Ferguson Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ferguson Memorial Park is a beautiful and historic park located in the town of Dawsonville, Georgia.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the main points of interest in Ferguson Memorial Park is the historic gristmill, which was constructed in the early 1900s and is still in operation today. Visitors can watch the mill in action and learn about the important role it played in the local economy. Other notable attractions include a covered bridge, a playground, and a picnic area.

The park is also home to several hiking trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Many visitors enjoy hiking to the top of Stone Tower, which offers panoramic views of the area.

Another interesting fact about Ferguson Memorial Park is that it was once a major hub for the local gold mining industry. The park's namesake, Benjamin Franklin Ferguson, was one of the most successful gold miners in the area and played a key role in establishing the town of Dawsonville.

The best time of year to visit Ferguson Memorial Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round and offers something for visitors to enjoy in every season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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