Bed and breakfasts in Dahlonega, GA

Book as early as you can. Georgia State Parks says its cottages, yurts and campsites often book up a year in advance for fall, and you can reserve now for next fall. Private cabins near Dahlonega face the same October demand, especially on Gold Rush Days weekend, which falls on the third weekend of October.

Source: Georgia State Parks: Leaf Watch 2026

Gold Rush Days is held on the third weekend of October. The 2026 festival was Oct. 17-18. The official festival site lists Oct. 16-17, 2027 for next year. It is Dahlonega's largest yearly festival, so rooms in and near town fill early; book months ahead and expect heavy traffic and parking demand downtown.

Source: Gold Rush Days Festival (official site)

Book months ahead. Gold Rush Days 2027 is Oct. 16-17, which also falls close to the usual late-October fall color window. Georgia State Parks notes that fall cottages and campsites can book up a year ahead. Check cancellation terms when you reserve, and plan on parking well away from the square on festival days.

Source: Gold Rush Days Festival (official site)

Dahlonega's Christmas season runs from the day after Thanksgiving through the first week of January. For 2026, the Lighting of the Square is Friday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Visitors Center. The Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 12, at noon. Santa visits run through Dec. 29, and a Christmas Market runs Dec. 5-13.

Source: Christmas in Dahlonega: Schedule/Parking

The Six Gap Century is held on the last weekend of September, based at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega. The 2026 edition was Sept. 26-27, with an expo and the Six Gap, Three Gap and Valley rides. The 2027 date had not been posted. Thousands of cyclists come, so book early for that weekend.

Source: Six Gap Century official registration page (RunSignup)

They can. The University of North Georgia's Dahlonega campus holds fall commencement on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8-9, 2026, at the UNG Convocation Center. Spring 2027 finals end May 7; spring commencement dates were not yet posted. New-student move-in for fall 2026 was Aug. 6-8, and fall 2027 classes start Aug. 16.

Source: University of North Georgia: Commencement

Stays inside the City of Dahlonega carry an 8% city accommodation (hotel-motel) tax. Unincorporated Lumpkin County also charges 8%. Georgia adds a $5.00 per-night State Hotel-Motel Fee, and the county's sales tax rate is 8%. Taxes and fees on a specific booking depend on the property's location and how it is booked.

Source: City of Dahlonega: Accommodation Excise Tax Return (rev. 05/2024)

Georgia's State Hotel-Motel Fee is $5.00 for each night you rent a hotel room, cabin or other short-term rental, collected by the innkeeper or the booking platform. It is a flat amount, not a percentage. The fee stops on the 31st day of uninterrupted stay by the same customer, and reward nights still count.

Source: Georgia Department of Revenue: State Hotel-Motel FAQ

Some. Georgia State Parks says some of its parks have dog-friendly cabins, though pets are barred from lodges, yurts and park buildings. Private cabins set their own pet policies and fees, so confirm in writing before you book, including size limits and whether dogs may be left alone in the cabin.

Source: Georgia State Parks: Park Rules

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy says northbound is the most popular way to thru-hike, and the trail is most crowded from mid-February to mid-April. Most thru-hikers take five to seven months to cover more than 2,190 miles. Lodging near Amicalola Falls and Dahlonega sees hiker demand in late winter and early spring.

Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Thru-Hiking