Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River at 729 feet and the park and lodge are a popular tourist destination for good reasons.

• 0.1 mi round trip
• Awesome View
• Kids OK
• Dogs OK

Location: Near Dawsonville in Amicalola Falls State Park Georgia (maps & directions)
Gear: Our favorite snacks and camera gear
Gallery: Check out the pictures here

Amicalola Falls is just north of Dawsonville in north Georgia, situated at the southern end of the Chattahoochee National Forest.  The falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, taking a place besides sites such as Providence Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, and Stone Mountain.  The name for the falls is from a Cherokee word meaning tumbling waters, a fitting moniker for this huge cascade.

From the lodge, you can walk to the observation deck above the falls and enjoy the view from the top of this incredible drop.  From there, a path and series of stairs in the western side of the falls takes you down to a view of the base of the falls to intersect the West Ridge Trail which can also be hiked from Amicalola Falls State Park Road.

Speaking of hiking, you can also take the Springer Mountain Trail to the southern terminus of the 2, 150 miles Appalachian Trail just a few miles north on Amicalola State Park Road.

While you're here, consider a stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn.  The rustic back country inn is a unique experience at the end of a 5 mile hike offering community dining and a unique atmosphere.

As far as waterfalls go, you can visit Long Creek Falls near the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River.  Or, continue past Elijay toward Blue Ridge to visit Fall Branch Falls.

Other Resources

Park Website
Park Map