Dahlonega, Ga. Take Hwy 515 (76) south to Hwy 52, head east and follow signs to Dahlonega The historic gold mining town of Dahlonega goes all out each fall in celebration of its rich mountain and gold mining heritage. Gold Rush Days is the largest arts and crafts festival in the NE Georgia mountains, with over 300 arts and crafts booths. Also look for demonstrations and competitions with traditional mountain pastimes like hog calling, a liars' contest, crosscut sawing, clogging and buck dancing, and bluegrass music.