Guide To Visiting Amicalola State Park

Located between Ellijay and Dahlonega in Dawsonville, Amicalola Falls State Park is nestled on the threshold of the North Georgia Mountains within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Officially established in 1940, the state park offers 829 pristine acres of natural wilderness recreation, stunning mountain views, wildlife observation, and more. The centerpiece of the popular state park is its namesake, Amicalola Falls, a spectacular 729-foot waterfall - and the third-tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It's a bucket-list worthy getaway for any outdoor enthusiast and nature lovers of all ages, and one of the most beloved of the Georgia State Parks.

Amicalola Falls

Photo Credit: Michael Hicks via Flickr CC2.0

Aptly named from the Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” Amicalola Falls is a sight to behold. The waters flow through the former territory of the Cherokee Nation, from the Little Amicalola Creek, a tributary of the Etowah River. There are three ways to access the legendary falls, with stellar views via overlooks, trails, and a staircase.

• For those with limited mobility, use the short, wheelchair accessible West Ridge trail. (0.3 miles)
• Park at the top of the falls for an overlook view.
• Hike a direct path to the top of the mountain from the bottom of the park, ascending more than 600 steps to the peak of the falls, with a viewing platform located halfway up.

Activities At Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

On-site facilities at Amicalola Falls State Park include campsites, picnic shelters, playground, a restaurant, ziplines, fishing, geocaching, 3-D archery, ranger programs, and miles of hiking trails with access to the southern terminus of the iconic Appalachian Trail. In 1991, the state expanded and upgraded park facilities, including renovations to trails and the Visitor's Center, and the addition of the Amicalola Lodge.

For a bird's-eye-view of one of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeast, check out the Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Tour! This multi-level zip line canopy tour features options for adventure-seekers ages 8 and up, reaching heights of up to 250 feet in the air. The level one experience is perfect for younger zip liners. Level two consists of nine zip lines ranging from 75-1,000 feet in length, while level three adds seven more lines to the trek, up to 2,000 feet long. Zip line adventures will take you to areas of the park that are not open to hiking!

Anglers will want to steer toward the Reflection Pool at the base of the falls. This pond is regularly stocked with trout for catch-and-release fishing. Equipment is available to rent at the park office, so there is no need to pack your own gear - unless you have a lucky hat that is mandatory for a successful day on the water!

Modern, developed facilities at the state park include the lodge and restaurant. Amicalola Falls Lodge can be rented as an event space for up to 200 guests, with adjustable indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, banquet halls, and a veranda. The Maple Restaurant offers traditional Southern cuisine with panoramic views of the valley. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are available daily for flat-rate pricing. (Breakfast - $12.99/person; Lunch - $15.99/person, Dinner - $17.99/person.)

Hiking Amicalola Falls State Park

Photo Credit: Jim K via alltrails.com 

With more than 12 miles of hiking trails to discover, hiking is obviously a very popular activity at Amicalola Falls State Park. The diverse pathways provide an option for every age and ability to explore. One-hour, guided hikes to the top of the falls are also available at 9:30AM weekdays.

The most popular trail is best left for the more experienced hikers, but highly encouraged for those with the stamina and a sense of adventure. The 8.5-mile Approach Trail (also known as "Base of the Falls Trail") runs from the park to Springer Mountain, where you can find the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The Approach Trail climbs through hardwood forests, with wide switchbacks, set to the slowly-approaching sounds of the plunging waterfall. The trail includes a bridge crossing the crest of the falls and a tranquil, reflective pool near a picnic area and playground at about the 1.5-2-mile mark.

The East Ridge Trail offers a 1-mile-hike, rated moderate to strenuous. Originating at the Visitor's Center, the trail provides a more direct, but challenging path up the mountain to the top of the falls. For a little less challenge at a lower elevation, consider the 0.6-mile Creek Trail from the Visitor Center to the reflection pool at the base of the falls.

Tackle a multi-segment portion of the park’s trail network for a diverse, moderate experience! Pick up the 0.4-mile Spring Trail at the parking lot of the West Ridge/Falls Access Trail to access the 1-mile Mountain Laurel Loop Trail that runs along the ridge above Amicalola Creek.

The wheelchair accessible Lodge Loop Trail provides a paved, 0.25-mile nature hike with educational displays. While the Fitness Trail, accessible from the lodge, offers more than 20 exercise stations along a wooded route.

The 5.5-mile Hike Inn Trail provides the only access to the Len Foote Hike Inn, Georgia's only backcountry lodge. A permit must be obtained from the Visitor's Center to hike this trail.

Know Before You Go

Amicalola Falls State Park is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. The Visitor's Center is open daily from 8:30AM – 5:00PM. All vehicles entering the state park require a $5 GA State Park Pass. The park is pet-friendly, but pet guests must be kept on a short, sturdy leash, and guests are asked to clean up after their pets.

418 Amicalola Falls Rd. Dawsonville GA 30534 • (706) 265-8888 • https://www.amicalolafallslodge.com