead).
Closed Dec 24 & 25. & 7 partial.
∑ stonemountainpark.com
The centerpiece of this popular
park, located about a 30-minute
drive east of downtown Atlanta,
is a bas-relief carved into the side
of a massive granite mountain.
The Amicalola Falls flowing through the scenic Amicalola Falls State Park The sculpture depicts three
Confederate heroes – Jefferson
p Dahlonega in Maine. Less ambitious hikers Davis, president of the
can head to the park’s Len Foote Confederacy, and generals
n 13 S Park St, (706) 864-3711.
∑ dahlonega.org Hike Inn, which Robert E. Lee and Stonewall
offers ecologically sensitive, Jackson. Its creator, Gutzon
The legendary Blue Ridge comfortably rustic overnight Borglum, began work here in
Mountain range extends across accommodations. The park also 1924 and later sculpted the
the state’s northeastern corner. features a mountaintop lodge, faces of four American presidents
With abundant waterfalls and restaurant, campground, and at Mount Rushmore (see p443).
flowering forests, the region is the Amicalola Falls. East of A sky-lift takes visitors up
well known for its cultural Dahlonega, along Hwy 441 at to the summit, and the walk
heritage of outstanding folk arts the Georgia–South Carolina down affords a close-up view
such as quilt-making, wood- border, the federally designated of the unusual “monadnock”
working, and bluegrass music. “Wild and Scenic” Chatooga habitat – it harbors many
The discovery of gold in the River is considered one of the species of plants that are more
main town of Dahlonega in most daunting rivers to navi- commonly associated with
1828 precipitated the nation’s gate in eastern US. The book the desert than the humid
first gold rush, two decades and the film Deliverance were Southeast. The huge lawn, lying
before California’s famous based on this area (but locals between the granite wall and
“Forty-Niners.” The state’s Gold don’t appreciate being reminded Stone Mountain Park Inn, is the
Museum, housed in the 1836 of this). Visible from high above location of various events such
courthouse in the center of the river, Tallulah Gorge features as the annual Fourth of July
Dahlonega’s attractive town a suspension bridge. fireworks. Other attractions
square, displays mining include the Geyser Towers,
equipment, nuggets, and } Amicalola Falls State which lead visitors around
mining lore. The town also offers Park & Lodge and through a gushing geyser
gold-panning and gold-mine Hwy 52. Tel (706) 265-4703. on rope bridges and net
tours as well as exhibits a Open 7am–10pm daily. Closed Jan 1, tunnels, an antebellum village,
complete set of coins minted Thanksgiving, Dec 25. & 7 an ice rink, and paddle-wheel
in the US Mint that operated ∑ gastateparks.org riverboat rides around the lake.
here from 1838 to 1861.
E Gold Museum
1 Public Square. Tel (706) 864-2257.
Open 9am–5pm Mon–Sat,
10am–5pm Sun. Closed Jan 1,
Thanksgiving, Dec 25. & 7
∑ gastateparks.org
Environs
About 18 miles (29 km) from
Dahlonega, the Amicalola Falls
State Park is the gateway to
the southern terminus of the
2,144-mile (3,450-km)
Appalachian Trail, a hiking
route that leads from the top of
Springer Mountain in Georgia
north to Mount Katahdin, deep The centerpiece bas-relief sculpture at Stone Mountain Park

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