Trail Fest returns to Dahlonega this weekend

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  • Trail Fest returns to Dahlonega this weekend
    Trail Fest returns to Dahlonega this weekend
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Whether you plan to hit the Appalachian Trail this fall or just enjoy being outdoors, the Dahlonega Trail Fest is a yearly favorite for anyone that ever aims to feel one with nature.
This year's 9th annual Trail Fest will begin Friday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. and run through 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Dahlonega plays host to Trail Fest each year as a celebration of its role as the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
With what is often called the Southern Gateway to the Appalachian Trail in close proximity, Dahlonega has become known as an Appalachian Trail community over the years.
Trail Fest, a venture from the folks at Yahoola Outdoors (Yahoola Trails Conservancy), is an annual festival put on in Dahlonega for the outdoor enthusiasts.
The festival is thematically centered around enjoying nature through non-motorized recreation, such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and orienteering among others.
These activities are celebrated throughout the event with workshops, speakers and vendors dedicated to providing helpful tips and information as well as stories of their experiences.
An assortment of speakers will be offering their perspectives at the Hancock Park Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday of Trail Fest. Several of the speakers are authors, and will be signing their books from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For the full lineup of speakers, visit dahlonegatrailfest.org/speakers.
Trail Fest will also feature local music as the event runs alongside Dahlonega's First Friday Concert Series which features "Ugly Cousin" on the first night of the festival, followed by a Kurt Thomas concert put on by Trail Fest on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Both concerts will take place on the Hancock Park Main Stage.
Other highlights from the weekend include a climbing wall and mountain bike track beside Hancock Park opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday, outdoor adventure movies at Hancock park at 8 p.m. Saturday, as well as the many food and drink tents, equipment vendors and local  booths.
The Dahlonega Gold Museum will also be offering Trail Fest themed events all weekend including special temporary exhibits highlighting the history of the Appalachian Trail, a ranger-led presentation on the many hiking trails in Georgia (2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday) and a new escape room offered exclusively during Trail Fest weekend called "Escape from Blood Mountain" (Friday 2-4 p.m., Saturday 12-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.).
For the full rundown of events and vendors, as well as more information on all things Trail Fest, visit dahlonegatrailfest.org.