Georgia’s largest waterfall is only about 75 miles northwest of Atlanta. Since the pandemic began, we’ve explored places closer to home and we recently set out for Amicalola Falls State Park. Why we hadn’t visited here in over 15 years is beyond me. We had so much fun, we came back two months later for Thanksgiving.
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near the ever-popular Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, the park has welcomed visitors since 1940. After turning into the park from Hwy 52 (which runs from the towns of Ellijay to Dahlonega) and paying the $5 per car entrance fee at the gate, most people park near the visitor center.
Trails
Near the nondescript visitor center lies a stone arch announcing the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Follow this trail 8.5 miles to Springer Mountain where you officially begin the infamous AT which runs over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.
We followed the 0.6-mile Creek Trail. After crossing a small creek, we could see a few cabins through the trees. As the trail delved deeper into the lush green forest, we could no longer hear the cars and congestion in the parking lot.
We joined the Base-of-the-Falls trail (which also connected the visitor center to the reflecting pool on the other side of the road). From the reflecting pool, we could see the falls way in the distance.
Encountering crowds of people as the path climbed steadily, we got one of our first views of Amicalola Falls. Soon we started climbing a series of wooden steps with plenty of small viewing platforms with built-in benches.
While not at the top of the falls, the best view at Amicalola is the observation bridge that is about 2/3 to the top of the falls. We felt a light spray from the falls while water roared in front and under us.
Now the hard part. A sign announced this part of the trail was steeper with even more stairs. For people not wanting to do this part of the trail, the observation bridge is a good place to turn around. As we climbed (and climbed), we took breaks at several landings that offered views through the leaves.
At the top, we viewed the falls. From this vantage point, it wasn’t nearly as impressive as walking right next to it. We continued on the trail past several family gatherings at the large picnic shelters and headed to the lodge for lunch.
The Lodge at Amicalola Falls
A popular spot for corporate retreats, the Lodge at Amicalola Falls boasts 50-plus rooms in a three-story building overlooking the North Georgia mountains. Other activities at the top of the falls include ziplining, a rock-climbing wall and a fitness trail.
This is a great place to rest after climbing all those stairs. Off the lobby lies a large two-story terrace with lots of seating. After relaxing for a few minutes, we ate a buffet-style lunch inside at the Maple Restaurant. With high ceilings and large windows, we still had a great view while dining.
Tips
- Amicalola Falls is one of Georgia’s most congested parks. Arrive early.
- Lots of people gather at the base of the falls, but the crowds thin out as the trail gets steeper.
- Although it’s only 0.5-mile to the top from the reflecting pool, the path contains 605 stairs. Bring water.
- The staircases have wooden railings but the actual steps are open grating material. Leashed dogs are allowed, but some don’t like that feeling on their paws. Trust me – you don’t want to carry a dog up and down the stairs.
- Although you can start the trail at the lodge, I don’t recommend it. First, the views of the falls are better on the ascent. Also, you get the hard part of climbing the stairs over with sooner and can enjoy the descent more.
Thanksgiving at Amicalola
As I mentioned earlier, we enjoyed Amicalola Falls so much that we came here on Thanksgiving Day with our teens. With the leaves mostly gone, we had even better views of the falls.
Our kids weren’t in the mood to hike that morning, but once Thing 2 saw the falls, she loved it. Since she wants to come back soon, we’ll probably plan a spring trip when the leaves start coming back.
For more information about the park, lodge and activities, click on the website here.