The United States has dozens of phenomenal mountain towns. There's Bozeman, Montana; Stowe, Vermont; Bend, Oregan; and Telluride, Colorado, to name a few. One small mountain town we can't get enough of is right here in the Peach State: Dahlonega, Georgia.

Dahlonega, established in 1833 as the site of America's first gold rush, is home to about 7,500 people. It is about 65 miles northeast of Atlanta and near beautiful mountains like Springer Mountain and Ramrock Mountain. Dahlonega is a hiker's paradise, with about 30 scenic trails in the area, ranging from family-friendly easy hikes to strenuous hikes that are part of the Appalachian Trail. The DeSoto Falls Trail is an easy 2.0-mile out-and-back hike in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The Appalachian Trail: Woody Gap to Neel Gap Trail is a hard 10.4-mile trail through the Blood Mountain Wilderness.

The remote town also has incredible waterfalls, including Amicalola Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. Amicalola Falls is a stunning 729-foot waterfall. There are parking areas at both the top and bottom of the waterfall, with a walkway connecting both areas. Hikers can access Raven Cliff Falls by taking a five-mile trail in the Mark Trail Wilderness Area.

Dahlonega is known for its fantastic wines, and the area has eight wineries and even more tasting rooms. Frogtown Cellars, Kaya Vineyard and Winery, Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard, and Doghobble Wine Farm are lovely local wineries. There are also breweries and distilleries, like 52 West Brewing and Big Creek Distilling Co.

Visitors can also learn about Dahlonega's history as a gold-mining town at a few unique attractions. At the Crisson Gold Mine, which is the oldest mine in Georgia, visitors can tour a museum, pan for gold, and even shop for fine gold jewelry. The Consolidated Gold Mine gives underground tours of a gold mine. At the Dahlonega Gold Museum, in the city's public square, visitors can learn about the 19th-century gold rush and see rare gold coins created locally by the U.S. Mint.

Dahlonega's historic public square is a great area with fantastic shops and restaurants. Shenanigans Irish Pub and Spirits Tavern serves delicious food that is perfect for hungry sightseers. The Dahlonega Fudge Factory is a splendid stop for dessert. Dahlonega Goods sells souvenirs, and the Dahlonega General Store sells nostalgic candy, toys, clothing, and more.

The city hosts several lively festivals throughout the year. The Bear on the Square Market Festival takes place in the spring and features live music, an arts and crafts marketplace, food, and activities for kids. The city hosts Gold Rush Days in October, a festival with music, food, and artisan vendors. The town shines at Christmastime with a monthlong celebration called Old Fashioned Christmas, featuring holiday lights, food, carriage rides, and more.

There's so much to love about Dahlonega, Georgia. If you want to visit this unique mountain town, consider booking this three-bedroom cabin Airbnb with convenient downtown access.