Purpose
Known as the "Birthplace of Nascar," Dawsonville presents this festival every October to celebrate "trippers," who loaded up their vehicles and raced down Highway 9--nicknamed the Old Whiskey Trail--to sell moonshine in Atlanta during Prohibition.
Auto-Related Activities
Visitors can take in the classic auto parade and shows, listen to stories from actual trippers, meet with NASCAR drivers or take a "Moonshine Run," a day trip along the Old Whiskey Trail that culminates in a visit to a farm with a working still.
Additional Activities
The festival also offers crafts, food, live musical entertainment, a swap meet, children's activities and a local bike tour as well as screenings of movies like Robert Mitchum's "Thunder Road."
Amicalola Falls State Park
Fourteen miles northwest of Dawsonville, the Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses this state park, which boasts the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. At the park, the head of the Appalachian Trail leads survivalists on a 2,000-mile journey to Maine. Visitors can choose from numerous campsites, the on-site lodge or cottage rentals.
Lake Sydney Lanier
This lake resort area, 18 miles southeast of Dawsonville, offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and water sports, golfing, horseback riding, lakeside dining and wildlife observation. Campsites and vacation rentals are available.
